Behind the Scenes at LAX with American Airlines Onboard the A321T Part 4

Over the past few years, I’ve flown the LAX-JFK, JFK-LAX route so many times on the 767-200. Every time I stepped foot on the 762, I always associate the plane with words such as outdated, worn out, old, and falling apart. It didn’t matter if I was traveling in coach, business, or even first class because you can really see the wear and tear on the 762 in all cabins.

Part 1 – American Flagship Check In and Registration
Part 2 – Onboard the A321T – First Class, Business Class, Main Cabin Extra and Main Cabin features
Part 3 – Inside the Cockpit and Galley with an On the Tarmac Experience
Part 4 – Final Thoughts and Comparisons between the Airbus A321T versus the Boeing 767-200

Fast forward to yesterday where I got a chance to tour the A321T and it was definitely a welcoming change. Each cabin of service felt like its own mini-cabin. Starting with First Class, it’s a 1-1 configuration with direct aisle access which is game changing. There’s no more having to climb over your neighbor if you’re in a window seat like you currently have to on the 762. The seat is so much more functional as well with a universal power port and a USB port. How many times have you forgotten your “airline cigarette lighter adapter” to charge your electronics? I personally never bothered with charging devices on the plane because of the silly cigarette lighter adapter. Also, the lie flat seat is a HUGE change on the A321T as opposed to the current recliner on the 762. In-flight entertainment is greatly improved as it’s built into the seat rather than the Samsung Galaxy Tablets on the 762. Basically if you’re sitting in first class, it will feel like you’re on a private jet. You also have access to the illy espresso and cappuccino machine which is exclusively for First Class customers only.

Business Class is a 2-2 configuration with no direct aisle access on the A321T. The current configuration on the 762 is 2-2-2. Whenever I flew on the 762, I always chose the middle seats because there is direct aisle access without having to climb over your neighbor. This is one downside because I dislike having to climb over my neighbor if I need to use the lavatory. The Business Class seats on the A321T are also more functional with a universal power port for your Macbook Air and a USB port for your iPhone. In addition, the seats are also lie flat which is a major change from the recliner Business Class seats on the 762. In-flight entertainment is greatly improved as it’s built into the seat rather than the Samsung Galaxy Tablets on the 762. If you’re sitting in Business Class, it feels like private jet with your friends onboard.

Main Cabin Extra and Main Cabin is a 3-3 configuration, but there are way fewer seats as opposed to the current 762. The seats are slim line designed and the seats are pretty comfortable. There’s also in-flight entertainment built into the headrest of seat which is a major change since there is no IFE on the 762 for main cabin customers. Since the A321T Main Cabin is smaller, I don’t feel like it will be the “cattle class” as it is currently on the 762. The most coveted main cabin seats will be the bulkhead exit row.

The Wi-Fi on board is still being handled by GoGo, but it’s a much more improved upgraded version. I didn’t get a chance to try it, but it’s “supposedly” much faster than the current GoGo.

The onboard catering in First and Business Class will be the same but with updated menus. The food has been excellent on the 762 and I don’t see anything changing on the catering front. Here’s a rundown of the current First Class and Business Class service:

Pre-departure beverage (choice of water, orange juice, mimosa, champagne)
Beverage of your choice served with warm mixed nuts
Hot towel service
Salad, Appetizer, Bread
Main Entrée
Dessert (sundae or fruit and cheese plate)
Warm Cookie
Second hot towel service
Pre-arrival beverage (Sparkling Water with a Citrus Fruit Garnish)

Overall, I’m looking forward to flying the new A321 transcon. Sadly I only have 1 trip booked so far that includes the JFK-LAX route next year and I’m stuck in Main Cabin Extra on an award ticket. I thank the American Airlines Social Media team for inviting me to tour the A321T in my hometown.

Full Disclosure: Transportation to and from LAX Airport was not provided by American Airlines. I was not compensated in any form by American Airlines. Opinions are my own. I did however have a bottle of water provided by American Airlines.