American Airlines 737 MAX First Class Review
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Date: 2023-08-28
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Comments and reviews: 30
George
In retrospect, the MAX should have been released 3 years later to improve the engineering that failed. 300+ people had to die so that Boeing could make a literal quick buck and the payoff isn't worth 300 lives, especially when it could have been prevented with time.
As far as passenger comfort, I would pick a 737Next Gen over a MAX any day. The lavatories are a huge miss, for the sake of an extra row of seats you lose space in the cabin just to maneuver around other passengers to get into and out of the lavatories. That 8 inches of space made a big difference in passenger traffic and efficiency of use of the lavatories. Now I notice a lot more traffic jams and longer wait times to use a lavatory. The other comforts available on the MAX were also available of the 737 Next Gen, with redesigned larger overhead bins, redesigned windows and cabin mood lighting. I saw these features years before on Aero Mexico's 737-900s. Those are really the only options Boeing offers and again are available on older designs of the 737.
The SEAT design is one that can't be attributed to Boeing. The ultra-thin seats that are used now offer less cushion, less stability, and durability, and although wider they still are much less comfortable. You'll notice the seats aren't as stable, especially when you are seated and another passenger either bumps your seatback or uses the headrest as their own personal handrail. The seat has a lot of give due to the lack of structural support. The slimline seats are wider than their predecessor, but take space out of the aisle to maneuver around other passengers and crew. This is much more apparent in the first-class cabin where that first row of seats is visibly closer to the aisle than the other rows. With less room in the aisle on that first row, it would inhibit your ability to bring your carry-on through the first row of seats. AA had to change their retrofit and MAX cabin design to address this issue and did it by making the first row of first-class seats narrower than rows 2-4. If you look closely, you can notice the difference between rows 1 and 2. You'll also be able to notice if the aircraft had the Kodiak retro(fix) by looking at the space between the first row of first-class seats on either side of the aisle. You'll notice the seats don't line up with the rest of first-class. If they do, that aircraft has received the retro(fix.
The last thing I would recognize is the pitch in both first-class and main cabin. The first-class pitch is visibly smaller, to a point you can't help but notice the lack of floor space in front of your seat where you used to be able to appreciate the feel of more space, even in a small area as your seat. In main cabin, the pitch is fairly noticeable, but as a passenger in the less desirable rows, you FEEL it. The row before the overwing exit row and the last row of Main Cabin do not recline. On it's own that can be unnerving, but it is when the row in front of your reclines their seat that you really feel the lack of pitch. The top of the seat in front of you comes so close to your face that your body has the same reaction as you would if someone were about to throw something at your face. Several passengers from these rows have complained about the claustrophobic feeling they get when that seatback is so close to your face. To add to that, the oversized overhead bins bring the headspace down a couple inches, which on it's own goes fairly unnoticed, but again, in combination with the small seat pitch, it gives you the feeling that the walls are slowly closing in on you. It is not a pleasant feeling. I would avoid the 737/737MAX or spring for the Main Cabin Extra seats to avoid this.
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In retrospect, the MAX should have been released 3 years later to improve the engineering that failed. 300+ people had to die so that Boeing could make a literal quick buck and the payoff isn't worth 300 lives, especially when it could have been prevented with time.
As far as passenger comfort, I would pick a 737Next Gen over a MAX any day. The lavatories are a huge miss, for the sake of an extra row of seats you lose space in the cabin just to maneuver around other passengers to get into and out of the lavatories. That 8 inches of space made a big difference in passenger traffic and efficiency of use of the lavatories. Now I notice a lot more traffic jams and longer wait times to use a lavatory. The other comforts available on the MAX were also available of the 737 Next Gen, with redesigned larger overhead bins, redesigned windows and cabin mood lighting. I saw these features years before on Aero Mexico's 737-900s. Those are really the only options Boeing offers and again are available on older designs of the 737.
The SEAT design is one that can't be attributed to Boeing. The ultra-thin seats that are used now offer less cushion, less stability, and durability, and although wider they still are much less comfortable. You'll notice the seats aren't as stable, especially when you are seated and another passenger either bumps your seatback or uses the headrest as their own personal handrail. The seat has a lot of give due to the lack of structural support. The slimline seats are wider than their predecessor, but take space out of the aisle to maneuver around other passengers and crew. This is much more apparent in the first-class cabin where that first row of seats is visibly closer to the aisle than the other rows. With less room in the aisle on that first row, it would inhibit your ability to bring your carry-on through the first row of seats. AA had to change their retrofit and MAX cabin design to address this issue and did it by making the first row of first-class seats narrower than rows 2-4. If you look closely, you can notice the difference between rows 1 and 2. You'll also be able to notice if the aircraft had the Kodiak retro(fix) by looking at the space between the first row of first-class seats on either side of the aisle. You'll notice the seats don't line up with the rest of first-class. If they do, that aircraft has received the retro(fix.
The last thing I would recognize is the pitch in both first-class and main cabin. The first-class pitch is visibly smaller, to a point you can't help but notice the lack of floor space in front of your seat where you used to be able to appreciate the feel of more space, even in a small area as your seat. In main cabin, the pitch is fairly noticeable, but as a passenger in the less desirable rows, you FEEL it. The row before the overwing exit row and the last row of Main Cabin do not recline. On it's own that can be unnerving, but it is when the row in front of your reclines their seat that you really feel the lack of pitch. The top of the seat in front of you comes so close to your face that your body has the same reaction as you would if someone were about to throw something at your face. Several passengers from these rows have complained about the claustrophobic feeling they get when that seatback is so close to your face. To add to that, the oversized overhead bins bring the headspace down a couple inches, which on it's own goes fairly unnoticed, but again, in combination with the small seat pitch, it gives you the feeling that the walls are slowly closing in on you. It is not a pleasant feeling. I would avoid the 737/737MAX or spring for the Main Cabin Extra seats to avoid this.
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Rick
So far, the comments about going through Customs between the USVI and the US mainland have not been correct. According to U. S. Customs and Border Protection Public affairs officer Jeffrey Quinones (in an online article):
What is seldom known is that the U. S. Virgin Islands is outside what is called 'Customs territory. ' Since the acquisition of the Virgin Islands by the U. S. from Denmark (in 1916, by treaty, customs fees are assessed using local law.
When traveling to one of the U. S. insular possessions, such as the U. S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa or Guam, you are required to clear Customs and Border Protection and are entitled to a $1, 600 duty-free exemption, as long as you are there for 48 hours or more.
You also don't need a passport if you are a US citizen. Any government-issued ID is acceptable.
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So far, the comments about going through Customs between the USVI and the US mainland have not been correct. According to U. S. Customs and Border Protection Public affairs officer Jeffrey Quinones (in an online article):
What is seldom known is that the U. S. Virgin Islands is outside what is called 'Customs territory. ' Since the acquisition of the Virgin Islands by the U. S. from Denmark (in 1916, by treaty, customs fees are assessed using local law.
When traveling to one of the U. S. insular possessions, such as the U. S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa or Guam, you are required to clear Customs and Border Protection and are entitled to a $1, 600 duty-free exemption, as long as you are there for 48 hours or more.
You also don't need a passport if you are a US citizen. Any government-issued ID is acceptable.
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Mathew
Honestly, the Boeing 737 Max is probably the best plane to be used at a bus gate. Just so you can look at those massive engines up close. I would love to board a 737 Max via the air stairs.
This should be on every aviation geeks bucket list. It certainly is on my bucket list.
I'm visually impaired and I usually get to pre-board. If I ever got the chance to board via the air stairs on a 737 max, I would request to not pre-board just so I could spend as much time as possible down on the ramp staring at those massive engines and taking in the views.
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Honestly, the Boeing 737 Max is probably the best plane to be used at a bus gate. Just so you can look at those massive engines up close. I would love to board a 737 Max via the air stairs.
This should be on every aviation geeks bucket list. It certainly is on my bucket list.
I'm visually impaired and I usually get to pre-board. If I ever got the chance to board via the air stairs on a 737 max, I would request to not pre-board just so I could spend as much time as possible down on the ramp staring at those massive engines and taking in the views.
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Nathan
Boeing was pressured to build the max buy the release of the a320 neo. Boeing would have built a 737/757 replacement but could not and they instead built the max. In about 4/7 years I expect Boeing to announce a 797 which will be a plane that has variants that can replace both the 737 and the 757. The new plane with take the technology from the 787 and implement it into the 797. I do expect the max to be a successful plane although maybe not as well as the ng. Prob about 5000-6500 units.
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Boeing was pressured to build the max buy the release of the a320 neo. Boeing would have built a 737/757 replacement but could not and they instead built the max. In about 4/7 years I expect Boeing to announce a 797 which will be a plane that has variants that can replace both the 737 and the 757. The new plane with take the technology from the 787 and implement it into the 797. I do expect the max to be a successful plane although maybe not as well as the ng. Prob about 5000-6500 units.
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Code3Forever
I still believe the MAX is a death trap. I feel you cannot trust Boeing due to their lies and cover-up. I may be wrong but if Boeing did it once, they will do it again in order to save money. I hope there are no more air disasters with the MAX and maybe Boeing should have created a clean sheet jet. I know I will not fly the MAX but will other Boeing models except the 787.
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I still believe the MAX is a death trap. I feel you cannot trust Boeing due to their lies and cover-up. I may be wrong but if Boeing did it once, they will do it again in order to save money. I hope there are no more air disasters with the MAX and maybe Boeing should have created a clean sheet jet. I know I will not fly the MAX but will other Boeing models except the 787.
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erin
you really out here showcasing the luxury life for us peasants to live vicariously thru you! damn i really thought the only perk of first class was a bigger seat and priority boarding. i had no idea first class were getting whole ass meals with desserts while us in economy aren't even given the opportunity to purchase snacks most of the time let alone a meal
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you really out here showcasing the luxury life for us peasants to live vicariously thru you! damn i really thought the only perk of first class was a bigger seat and priority boarding. i had no idea first class were getting whole ass meals with desserts while us in economy aren't even given the opportunity to purchase snacks most of the time let alone a meal
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Mathew
I'm definitely a huge fan of the Boeing 737 Max regardless of what happened. I would definitely prefer to fly on a Max over an older Boeing 737 any day. Hopefully I can fly on an Airbus a320 neo soon so I can compare the two planes.
Have you flown on an Airbus a320 neo yet? And if so, can you do a video comparing the two planes against each other.
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I'm definitely a huge fan of the Boeing 737 Max regardless of what happened. I would definitely prefer to fly on a Max over an older Boeing 737 any day. Hopefully I can fly on an Airbus a320 neo soon so I can compare the two planes.
Have you flown on an Airbus a320 neo yet? And if so, can you do a video comparing the two planes against each other.
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Nigel
The sad reality is Americans first class is probably one of the better ones in the USA. However, thats not saying much. There is no real first class anymore except for perhaps a few routes. Its surly gate agents who cant manage the line, geriatric cabin staff staring at their phones, and masses of filth piling into the cheap seats. Sad, but true.
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The sad reality is Americans first class is probably one of the better ones in the USA. However, thats not saying much. There is no real first class anymore except for perhaps a few routes. Its surly gate agents who cant manage the line, geriatric cabin staff staring at their phones, and masses of filth piling into the cheap seats. Sad, but true.
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Maikel
Well to your question, of course the Max should have been built, it is a great airplane after all, they made mistakes but we humans learn from mistakes. I had the chance to fight in a Max 3 times so far with Southwest and American and i was very impressed. New, big overhead cavins, nice lightning, powerful engines, i enjoyed my flights
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Well to your question, of course the Max should have been built, it is a great airplane after all, they made mistakes but we humans learn from mistakes. I had the chance to fight in a Max 3 times so far with Southwest and American and i was very impressed. New, big overhead cavins, nice lightning, powerful engines, i enjoyed my flights
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David
I can appreciate the safety record for commercial flights, which I would stack up against ANY other public transportation conveyance. Speaking of safety, I can't tell you how often I see some knucklehead blowing through a stoplight or stop sign, and I'm speaking daily! Thank God for the evolution of airline safety over the decades.
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I can appreciate the safety record for commercial flights, which I would stack up against ANY other public transportation conveyance. Speaking of safety, I can't tell you how often I see some knucklehead blowing through a stoplight or stop sign, and I'm speaking daily! Thank God for the evolution of airline safety over the decades.
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Jack
Just because you are gay and are prepared to pay the money to fly first class, do not insult us full-blooded Irish males who are more than happy to fly Ryan-Air and pay a fraction of the price that you pay, all for privilege of better aircraft safety, and the enjoyment to crush into a seat alongside a beautiful colline.
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Just because you are gay and are prepared to pay the money to fly first class, do not insult us full-blooded Irish males who are more than happy to fly Ryan-Air and pay a fraction of the price that you pay, all for privilege of better aircraft safety, and the enjoyment to crush into a seat alongside a beautiful colline.
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Ron
1st Class. Really?
No difference on the ground
Indiffrent flight crew
Cold pre-packed sandwich
Tiny and therefore uncomfortable head
Nice view out the window.
Sounds like poor American service on every level, I'm afraid - NOT a first-class experience at all.
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1st Class. Really?
No difference on the ground
Indiffrent flight crew
Cold pre-packed sandwich
Tiny and therefore uncomfortable head
Nice view out the window.
Sounds like poor American service on every level, I'm afraid - NOT a first-class experience at all.
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Chet
My personal opinion was the MAX was rushed to market due to competitive pressure from the Airbus A320 NEO series. It is a flawed aircraft in some respects. That said, the major safety issues have been addressed and I would feel perfectly safe flying on one.
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My personal opinion was the MAX was rushed to market due to competitive pressure from the Airbus A320 NEO series. It is a flawed aircraft in some respects. That said, the major safety issues have been addressed and I would feel perfectly safe flying on one.
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Steve
I would not voluntarily fly on a 737 max or any boeing plane from now on. I've never worried about which aircraft manufacturers I've flown with since 1973 but I feel that Boeing is just controlled by accountants now and safety is a secondary priority.
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I would not voluntarily fly on a 737 max or any boeing plane from now on. I've never worried about which aircraft manufacturers I've flown with since 1973 but I feel that Boeing is just controlled by accountants now and safety is a secondary priority.
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daniel
I am from St. Croix and why did you say that the island is least visited? St. Croix is a very much visited island. I feel like you are showing all the bad parts of the island. They are working in the airport due to Hurricane Maria back in 2017.
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I am from St. Croix and why did you say that the island is least visited? St. Croix is a very much visited island. I feel like you are showing all the bad parts of the island. They are working in the airport due to Hurricane Maria back in 2017.
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SD-DAD
Great video as always. With that said, I avoid Boeing planes when possible, hundreds of souls perished due to Boeing reckless cutting corners business model. Its like you must have those 22 inch rims on a Prius knowing it won't fit.
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Great video as always. With that said, I avoid Boeing planes when possible, hundreds of souls perished due to Boeing reckless cutting corners business model. Its like you must have those 22 inch rims on a Prius knowing it won't fit.
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Fox
The bath room I went to on a A321 was almost as if it were a fold out bed thats how small it was my booth my shoulders were touching the walls and thats just when I was normally standing my knees were touching the doors the whole time
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The bath room I went to on a A321 was almost as if it were a fold out bed thats how small it was my booth my shoulders were touching the walls and thats just when I was normally standing my knees were touching the doors the whole time
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Benjamin
Jeb, Its not real customs, Puerto Rico has the same thing, USFDA checks your baggage to make sure that ur not brining unwanted food or plants back to the mainland because the islands
have bugs we dont have on the mainland
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Jeb, Its not real customs, Puerto Rico has the same thing, USFDA checks your baggage to make sure that ur not brining unwanted food or plants back to the mainland because the islands
have bugs we dont have on the mainland
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Muthah
I can't imagine flying 737's to Europe! The 757 is tight enough. Single aisle planes are not comfortable. I might be able to stand 3. 5 hours but after that, it is too confining. The 767's were so comfortable in every seat.
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I can't imagine flying 737's to Europe! The 757 is tight enough. Single aisle planes are not comfortable. I might be able to stand 3. 5 hours but after that, it is too confining. The 767's were so comfortable in every seat.
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Delta8777
I do believe that the max should have been built I do believe that Boeing should have slow down and build it correctly the first time but overall I do think its a good aircraft and I would definitely fly on one
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I do believe that the max should have been built I do believe that Boeing should have slow down and build it correctly the first time but overall I do think its a good aircraft and I would definitely fly on one
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misael
the U. S. Virgin Islands is outside what is called 'Customs territory. ' Since the acquisition of the Virgin Islands by the U. S. from Denmark [in 1916], by treaty, customs fees are assessed using local law.
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the U. S. Virgin Islands is outside what is called 'Customs territory. ' Since the acquisition of the Virgin Islands by the U. S. from Denmark [in 1916], by treaty, customs fees are assessed using local law.
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Royal
If you fly Any carrier from Aruba to the USA you must do customs first thid includes Transit passenger from any other carrier.
It saves time in US and reduces stress on the customs in America.
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If you fly Any carrier from Aruba to the USA you must do customs first thid includes Transit passenger from any other carrier.
It saves time in US and reduces stress on the customs in America.
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zodiacbase1
This planes will always be marked by history as Boeing's perfectly designed flying coffin. Boeing's is a negligent criminal organization that put profits first before safety and lives.
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This planes will always be marked by history as Boeing's perfectly designed flying coffin. Boeing's is a negligent criminal organization that put profits first before safety and lives.
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AviGeek
You should not avoid the Flight Attendant Call Button. You are our passengers we want to assist you, also we much prefer you use that instead of any other way of getting our attention.
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You should not avoid the Flight Attendant Call Button. You are our passengers we want to assist you, also we much prefer you use that instead of any other way of getting our attention.
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Red
I was on some plane in first class one time and I remember the lavatory was soo big it had like a couch/bench in it. I can't imagine going from that first class lav to this one.
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I was on some plane in first class one time and I remember the lavatory was soo big it had like a couch/bench in it. I can't imagine going from that first class lav to this one.
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Shaun
I flew the 737 max on a united flight. Smooth; so much better ride then the e175 I arrived in just a day before it was my first time on a max and I was pleasantly surprised.
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I flew the 737 max on a united flight. Smooth; so much better ride then the e175 I arrived in just a day before it was my first time on a max and I was pleasantly surprised.
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Jose
The 737 NG was not going to survive if the alternative was the A320 Neo. Boeing either upgraded the NG or AIrbus was going to have a monopoly over narrow bodies.
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The 737 NG was not going to survive if the alternative was the A320 Neo. Boeing either upgraded the NG or AIrbus was going to have a monopoly over narrow bodies.
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Matt
Yeah, but the 737 max crashes were NOT accidents. 346 people died because of corporate greed.
For this reason, I will NEVER fly in a Boeing plane again.
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Yeah, but the 737 max crashes were NOT accidents. 346 people died because of corporate greed.
For this reason, I will NEVER fly in a Boeing plane again.
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Aaron
Jeb,
By having US customs pre-clearance in St. Croix allows you to arrive as a domestic passenger in Miami which is more convenient for everyone.
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Jeb,
By having US customs pre-clearance in St. Croix allows you to arrive as a domestic passenger in Miami which is more convenient for everyone.
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Suzanne
I will only go on American Airlines and the last few trips I have flown I have gone first class. Treated my Sophomore in high school in October
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I will only go on American Airlines and the last few trips I have flown I have gone first class. Treated my Sophomore in high school in October
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