American Airlines Airbus A319 experience

Disclaimer:  I am an airline employee that does not work for American Airlines.  This blog is simply meant to convey my experience and is not intended to support or harm American Airlines.  The thoughts and opinions expressed are mine and not of my employer.  I am an aviation/airline enthusiast and enjoy sharing my experiences with the hope that others may be inspired to travel using the industry I so dearly love.

I recently had the opportunity to travel on American Airline's newest aircraft in their fleet, the Airbus A319.  The experience on-board was quite impressive. This product sets the expectation for what passengers traveling domestically in the United States would have only experienced on an international journey.

My trip began at Dallas Ft. Worth, Texas (DFW) airport as I was traveling on leisure to Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina (GSP).  I was able to secure a seat on American's newest aircraft, the Airbus A319 to Charlotte, North Carolina.  American is currently operating the aircraft from DFW to 11 cities.  An additional 3 cities have been added to the A319 network in December.

Those routes are as follows:
Dallas – Charlotte            Dallas – Huntsville
Dallas – Cleveland           Dallas – McAllen
Dallas – Memphis            Dallas – Toronto  
Dallas – Wichita               Dallas – San Salvador
Dallas – Dayton               Dallas – Gunnison
Dallas – Lubbock            Dallas – Jackson Hole
Dallas – El Paso              Dallas – Vail


I was assigned seat 21C in economy (but had the whole row available).  It's important to note that every seat, regardless of location currently has access to the full spectrum of entertainment on the seat back in front of them.

Cabin view from my seat

On my flight the "premium" package was available for all passengers.  The current screen guide on the entertainment system would indicate the future enhancements may involve various pricing models.  This has the potential to allow for the customer to choose how much entertainment they wish to have.

TV selection screen

The screens on the seatback are all touchscreen.  Touchscreen has become the foundation for our electronic way of life.  As with any new device the user will need to practice with the controls and how to use it with your fingers.  A nice feature of the product is that you can customize the layout so that it is easier for you to utilize the touchscreen.  You can use a scrolling choice, dropdown menu, or place all of the items in a grid format.

Music selection screen in "grid" format

There are a couple of additional features on the screen in front of you that are extremely handy.  You can turn the system on/off using the power button near the center.  In addition, you can turn your reading light on/off with the controls on the seatback in front of you.  Finally, the flight attendant call button can be selected from the seatback as well.  For most, these items may seem irrelevant, but for those that have trouble accessing the buttons over head, it could be very helpful.

Here are a few more examples of the entertainment options:

 An additional feature that I found to be helpful to the passenger, is the "half" tray table option.  As you can see in the picture below, the tray gives you the option of folding into a full tray or folded in half.  This gives you the option to place your drink and something small on the table.  You gain the flexibility to have a little more room while enjoying your beverage.  I had ample room to place my iPad in the upright position. The green glow on the left side of the tray table is from the power outlet in the seatback in front of me (photo below).

"Half" tray table

Power outlet on seatback

Another feature that I discovered on the entertainment system was the accessibility to American Airlines hub maps.  They are found on one of the menus and provide a high level overview of the hub/gate setup.  I believe access to something like this is valuable for connecting customers.  Assuming you know your connecting gate number, you can find on the map where you are arriving and where you have to go for your next flight's gate.  Since most airlines are providing wi-fi on many of their aircraft, your gate information is available to you on your electronic device for free through their portal.  In my opinion, if you are connecting at a large hub, preparation is the key to know where you are going.  Even for experienced travelers.

DFW hub map as seen on the entertainment system

I'll conclude by saying the new features onboard this airplane make traveling better.  I am a frequent traveler and know how difficult it can be at times.  I was impressed by the technology and comfort experienced with this new cabin product.  I'll look forward to hopefully seeing these features on the city pair that I travel most frequently.

You can see more pictures of this experience at the following location:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/montero747/sets/72157637569618756/

Artistic photo of our arrival to Charlotte, NC

Quick trip to San Juan, PR

A quick journey to San Juan...

I spent two and half days in San Juan this past week.  The experience was interesting since I had never been there before.  One always envisions San Juan as this exotic locale...but you must overcome that mindset as the exotic locale is simply an urban environment with enclaves of beach resorts.

I flew from my home in Dallas to Houston Hobby (HOU) and then on to Atlanta (ATL) via Southwest.com Airlines (my employer).  I then connected to AirTran.com and flew from ATL to San Juan, PR (SJU).

Sunrise at Houston Hobby (HOU)

Overflying the Bahamas

I arrived in SJU around 1600 local.  The "C" airport terminal has a dated feel with the hope that it could be revitalized.  I transited from the plane through the terminal to ground transportation.  It wasn't readily apparent on how to get to baggage claim, but being a "seasoned" traveler I was able to make my way without getting lost.

Inside the "C" gate area

Gate 29 after my arrival

Signs within the terminal are in English and Spanish.  Since San Juan is a US territory, there are no customs obligations for US citizens to contend with.

Since I elected to not rent a car, my chosen method of travel to my hotel was cab.  The resort where I was staying was the CaribeHilton.com  The cost of traveling from the airport to the hotel was approximately $21.00 without tip. It is worth noting that I traveled this route several more times and each cab driver charged about the same amount.  Also, on one of the trips there were 5 of us in a mini-van and the rate was still $21.00.

My hotel was chosen as a part of my trip to San Juan.  The property could be considered a "resort."

There is an open air lobby that adds to the air of a resort.  One can find a cage with parrots and cockatiels.  In addition, there is Starbucks and a few gift shops in the immediate lobby area.

View from 5th floor balcony

I was provided a room on the 5th floor of the main building.  My room came with two queen beds.  I would describe the room as updated recently.  I had an excellent view on my patio of the adjacent historic fort.


I was very satisfied with the accommodations.  The beds were very comfortable.  The lounge chair in the corner was a nice touch for stretching out.  I also enjoyed the patio with small table and chairs.  The environment was such that you could have a quiet, intimate moment with yourself or someone close.

The restaurants are what you should expect of "resort" complexes.  I considered the food to be pricey for the quality.  I purchased a $10.00 Caesar salad in the bar area and received a bowl of lettuce, some grated cheese and a side of Caesar dressing.  The breakfast buffet in the "XXXX" restaurant cost approximately $22.00 per person.  There are a variety of choices and fresh fruit options.  Alcoholic beverages ranged in prices from $8 for a beer and upwards depending on your tastes.

Hotel grounds with hammocks

Lagoon beach area

Hotel pool view

Freeloading visitor to the beach

The beach area was easily accessible from the main hotel complex.  There are a variety of interests that may appeal to everyone.  Lounge chairs, double sized loungers, and hammocks can be found throughout the grounds.  It is worth noting that I visited in the middle of the week and was able to get a beach chair with no problem in the early afternoon.  During peak periods, I suspect that securing a chair may be a little more challenging.