American A321S Main Cabin EX
Hello, everyone, and welcome back to another blog post. Today, I will show you what flying onboard an American Airlines A321-200S in 2024 is like. This aircraft is being replaced more and more every year, so I am excited to fly on it before it’s gone.
Flight Information:
Date: March 25th 2024
Flight Number: AA2135 LAX-MCO
Aircraft: A321-200 (S)
Seat/Class: 12A in Main Cabin Extra
Registration: N150UW (NO-EOW)
Flight Time: 5hr 3min
Alright, here we go! Welcome back to March 2024, when my trip to Orlando began at LAX Terminal 4. The main home for American Airlines in 2024. Although the terminal is under construction, the check-in hall is really beautiful, and I enjoy the VHS tape 90s vibes here. Surprisingly, the check-in process was easy even though I was an Unaccompanied Minor. This meant I had plenty of time to explore the terminal once I was done with check-in. Of course, after going through TSA, who were exceptionally rude today.
Los Angeles’s Terminal 4 Check-in and Security halls
Once I got through Security, it was only a short walk to the main hall, which was filled with plenty of overpriced restaurants and overcrowded gates. Although it’s not the best terminal, there’s plenty of widebodies like this 777, and I found a good place to eat!
The main gate hall in LAX Terminal 4
After breakfast, I walked to gate 45, where the hectic boarding process began, and I have to say that this is by far the weakest part of American’s experience. There is no organization and a massive stampede at the gate. Even as an unaccompanied minor, many people cut me in line before boarding. Even though Minors are supposed to be first on the plane. COME ON AMERICAN!
Gate 45 at Los Angeles Airport
Although my spot in line was stolen, I still made it down the jetbridge in good spirits about the flight ahead. So yeah, welcome on board the American A321-200, full of cardboard seats and non-existent entertainment screens.
The boarding process for American Flight 2135
After a short walk to row 12, I took my seat, where I found plenty of legroom, a USB and Power Port, another device holder in an IFE screen place, and an adjustable headrest. Overall, it’s a decent seat; I have had many experiences in ones like this before, but today's seat feels more thin. Maybe it is because of the smaller fuselage, but the A321neo seat felt broader and more spacious.
The American A321-200S Seat on domestic flights
After taking my seat, we instantly got on our way. The flight was a bit delayed, but with the quick crew, we ended up taking off early; this is the one thing American does well. When they are late, they try to get back on time, even though it might not work.
Our taxi out to the runway before takeoff at LAX
Our incredible takeoff into the Pacific Ocean
Once we took off, I decided to instantly go to the bathroom before the whole plane wrecked it, this ended up being a very good call considering one of the bathrooms was out of order. Maybe that was the reason for our delay. With all jokes aside our takeoff from LA today was incredible and it was by far the most clear I’ve ever seen, We even saw downtown LA from San Pedro!
Random photos from our departure
With LA in the rearview, the flight attendants began the meal service, which consisted of one option: a cheese plate. Of course, there were also cookies and pretzels, but nothing else. What made the issue even worse was that only five plates were loaded on the plane, one of which I had. This meant only four other cheese plates were sold. Using that math, 140 people on board today's flight were left with only biscoff cookies; they ran out of pretzels, too. This was the most disappointing meal service I have ever had on a plane, especially since today's flight was over 5 hours. Come on, American.
The very bad meal service on today’s flight
After the meal service, the flight passed very slowly, so I decided to check out the Entertainment system. Although it doesn’t compare to a real TV, there are plenty of options, and it didn’t take long to find something to watch. I did appreciate that the USB port was right next to the holder; this made it easy to charge my iPad.
The Entertainment system on American’s A321-200
I watched Bob’s Burgers for the rest of the flight, which passed the time well. Along with the incredible views of the Gulf Of Mexico, this ended with a birds-eye view of Tampa International Airport, before our decent into Orlando’s MCO Airport
Our decent into my favorite state
The Landing at MCO
So… Welcome to Florida, where this review is ending. Overall, this flight with American was okay; it got me where I needed to go without being too uncomfortable. However, AA’s economy class experience must address a few things before I fly with them again.
Our taxi into the gate + the arrival process at MCO
First, they need more food options. This was by far the most disappointing part of the flight. Pretzels and cookies don’t cut it for 5 hours. Second, there should be a more organized boarding process. This is yet another part I hated about this flight. It was how hard it was to board the damm thing. Lastly, American needs to bring back IFE screens. I know they are still taking them off, but considering how long these flights are, I think there should be some entertainment. It would also show customers they are putting effort into their products, which they aren’t. With all this in mind, American is receiving a 5/10 today, not because the flight or complex product was too bad but more so because of their soft offering, which was a huge disappointment. Now, the big question…, would I do this again? Well, YES, even though it’s not the best product, American flights are usually cheaper than Delta and United’s, which means American will still be my primary carrier for economy-class flights. Business class is for another day! But for now, I’m going to leave you here. It’s your choice to fly an American A321 because there are better options, and the price is up to you! So that is it, everyone; thank you for reading this super long blog post, and I will see you next time :)