[Anonymous]

[Bullfrog]

International Flagship check in at Miami for my flight to London was very efficient, and I was ushered to a priority security lane. No longer than 5 minutes later I was heading to the Admirals Club Lounge. A very functional affair, there were a few nibbles & drinks, and snacks if one wanted to pay extra. I arrived at the gate as First & Business class were boarding, and joined the line.

Seat 2J offered plenty of space, but the upright position of the seat back in the forward facing ‘locked’ position for take off and landing is rather uncomfortable. I was offered champagne, orange juice or water .. plastic cups are a cheap ‘touch’.

The purser, dressed in a slightly retro outfit introduced himself, and handed out menus. Menu was fairly basic, and I opted for soup, salad & an appetiser, served all together, so that I could eat quickly and get some sleep. Expected flight time was 7 hours 30 minutes to London.

The wine list was quote comprehensive & a section was included to add personal tasting notes. Rather daft ! The option of 3 desert wines was a nice touch.

Food was very average, and certainly not a patch on BA.

The seat provided lots of space but once turned into a bed, I found it too firm and with disappointing pillows, mattress cover & duvet, sleeping proved rather difficult. A 5mg sleeping pill helped, and I reckon I managed 5 hours sleep. My sleep was disturbed by the discomfort of the ‘bed’ & the drowsiness of the sleeping pill helped me to doze off again.

I opted for oatmeal, fruit, yoghurt & coffee for breakfast which again was very average.

Prior to landing, the very polite purser thanked each passenger. ‘Shaking hands’ with each passenger really is ‘over the top’.

We arrived in London airspace about 30 minutes early & had the good fortune to land without any circling delay.

UK & European passport control was empty, and it seemed the majority of passengers arriving Terminal 3 were heading for ‘connection’. The number seemed much higher than the official 35 %.

Luggage was offloaded fairly quickly and I was soon on my way.

Somehow American seem to miss what I would consider the main requirements of a First Cabin. Better comfort, more style & better food.

[dutchyankee]

@Bullfrog

Great review, but I would like to ask your advice. I will be flying the opposite route on Saturday with my better half, and have what I think is a tight connection. Not having done immigration in Miami in years, my memories are very negative. Do you think two hours is enoght time for a connection. We are in Business, not First unfortunately. I enter with my American passport, my better half enters with a French passport. Any advice would be appreciated. Is there a fast track immigration or anything like this?.

[Bullfrog]

@dutchyankee

There is no fast track immigration. It all depends what time your flight arrives MIA .. between 13,30 and 15.00 there are a plethora of european flights arriving, and lines can take up to 90 minutes to clear or more.

I flew into Miami last Tuesday on the early BA flight & taking the buggy is always a quicker option even though I am far from infirm. It’s a very long walk. Immigration was only 30 minutes, but 3 weeks before I arrived on the same flight & it took 90 minutes.

If you are arriving AA into Miami & connecting to an AA flight, I would opt for the Five Star Service which costs extra but well worth the money, if they escort you with priority.

[dutchyankee]

@BullFrog

Thanks very much for this advice. I am on a BA flight number but it is operated by AA. How do I obtain the Five Star Service you mentioned?

Sorry for the bother, and thanks very much again.

[Bullfrog]

Let’s hope this link works …

https://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/fivestarservice.jsp

[dutchyankee]

@Bullfrog

I just sent them an email with our details, so will let you know how it goes. Thanks very much for this great tip!

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