American Airlines Flagship First Dining
Admittedly, I was way late to the American Airlines Flagship First Dining party. My family and I visited the DFW location on the way home this past Spring Break, where we had a delightful experience overall. I’m curious to try the only other location still standing at MIA the next time I’m in the area. But, at this rate, I don’t know if I’ll make it in time. Today, I’m describing FFD’s latest death indicator, while checking in on some others.
American Airlines’ Lounge Plans at MIA
One Mile at a Time and View from the Wing recently hinted at American’s lounge future at MIA. Surprisingly (at least to me), MIA, a primary American Airlines hub, only offers two Admirals Clubs in addition to its Flagship facility (lounge and Flagship First Dining). The Flagship is adjacent to the Gate D30 Admirals Club, with the other Admirals location at Gate D15.
Ben’s boots-on-the-ground experience talking to a few AA agents seems to confirm the Flagship Lounge’s new location will be around Gate D21. The current Flagship Lounge space at D30 will become part of its Admirals Club neighbor, which Ben estimates will be around 29k square feet.
That future lounge setup – distinct options at D15, D21, and the ginormous D30 location – is intriguing and more appropriate for a primary American hub. Now when will the airline resolve their CLT issues?
At any rate, it’s been crickets on Flagship First Dining’s future at MIA. The next evolution of the D30 lounge will apparently swallow up the Flagship First Lounge, including the Dining portion. If FFD was in the cards, I feel like Ben or Gary would’ve passed that along. Given this dearth of info, things don’t look good. We also have the past, both recent and years ago, to consider.
Other Indicators of American Airlines Flagship First Dining’s Eventual Death
Last May, American’s latest Flagship First Lounge opened at PHL, along with a new Admirals Club with the updated design concept, similar to what I’ve experienced at my favorite DCA location. Unfortunately, PHL’s new Flagship does not offer FFD.
Let’s check in on the Flagship First Dining locations American still advertises. Beyond the open DFW and MIA locations, the only other one American mentions is LAX, helpfully noting it’s “temporarily closed.” That “temporarily” word, or why the LAX location is still on the site at all, perplexes. Indeed, it was closed years ago, without any substantive update on its future in the meantime.
The beautiful monstrosity that is the Greenwich Lounge swallowed up the JFK location. I’ve enjoyed this huge space, including the former Flagship First Dining portion where visitors can plop down or merely pass through. JFK’s Chelsea Lounge offers the full dining experience, one I’ve enjoyed on multiple occasions but clearly inferior to my Flagship First Dining DFW visit.
American Airlines Flagship First Dining – Conclusion
Passive indicators reflect American may be sunsetting the Flagship First Dining concept. But I have a hard time believing the airline will entirely get rid of a premium dining option. Sure, there’s the Chelsea option, but I feel American must do something to remain competitive with Delta and United. Indeed, they’ve recently underscored their (re-)commitment to a higher-level experience, and tapping out on the dining angle seems incompatible with what they aspire to be. We’ll see if American’s actions match their words. In the meantime, AA leaves premium travelers with just two FFD locations – not exactly an inspiring portfolio.
Have you experienced American Airlines Flagship First Dining, recently or years ago? How was your experience?
I enjoyed FFD at DFW last year and it was quite remarkable. The service was sublime and the food and beverage was first class. I also had a chance to visit Chelsea Lounge at JFK last year–the service and food was good but just didn’t have the same ambiance. From postings of other Chelsea insiders, there’s a “below the counter” ultra premium Champagne (varies) that has to be requested. I found this out after my visit. Seems like a bogus approach to me. I’ll be back at Chelsea tomorrow afternoon and will investigate!
Neither DL nor UA have anything comparable to Flagship First Dining so why should AA keep it? AA was the only US airline w international first class service (although clearly not competitive w other international carriers) and FFD was part of that. However AA is eliminating international first class so bye bye FFD. What don’t you understand?!
Uh Delta 1? I had FFD before at JFK it was nice. Delta 1 is just as good when I had it back in February. I was just at the AA LAX T4 and it was sad in comparison. Hopefully this new Citi money will allow them to upgrade like Delta did. Ay have to check it out in DFW Wednesday when I’m there to get a fresh comparison with my Delta 1 experience.
Delta One lounges are comparable to UA Polaris and AA Flagship lounges. You can debate which are better but they are generally comparable. DL was last to the party with a separate lounge for business class passengers (Delta One is business class even though some DL flies are deluded into thinking it is first class). Again, AA was the only US airline with an international first class product so FFD was for that market segment. Since there will no longer be an AA first class international product no point in keeping FFD (unless they want to sell access as a separate product offering which is certainly their right)
Why the snide comment “What don’t you understand?”?
Delta One and United Polaris lounges both offer a la carte dining. A person as sophisticated and savvy as yourself would know that. Of course, unless you’re not.
And, Benjy has covered Delta One Dining in two locations. A regular reader would know that. Of course, unless you’re not.
AA’s FFD was not for international first class alone. It was for transcon first class as well. A person as sophisticated and savvy as yourself would also know that. Of course, unless you’re not.
Your comments to various articles come across as a somewhat knowledgeable impostor. An impudent wannabe.
Whatever @Lee – I am someone with around 8 million miles that travels extensively (domestic first and international first/business). Retired former executive and can afford nicer things so do understand the difference. While Delta One and Polaris lounges (comparable to Flagship Lounge) may have ala carte dining which isn’t typically an option for Flagship Lounge that is a difference in their business class lounge product interest of a separate lounge offering which FFD always was. BTW, I have lifetime elite status on DL, AA and UA so will readily admit AA’s overall lounge offering (Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge) are not as nice as the comparable DL and UA offerings. Frankly I prefer a Centurion Lounge or Chase Sapphire Lounge over the AA Flagship lounge (and often over the DL or UA offerings). Don’t expect AA to keep FFD – when International first goes it will die as well. BTW, they are already cutting out first on the transcon flights (or going with a domestic first product instead of the coach/business/first configuration on the 321Ts) and international first will die with new planes and product refreshes.
A preference for Centurion Lounges speaks volumes. Your failure to mention AA’s XLRs also says something.
As for AA a la carte dining — by whatever name — it will be staying. Benjy need not worry. And, your comment to the original commenter remains snide.
Your statuses, point balance, extensive travel, and prior occupation do translate into knowledge about the status of FFD. Your repeated boasting suggests you have a self-image issue — that you need others to recognize what you say ought to have merit.
The other things about such boasting is that there’s always someone else who comes along with more. Say, someone who earns 7.5 million points per year and has a points balance of 30 million. Whoever that might be.
. . . do not translate . . .
The LAX location remains intact but unused. When I spoke with a manager about three years ago, it was to be permanently closed. But, “temporarily” remained on the website. The word for the past year or so has been that some level of FFD-type experience will be available as an add-on. The bulkhead seat on Flagship aircraft will also be an up-charge. Cash or points.