To celebrate Annie’s milestone birthday, we headed to Austin, Texas for a long weekend. We decided to kick off the trip in style by redeeming miles for First Class tickets. Coming home, we’ll be in coach. Each First Class ticket cost 25,000 American AAdvantage® miles plus $5.60 in taxes.
remove
Check-in and Boarding
We arrived at O’Hare Airport about two hours before our flight and got through security in about 15 minutes. Since First Class passengers didn’t receive access to the Admirals Club on this flight, we waited at our gate until it was time to board.
The aircraft was already at our gate when we got there, so they started boarding right on time. Being First Class passengers we were in boarding Group 1 and were greeted warmly by a flight attendant as we boarded.
As soon as we were seated, a flight attendant asked us if we’d like a drink before takeoff. Since we usually fly coach, it was fun to take advantage of this little perk. Since it was about 10a.m. we both ordered mimosas!
Cabin and Seats
The First Class cabin consists of 16 total seats in a 2 by 2 configuration. We chose seats 4A and 4B, which were actually the second row of seats. We chose these so we could store our carry-ons underneath the seats in front of us.
The seats themselves were spacious and very comfortable. It’s just an altogether different experience than flying Economy and even Economy Plus. I’m 6′ 1″ and I had enough room to comfortably cross my legs when I wanted.
When reclining the seat back, the seat cushion also slides forward. This configuration makes it so your personal space is not affected much when the person in front of you reclines.
Overall, this seat is great for medium-haul flights but for longer-haul flights I’d rather look for an aircraft with lie-flat seats.
Amenities
Unfortunately this route didn’t have any amenities outside of the standard blanket. Some long-haul routes get Casper bedding and/or amenity kits but Chicago to Austin is not one of them. This flight also didn’t have seat-back entertainment so you needed to use your personal electronic device if you wanted to watch TV or movies.
We did have a universal power outlet and USB power plug located between seats so I could keep my phone fully charged.
There was also one lavatory available to First Class passengers located at the front of the cabin. It wasn’t any different than a standard aircraft lavatory but it was still nice to have one solely for our cabin.
Food Service
Shortly after takeoff, the flight attendants went passenger by passenger to take or confirm the lunch orders. After a hot towel, the meal service began with a drink and snack sized portion of slightly warmed mixed nuts.
The main meal that was offered was enchiladas but my wife and I both pre-ordered the fruit and cheese plate. We didn’t want to eat too much since one reason to visit Austin is to sample their famous barbecue. They also came by with a bread basket offering either multigrain, french or pretzel rolls.
Dessert was a choice between two of American Airline’s famous freshly heated cookies. We both choose chocolate chip and they were warm and gooey.
Bottom Line
Overall, we had a great experience flying First Class and were actually sad that the flight was only 2 hours. The comfort and service really makes the time go by.
I would definitely fly first class again but I wouldn’t splurge on it for such a short flight unless the redemption value was really outstanding. I’d prefer to save my miles for a long-haul flight.
Trip Report Index
- Introduction and Planning
- Using Points and Miles to get to Austin
- Flight from Chicago to Austin
- InterContinental Stephen F. Austin
- Activities in Austin
