Flagship First Dining DFW
Whether solo or on family travel, I focus on enjoying the journey to the destination. It’s the primary reason we traveled cross-country on Amtrak many years ago. (But I also realize that’s why many avoid Amtrak.) Of course, I’ll look for deals, but I don’t have much problem paying more points or miles for our preferred travel experiences. I’m not a huge traveler during my current life season, and regardless of that, I don’t end up traveling as much as I think I will. We’re enjoying the quality more than the quantity these days. And so it was with our first experience with American Airlines Flagship First Dining DFW.
This was my first Flagship First Dining experience. I don’t count my multiple visits to JFK’s Chelsea Lounge. Even better, my family of four got to experience it together. Here are the highlights from our recent Flagship First Dining DFW visit.
Flagship Lounge Arrival
On a weekday mid-afternoon, we arrived at DFW’s Flagship Lounge entry. The queue for elevators to the Flagship Lounge and its Capital One Lounge neighbor was unsurprisingly long. One horde peeled off for Capital One and their teeny tiny plates, and the rest hung a right for what turned out to be a different kind of familiar (more on that in a bit).
My family and I approached the Flagship Lounge check-in space where three or four reps sat at individual podiums. This was actually my first time ever experiencing a Flagship Lounge, and I was taken aback at how cramped the entry was. This makes the welcome experience especially anxious when there’s any holdup – which we had the pleasure of experiencing.
I’ll save the extended version for a future article I may (or may not) write. Long story short, the Flagship Lounge front desk reps don’t seem fully knowledgeable on the variety of ways travelers can currently access Flagship First Dining within the lounge. I cited terms and conditions for access, which multiple reps questioned. Ultimately, they offered to make a call for clarification, which we thankfully obtained. The encounter lasted five to seven minutes until we were welcomed in. It worked out, but hopefully the next experience won’t be as involved.
Let’s get back to the “familiar” I mentioned above. While I was a Flagship Lounge virgin up to this point, I’ve experienced my share of packed Admirals Clubs over the years. The Flagship Lounge DFW was much fuller than I expected, with a few single chairs here and there. My family of four could only find one set of two chairs together to drop our bags while we visited the bathrooms. Leading up to this visit, I wrongly assumed the Flagship Lounge would have a hint more exclusivity than an Admirals Club. Clearly, I was wrong there. But entering Flagship First Dining DFW, it couldn’t have been more different.
Flagship First Dining DFW Entry
I opened the door to the space, and an employee accepted our invitation and warmly welcomed my family. We passed the inviting bar to the left (maybe next time) and were seated in the back right corner, closest to the kitchen. Our four-top was a booth-like bench on one side and two chairs on the other. I enjoyed being able to view the entire dining area with the windows looking out to the Flagship Lounge and exterior beyond. I estimate Flagship First Dining DFW was at about 25% capacity throughout our visit. Our waitress arrived and welcomed us. We were off and running.
Beverages
Flagship First Dining DFW offers a variety of interesting beverages, even fun options for the teetotalers. After a spirited debate on still or sparkling water, we decided on two of each. My wife thought ahead to her meal and ordered white wine to complement those choices. The two little ones each ordered lemonade, and I went for the adult Flagship version. I primarily stick to beer and wine but enjoyed a cocktail on this special occasion – and I’m glad I did. On the other end the meal, my wife had a serviceable cappuccino and I splurged with an Irish Coffee. Neither drink disappointed.
Food
After our first drink delivery, we placed our order. For mains, my wife went with the gnocchi, and my kids each ordered the Flagship Burger. The employee who seated us boasted to my kids that the dining room serves the burger in the airport, so the decision was easy. Our waitress shared that the standard recommendation is medium rare, but we decided on medium. I went with the striploin cooked medium, confident that I’d try a bite of a burger at the table, too.
The waitress served a corn chowder amuse bouche, something all four of us enjoyed. Bread was next, which was fine, but filler. As requested, my wife and I received our appetizers at the same time as the kids’ burgers. My wife wasn’t a fan of her scallops appetizer, describing it as gritty, chewy, and salty. But my salad was perfectly portioned and satisfying enough.
Our waitress apologized for the wait between our appetizers and mains. I wasn’t phased; we didn’t want to rush the experience, anyway. As we expected with this fine dining-type experience, mains were small. My wife said the gnocchi was fine but not outstanding. Steak was a perfect medium; potatoes were tasty but not worth filling up on.
For dessert, the children and I each ordered chocolate mousse, and my wife enjoyed with panna cotta. The mouse was firmer than I expected but delicious; my kids each agreed on that second part.
Flagship First Dining DFW – Conclusion
Service was outstanding throughout our Flagship First Dining DFW visit. Its pace may not be for those in a rush, but this entire experience isn’t for such, anyway. Our overall visit lasted just short of two and a half hours, probably on the longer side even for those who like to let the experience breathe. But as first-timers, we were fine with it.
I’ve heard much discourse about Flagship First Dining not being what it once was. While that may be a true experience for some, ignorance is bliss for my family of four. We only had this one experience to savor and judge, and we were satisfied overall. My wife will select different items if or when we return, and in the meantime, hopefully the Flagship Lounge gatekeepers brush up on Flagship First Dining DFW access policies. The latter shouldn’t be an unreasonable expectation for the airline’s premium dining experience at their largest hub nearby their corporate headquarters.
Have you experienced AA Flagship First Dining DFW? What’s your take?
The old FFD space at JFK was quite small and it was “nice.” But, nothing to write home about. The FFD space at LAX has been closed for years. A manager there had said it was to be permanently closed. But, when AA realized they could monetize it, it changed its tune and it is now “temporarily” closed. It will remain closed (to cut operating expenses) while Flagship First actually operates on transcon and long-haul routes. Once the XLRs replace the T-Birds and the 777-300s are retrofitted, there will be no more Flagship First . . . only Flagship Business . . . and FFD will be an upcharge of 25k miles or $250 per person. The timing for reopening would be mid to late 2026, when the fleet has been converted. In the meantime, those who are paying for Flagship First flights are being stiffed. Thank you Mr. Isom.