OK. Now it’s getting serious. After flying from San Diego to Miami in American Airlines 737 MAX 8 first class, I’m convinced that they are totally winning – nay, dominating – the race to become America’s most consistent airline.
The problem is that consistency isn’t always a good thing if what you’re being consistent with isn’t all that great.
American Airlines domestic first class is OK. The seats look fantastic in my opinion, but the lack of padding (and video screens) makes it a sub par experience. Constantly being bombarded with credit card ads doesn’t help either.
I don’t need yer stinkin’ Citi AAdvantage card!
AA2925 San Diego, CA (SAN) – Miami, FL (MIA) Monday, April 1, 2024 Aircraft: 737 MAX 8 Registration: N336SR Duration: 4 hours 5 minutes Seat: 3A (First Class)
American Airlines 737 MAX 8 (N336SR) side view illustration by NorebboStock.comOur route from san Diego to Miami today as AA2925.
My full review of American Airlines 737 MAX 8 first class from San Diego to Miami
So yeah. Another trip back to Florida to visit family. I didn’t even know that American Airlines was flying the MAX 8 in and out of SAN until I was researching flights for this trip, so it was a nice little surprise to see something that I haven’t tried before.
6:30 AM flights are the worst. Boarding was scheduled to begin at 5:55 AM, which meant a wake up time of 3:40 AM. Things would certainly be easier if I lived right across the street from the airport. I need to work on that…
According to my flight log, this is the 206th time that I’ve walked into the San Diego International Airport to catch a flight. Let’s just say that I’ve learned (the hard way) about looking both ways before crossing any roadways here. Unfortunately, I’ve still got a thing or two to learn about parking. Why I didn’t I park closer to the entrance of Terminal 2 East (where the American Airlines check in counters are)? Perhaps it’s the effects of PTSD from being nearly run down by a Toyota RAV4 here once. I dunno.Considering that I checked in online the night before (and I’m planning on going through the security checkpoint over at T2W), I basically walked all this way for this single picture. F me and my decision to become an airline reviewer.4000 steps later (after walking all the way back to Terminal 2 West to go through the security checkpoint there), I welcome you to the gutz of Terminal 2 East. This is turning out to be more exercise-y than I had originally planned.I’ve exerted too much energy this morning to put up with a canceled or delayed flight. So yeah – you’re damn right I was glad to see this 737 MAX 8 parked here at gate 23.Actually – this MAX 8 deserves more sympathy than me. It arrived from Miami at 1:30 AM (waaay late), and now (at 6 AM) it’s gotta go back. With an annoying airline reviewer onboard no less!
The boarding process for AA2925 to Miami
Boarding any flight in Terminal 2 East at SAN is always a bit of a challenge. It’s the ultimate test of patience as well. This is an older terminal, with some of the smallest (and tightest) gate areas in the entire airport. A heartfelt “hallelujah” was muttered under my breath as they announced the start of the boarding process (right on time).
Priority 1-4 life. It’s actually not all that exciting.My list of life experiences continues to grow. I mean, now if anybody asks me if I’ve ever taken a picture of an American Airlines San Diego to Miami mobile boarding pass on an iPhone 14 in my left hand at 5:54 AM at the San Diego Airport (gate 23), I can say “you’re damn right I have.”Not all life experiences are worth it at 6 AM IMHO. I probably would’ve enjoyed this boarding experience more had it occurred closer to the 9 o’clock hour.Here we go with what will be my 7th flight on a Boeing 737 MAX 8. I know it’s dangerous to make assumptions like that before the boarding door is even closed, but I am naïve enough at this really hour to think that they will actually get us out of here without any drama this morning.Speaking of no drama (not even any surprises), welcome to American Airlines 737 MAX 8 first class.
The seats
Trying to come up with something unique to say about the first class seats on the MAX 8 is challenging. I already said what I had to say the first time that I’ve tried these seats (which you can read about in my American Airlines A321neo first class review).
Long story short: I am of the opinion that this is the best looking domestic US first class product. It’s not the most comfortable though. Nor the most entertaining.
Here’s a pic of my window seat in row 3. Long story short, I’ve flown American Airlines domestic first class enough times to know that just because the seat looks really nice doesn’t mean that it’s anything special.That said, my brain never functions properly at 6 AM. The generous leg room already has me distracted about the fact that I’ll be complaining about the lack of video screens soon enough.“Whaddya mean there’s no video screens?!”“Oooh, nice legroom.”The guys over there on the other side (in row 4) seem to be suffering from the same mental flip flopping as well. Glad I’m not the only one.I do like the simplicity. Maybe I can live without video screens in seats that look as good as these?USB-A charging ports, adjustable headrests, and full-size electrical outlets. No video screens though. Did I mention that there are no video screens yet?Ooh, brushed metal! They’re not making it so easy for me to be overly critical about the lack of a certain illuminated in-flight entertainment device.He looks a little miffed about it too. I don’t think he has noticed the brushed metal yet.Expression check: neutral smile, eyes glazed over, and a head tilt indicating mild indifference of the current situation.Fun fact: The last time that I flew from San Diego to Miami nonstop was in American Airlines A319 economy class. This seems to be slightly better…yet (oddly)…very much the same.
Our departure out of San Diego
OK. I take back what I said about 6:30 AM flights being the worst. It’s actually kinda fun to blast off right as the 6:30 AM departure curfew is lifted, knowing full well that you’re acting as an alarm clock for everyone who lives west of the airport. Rise and shine b*tches!
Ladies and gentlemen, we have achieved pushback (4 minutes early). #golfclapPicture proof that flying from San Diego to Miami at 6:30 AM isn’t nearly as exciting as it sounds.I shudder to think how early those people on that Southwest 737 had to get up to catch a flight arriving at SAN at 6:30 AM. That’s hard-core.The fact that there are 16 737s in this shot (out of 19 total aircraft) tells you that…I couldn’t think of a caption for this pic.Do you suppose everyone down there in the Midway District and Point Loma were cowering in fear as we flew overhead (because 737 MAX)?Status check: we’ve been in the air 4 minutes now and we haven’t crashed yet. Even the exit door plugs are still intact. I might survive this after all…
In-flight entertainment
Oh American. Why oh why can’t you be like Delta and United and offer video screens at every seat? Skimping on video screens makes this feel no better than my recent Spirit A321neo Big Front Seat experience. You don’t want me to think of you like that, right?
“Our customers love being able to watch blockbuster Hollywood movies and TV shows on tiny handheld devices.” You just know there’s an upper level executive somewhere within American Airlines that has said that in an interview at least once.Yeah, the selection of content is pretty good, but I’m not sure that I love this as much as they think I do.You know what I really love (especially at 6:30 AM)? Having to sit through 30 second credit card advertisements every time I make a selection. XOXO30 seconds later, and… this demonstration of the fold-down personal device older feels like a threat to my manhood. Remember folks – it’s not the size of the tool. It’s how it’s used.
The breakfast service
What American Airlines lacks in in-flight entertainment, they make up for in food. The food in AA domestic first class has been really good over the past few years. The offerings on this particular flight were no less satisfactory, and I had a hard time making a decision. I went with the most substantial option possible.
My ability to read peoples minds has never been very good, but I’m nearly 100% certain that the flight attendant was thinking “you dirty bastard…” as she handed this hot towel to me. I can’t say that I blame her.More surprises! This handy personal device holder built into the tray table is…handy. At least now I can watch credit card ads a movie while I eat (instead of trying to guess just how much the flight attendant hates my guts).Kicking off the breakfast service today is a glass of room temperature water (no ice). Saying that I like to drink “toilet water” is technically not wrong.Hold on now. I’m not that boring. As you can see, she (the flight attendant that probably hated me) had me at “breakfast charcuterie.”This was so worth the effort it took to figure out how to spell “charcuterie”just now. What’s not to love about fatty meat and stinky cheese for breakfast?It also came with a bowl of fruit. This will offset all of the saturated fat and cholesterol of the meat and cheese, right? Thank God.Now that’s a breakfast! Also included was a buttermilk biscuit (which came after I took this pic), and…RIP to my arteries I guess.Why does being bad have to feel so freaking good?
Seat comfort
The problem with making a first class seat look so good is the fact that it often requires some sacrifices. In the case of the 737 MAX 8 first class seats (which, again, are the same seats on pretty much every other aircraft in the fleet), they sacrificed padding. These are very firm seats. I wouldn’t go as far as to call them ‘bench like’, but they flat. AF.
As you can see, I’ve given up on the idea of trying to watch a movie on a tiny screen. At least I’m comfortable(ish).“Yo! You guys good over there?!” I didn’t get a response, but they look ‘aight.“Lefty loosie righty tighty…” (Overhead air vent flow is pretty good on the MAX 8 BTW).Whoops. Instead of grabbing what I thought was a bag of potato chips (when the flight attendant – the one who probably hated me – came by with a snack basket), I ended up with a bag of basil and garlic olives instead. Out of respect to my fellow passengers, I refrained from ripping this mofo open.
The descent and arrival into Miami
Pro tip: to avoid butt-clenching turbulence when flying into south Florida, choose a flight that either A). Falls between the months of November and April, or B). Arrives before noon. Summertime afternoon thunderstorms in South Florida are no joke – and enough to scare the ever living s**t out of even seasoned flyers such as myself.
Basically what I’m trying to say is that there was no threat of foul weather on the approach into Miami today. It was beautiful all the way in. Thank God.
Land ho! Shoutout to my boy Juan Ponce de León (the guy who discovered Florida in 1513).There’s no telling if he made it this far inland though. “You mean there’s alligators here? Back from whence we came!”Welcome to Miami (where never in a million years did I expect to see an Asian Airline right off the bat).“American 2925, yeah, we know that the terminal is empty, but we’re going to need you to park all the way at the end. K, thanks.”Gate Deee51. On the bright side, it’s actually the second to last gate here in concourse D. Bless their little hearts for bestowing on us at least an ounce of mercy here at MIA this afternoon.All things considered, it was a pretty decent flight. Unfortunately, I can’t say if it was any better (or worse) than the verdict I reached in my American Airlines A320 first class review. They’re just so darn consistent from one aircraft type to the next, and all these first class experiences are blending together in my brain.Basically what I’m trying to say is that if you’ve flown American Airlines domestic first class on at least one aircraft type, you’ve flown on them all. Now that’s what I call a life experience hack!That moment that you remember that it’s always 90° with 90% humidity in Florida (and that maybe you shouldn’t have worn 3 layers of long sleeve shirts today).
Pros and cons of the AA 737 MAX 8 first class experience
Despite my criticisms of how basic these seats are, I can’t say that I’m all that annoyed by the consistency. It’s nice to know exactly what you’re gonna get even before you step foot on the plane.
In other words, if you’ve enjoyed any other flight in American Airlines domestic first class recently, I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll enjoy the ride on the 737 MAX 8 as well.
Pros
The seats are incredibly stylish. They are far from being the most comfortable that I’ve ever experienced, but they do look great.
There are two USB ports and one full size electrical outlet for each passenger.
The food (as always) is excellent.
Cons
There are no video screens, so be sure to bring a tablet (or laptop) if you don’t want to be stuck watching any of the streaming content on your phone.
I find these seats to be noticeably firmer than the first class seats on other US airlines.
Prepare to be bombarded with credit card advertisements up the wazoo.
I must admit that after looking at your flight log, I was looking forward to this one, because I knew it would probably be a first class flight. Flying in coach from California to Florida seems like it would be awful…it might be 4 hours in first, but 5 1/2 for everyone else. I’ve never flown to Florida, but I have done Delta from Atlanta to LAX and those flights just seemed like they took forever.
Totally understand the annoyance at the lack of video screens. Maybe carrying a tablet would help on flights like that? Even so, for the amount of money they charge for first, one would think American could pop for video screens on their 737s. “But allowing the passengers to use their phones gives them the freedom to choose their own devices on which to screen content!” I can hear the airline exec saying as he tries mightily to “polish” that turd.
The food was good, though. Could pass on the eggs, but the meats and cheeses were probably filling and at least they had tons of protein. Better that than some greasy, sugary carbo-laden pancakes. Wasn’t there some sugar-encrusted french toast or something you ate on one of those flights in the last couple years? Looked good but I’d feel terrible (and drowsy) after eating something like that.
Anyhow, always a pleasure reading your reviews. Question though, if SAN has this curfew, what if you are scheduled to be on a red-eye flight that gets delayed until shortly after the curfew time? Does everyone on the flight now have to wait several hours overnight in the airport because the plane can’t take off until 6:30?
Glad you enjoyed the review! Yeah, flights between California and Florida can be a grind. Especially westbound. I just wish that there were more premium options available (such as JetBlue Mint) out of SAN. Standard domestic first class is about as good as it gets right now.
And yes, the food was pretty good! I can’t remember what the other options were, but I remember them not sounding appealing at all. I’ve done enough of those ultra sugary first class breakfasts before to know that it just isn’t worth it lol.
I’m actually been on an eastbound redeye flight departing SAN that was delayed until after the curfew cutoff. The airport is still open and they still send those flights out – but the airline will be fined for it. I’m not sure what the dollar amount is, but it can’t be cheap.
I didn’t even know that they were still running double daily flights to Miami (which is somewhat embarrassing to admit considering how often I fly to Florida). Bummer to see it go – but I suspect it’ll be back at some point considering how full San Diego-Florida flights typically are in my experience.
I just want JetBlue Mint to FLL! Give me that it’ll be a happy man.
Scott
I love all your reviews and I actually look forward to reading your new ones as soon as they are available!
I feel for you brother with the SERPS. I had an online business and it was no fun when G tinkered with the algorithm that put me in first place.
I have a few observations of my own with AA since I’m stuck wit them based on where I live…. They seem to be the only game in town.
– I hate, HATE, those credit card BS they subject everyone too.
– I hate that their first class is inconsistent based on their crew. McD can give you the same burger but AA cant always provide a steamed towel…
– I hate no-screen – especially for first class
– Lastly, I hate those pop up trays because I cant lower them across my belly. Im not that big, but I’ve been on 5 hour flights and can’t have a meal.
Keep the faith! There are quite a few of us pulling for you!
-ARC
Thanks Anthony! Yeah, it’s a tough time for small to medium sized online publishers at the moment (especially travel based content creators). Time will tell how this all plays out…
Sounds like you hate the same things I do. 🙂 It’s the aggressiveness of the credit card ads that irks me the most.
Project Oasis and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race. Not only because of the removal of IFE, but also because this is the Domestic First product they’ll be using for the next 5-10 years. These seats are pretty much the exact same as the Legacy US Airways/America West product from your A320 review (the only differences are the addition of device holders and of course the seat model), which, IMO, is a really embarrassing look for AA when you compare it to what UA and DL are installing. The seats do look great though! And at least their (domestic) interiors are consistent now, but, as you say, they’re consistently mediocre.
To give credit where credit is due, at least the food looks pretty good. Based on your recent AA F reviews and a few others I’ve seen out there, it seems as if that’s what they’ve been investing in. But, just like I said in your AF A350 review, I prefer a better hard product over better food.
It’s actually a good thing that these seats look as good as they do, otherwise I don’t think I’d have anything nice to say about this experience. Video screens aren’t a necessity on all airlines, but I’d say it’s mandatory if you’re one of the big three 3 in the US (one chasing high dollar corporate / business travelers).
Oh. And the food is consistently very good too.
I guess what this boils down to is that I’m conflicted AF and I can’t really decide if this is something that I really love or really hate lol.
JCC
I must admit that after looking at your flight log, I was looking forward to this one, because I knew it would probably be a first class flight. Flying in coach from California to Florida seems like it would be awful…it might be 4 hours in first, but 5 1/2 for everyone else. I’ve never flown to Florida, but I have done Delta from Atlanta to LAX and those flights just seemed like they took forever.
Totally understand the annoyance at the lack of video screens. Maybe carrying a tablet would help on flights like that? Even so, for the amount of money they charge for first, one would think American could pop for video screens on their 737s. “But allowing the passengers to use their phones gives them the freedom to choose their own devices on which to screen content!” I can hear the airline exec saying as he tries mightily to “polish” that turd.
The food was good, though. Could pass on the eggs, but the meats and cheeses were probably filling and at least they had tons of protein. Better that than some greasy, sugary carbo-laden pancakes. Wasn’t there some sugar-encrusted french toast or something you ate on one of those flights in the last couple years? Looked good but I’d feel terrible (and drowsy) after eating something like that.
Anyhow, always a pleasure reading your reviews. Question though, if SAN has this curfew, what if you are scheduled to be on a red-eye flight that gets delayed until shortly after the curfew time? Does everyone on the flight now have to wait several hours overnight in the airport because the plane can’t take off until 6:30?
Scott (SANspotter)
Glad you enjoyed the review! Yeah, flights between California and Florida can be a grind. Especially westbound. I just wish that there were more premium options available (such as JetBlue Mint) out of SAN. Standard domestic first class is about as good as it gets right now.
And yes, the food was pretty good! I can’t remember what the other options were, but I remember them not sounding appealing at all. I’ve done enough of those ultra sugary first class breakfasts before to know that it just isn’t worth it lol.
I’m actually been on an eastbound redeye flight departing SAN that was delayed until after the curfew cutoff. The airport is still open and they still send those flights out – but the airline will be fined for it. I’m not sure what the dollar amount is, but it can’t be cheap.
JNSD
Scott, looks like AA is killing its 2nd daily nonstop SAN-MIA flight for the Summer. Hopefully it returns soon.
Scott (SANspotter)
I didn’t even know that they were still running double daily flights to Miami (which is somewhat embarrassing to admit considering how often I fly to Florida). Bummer to see it go – but I suspect it’ll be back at some point considering how full San Diego-Florida flights typically are in my experience.
I just want JetBlue Mint to FLL! Give me that it’ll be a happy man.
JNSD
Fyi – there’s no curfew on arrivals, only departures.
Scott (SANspotter)
Correct!
Anthony
Scott
I love all your reviews and I actually look forward to reading your new ones as soon as they are available!
I feel for you brother with the SERPS. I had an online business and it was no fun when G tinkered with the algorithm that put me in first place.
I have a few observations of my own with AA since I’m stuck wit them based on where I live…. They seem to be the only game in town.
– I hate, HATE, those credit card BS they subject everyone too.
– I hate that their first class is inconsistent based on their crew. McD can give you the same burger but AA cant always provide a steamed towel…
– I hate no-screen – especially for first class
– Lastly, I hate those pop up trays because I cant lower them across my belly. Im not that big, but I’ve been on 5 hour flights and can’t have a meal.
Keep the faith! There are quite a few of us pulling for you!
-ARC
Scott (SANspotter)
Thanks Anthony! Yeah, it’s a tough time for small to medium sized online publishers at the moment (especially travel based content creators). Time will tell how this all plays out…
Sounds like you hate the same things I do. 🙂 It’s the aggressiveness of the credit card ads that irks me the most.
Christy
As always, fun and very funny. I love your reviews whether I have a trip booked or not.
Scott (SANspotter)
Thanks Christy! Ain’t nothing wrong with reading airline reviews / trip reports just for fun.
Peter
Project Oasis and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race. Not only because of the removal of IFE, but also because this is the Domestic First product they’ll be using for the next 5-10 years. These seats are pretty much the exact same as the Legacy US Airways/America West product from your A320 review (the only differences are the addition of device holders and of course the seat model), which, IMO, is a really embarrassing look for AA when you compare it to what UA and DL are installing. The seats do look great though! And at least their (domestic) interiors are consistent now, but, as you say, they’re consistently mediocre.
To give credit where credit is due, at least the food looks pretty good. Based on your recent AA F reviews and a few others I’ve seen out there, it seems as if that’s what they’ve been investing in. But, just like I said in your AF A350 review, I prefer a better hard product over better food.
Scott (SANspotter)
It’s actually a good thing that these seats look as good as they do, otherwise I don’t think I’d have anything nice to say about this experience. Video screens aren’t a necessity on all airlines, but I’d say it’s mandatory if you’re one of the big three 3 in the US (one chasing high dollar corporate / business travelers).
Oh. And the food is consistently very good too.
I guess what this boils down to is that I’m conflicted AF and I can’t really decide if this is something that I really love or really hate lol.