Flying First Class to Reno

Today Bruce and I are beginning our first leg of our Alaska trip on American Airlines. We began our journey by taking Lyft to Fort Lauderdale Airport. I’m finding taking Lyft saves wear and tear on our mental stability without breaking the bank. It was a $44 ride with and $8 tip. So $52 and we were dropped off in front of American Airlines. Our driver was pleasant, the trip was quick and I earn 5 points for each dollar spent on my Chase Sapphire Card, which helps with future travel!

I booked us first class using American Airline miles costing 37,500 miles each with $11.20 fee. We have TSA pre check and Global entry so shorter lines and no need to take off shoes and jackets. It was a breeze passing through the gate.

We were the first to board and were seated in row 2D and F. Lots of legroom especially for Bruce’s long legs.

The seats are nice and roomy. If you are overweight, this is the best way to travel.

Traveling First Class you get a meal. I had a Greek Salad. Bruce had a ham sandwich. Both came with potato salad and a sort of brownie.

The flight went smoothly and we arrived in Dallas on time. We had a three hour layover and I had bought as first class passengers we could go into the Admiral’s Club. However, that’s only first class internationally. So I used my Priority Pass and we went to the Club.

They had an array of salad fixings, some rice and enchiladas and brownies. Having eaten on the plane, I opted for the brownie.

If I drank, there’s a full bar and drinks are included. I get my membership in Priority Pass through my Amex Platinum which has a whopping $695 a year annual fee. It comes with a lot of perks and I want to make sure I use them to offset the high AF. So when I travel, I try to use the lounges.

The Club at DFW is a bit of a disappointment. I would have thought a major airport would have something a little better but oh well. It was what it was. On to our next segment!

The flight from Dallas to Reno was a few minutes delayed but overall American Airlines did a good job getting the plane off the ground without too much time lost. Snacks and beverages were served in First Class but overall it was underwhelming. No night kits, toothbrushes or toiletries for the domestic flights. Also no screens for watching movies on either flight. It would be hard to justify paying $$$ for these seats, although they were a bit larger with more leg room then economy.