You Trip Report

	DATE	FLIGHT NUMBER	SEAT	AIRCRAFT
19 Apr 23	AA 2205	4C	A321neo
CLASS	VIEWS	LANGUAGE	AUTHOR
First Class	16226	English	jetsetpanda

Prologue:

In April I took a flight to HNL with Francis and on this occasion we flew out of LAX instead of SFO since we bought the tickets on AA. At one point all the major US carriers had a SFO-HNL flight but they started phasing out this route a few years back until we are left with UA and HA as the only carriers offering it.

So flying on AA that meant that we had to connect to LAX to one of its 3x daily flights. It's a far cry from the widebodies that were used for this segment when going to Hawaii was something special and crew wore destination specific "mumus". This is long gone and these days you are lucky to be offered a printed menu or mai tai's as pre-dept. drinks.

We took WN from SFO-LAX. At dept. it was announced that there will be no service due to turbulence.

This was one of the smoothest flights on a sunny day that I have experienced. Too bad we missed on the "award" winning service of WN. Nice to see that the crew got a break.

We had to exit the WN Terminal at LAX and clear security again at AA terminal. WN is the only terminal not connected to the others past security. The only connection inside is a bus running to a few airlines in the Intl side but it's very restrictive.

Boarding was smooth and orderly. I love the Oneworld logo on the side.

F cabin.

Small tray in between seats in the front.

No pre-dept. drinks offered. Taxiing once the cabin was ready.

Nice take off from LAX.

Only 1 FA serving the F cabin which is ridiculous. That tends to slow the service a lot on a full cabin.

Cheers!

No printed menus. I was able to pre-order my meals a few weeks before my flight.

My healthy vegetable bowl with cold sliced chicken on top.

Oauf ordered the "golden" chicken.

Appetizer.

One of the FA's came from the back to help with the dessert service. I overheard him offering a cheese plate to the front row and the rest of us were asked if we wanted ice cream sundaes with choice of toppings. I guess they ran out of cheese plates after the first row. :P

Midlfight.

Snack basket before landing.

Westin Moana Surfrider hotel. Beautiful iconic property right on the beach for easy access.

The hotel seemed too open with easy access to the rooms.

Rooms at the historic wing are very small. I think you get a better value at other deluxe competitors.

Paradise.

========== Los Angeles Intl Arpt (LAX) - ==========

Security/Immigration efficiency: 6/10

Access and parking: 8/10

Services and activities: 9/10

General cleanliness: 9/10

========== American Airlines - Airline ==========

Cabine comfort: 9/10

Crew: 8/10

Entertainment: /10

On-time performance: 9/10

Appetizer: 8/10

Starter: 0/10

Main Meal: 9/10

Main Meal-2: 0/10

Cheese: 0/10

Desserts: 10/10

Alcohols: 0/10

Mid-flight snack: 0/10

Breakfast or light meal before arrival: 0/10

========== Honolulu Intl (HNL) - ==========

Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10

Access and parking: 9/10

Services and activities: 9/10

General cleanliness: 10/10

Summary:

I was curious to experience AA's F service to Hawaii and it left me somewhat disappointed. I flew SFO-HNL in the past and it was something to look forward to but that's no longer the case with may cutbacks in place.

The staffing of 1 FA in the front is ridiculous and as a result that slows the service on a full cabin. The lack of printed menus, hot towels and pre-dept. drinks are disappointing. The pre-ordering of meals is nice but the quality of the food offered should be better, not just a cold dish, a hot chicken or pasta. Better to have 3 hot dishes on this route

15 Comments

Thomas — Jun 20,2023

Hello my friend, thanks a lot for your trip. It does not bold well for my upcoming AA journey.
I guess the flight from DTW where you get a wide body was not available.
1 FA is a indeed a joke.

Reply

jetsetpanda — Jun 20,2023

U mean out of DFW? Well the widebody from there exists and as a matter of fact is considered "Flagship" service but to connect from the West Coast to DFW and then HNL will be more expensive.
saraoutou — Jun 20,2023

Thanks Adan, is the guy with the white cap on before last picture Francis? LOL so long I didn't meet him
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jun 20,2023

LOL No that was not him. He's better looking. ;)

Vendredi13 — Jun 20,2023

Woof !
Saratoutou !
I am blond ! Always blond^^
Vendredi13 — Jun 20,2023

Ouaf ! JetSetPanda !

What a beautiful gift, this TR ! It reminds me so beautiful memories :)

You are so nice Adan.
When i read "Too bad we missed on the "award" winning service of WN. Nice to see that the crew got a break" ...
I almost fell out of my chair^^

Your description of this business flight on American Airlines is perfect. And i have the same feeling.
The Maona Surf Rider hotel is a great choice for the bonus.

Thanks, Adan for sharing.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jun 21,2023

Oauf!!! So many great memories, especially the good meals :P

I wouldn't jump at the thought taking this flight again on AA via LAX unless they offer a really great deal. Too much hassle to connect especially since we have lots of frequency with UA out of SFO.

See u later. ;)
Bibopaul — Jun 23,2023

A pleasant read Adan even if AA is weak.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jun 27,2023

Thanks Paul. AA is very weak indeed. Not even a blanket or pillow on the seat.
Capoune — Jun 27,2023

Hi Panda!!
surprised and disappointed by this service which is not really at the level...
on the other hand the bonus is superb!!!
Thank you for sharing with us.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jun 27,2023

Hi Seb

AA is not what it was unfortunately. When I flew them in the 90's it was a quality airline but times have changed. I think that when the US airlines started to consolidate until we are left with 3 legacy carriers the level of the inflight product has deteriorated. Competition is always good for the customer in the end
Casper — Jun 30,2023

Meh is the only thing that comes to mind.
Thanks for the report Adan.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jul 01,2023

AA stopped being premium long time ago. Of the 3 carriers that I flew to/from Hawaii this one was the one with the least amenities. Not even a blanket or pillow. At least AS provided a nice quilted blanket and HA had both.
Emile — Jul 05,2023

AA is below a average.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jul 10,2023

Hi Emile.

Yes it's sad to see what was once a decent airline become so disappointing nowadays