This post covers my Weekend Mileage Run trip on American from Minneapolis to Dallas Fort Worth –
I recently took a mileage run weekend trip which originally included going cross country to New York and back; however, due to the East Coast Snowstorm, it ended up being two nights in San Francisco.
The trip report will cover the following posts:
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – Introduction
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – American Air – Minneapolis to Dallas Fort Worth
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – American Admiral’s Club DFW C19
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – American Air Dallas Fort Worth to Los Angeles
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – American Air – Los Angeles to San Francisco
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – Grand Hyatt San Francisco Hotel
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – Sightseeing in San Francisco
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport Hotel
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – American Admiral’s Club at San Francisco Airport
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – American Air – San Francisco to Los Angeles
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – American Admiral’s Club at LAX T4
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – Alaska Airlines Boardroom at LAX T6
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – American Air – Los Angeles to Phoenix
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – American Air – Phoenix to Minneapolis
Weekend Mileage Run Trip Report – American Air – Minneapolis to Dallas Fort Worth
Date: January 23, 2016
Flight: AA 2274
From: Minneapolis – MSP
To: Dallas Fort Worth – DFW
Aircraft: 737
Seat 5B
The trip to Dallas started out with a very early morning at Minneapolis airport. I arrived at approximately 3:50 AM. At that time there is only one security line that is open. The line does not offer pre-check; however, there is a Priority Lane to one side of the line.
I approached the security area and utilized the Priority Lane. After waiting for about three minutes, I reached the front of the line and was greeted by a TSA representative. After providing my boarding pass and ID, I was invited to enter. Knowing that the security lane open at that time was a regular line. I printed a paper copy of the boarding pass so that I could keep my shoes on. The TSA rep said I could do that and he told me to show the boarding pass to the agent near the X-Ray machine. The line moved slowly and it appeared that there were a lot of bag checks.
After 10 minutes, I was able to complete the security process and I entered the terminal. I went for a short walk before making my way to the gate.
For this flight, I received an upgrade at the 100-hour window.
The flight was assigned to depart from C10, which is a shared gate with Delta. I approached the boarding area and found it to be very congested. No American Air signs were present except for a tiny screen that listed all the flights departing from the area. The gate signs did not list the flight or destination as the gate is primarily for Delta. I overhead a lot of other guests commenting that it was confusing. The gate agents made a few announcements; however, the area was quite confusing and it was crowded. Three flights leave around 5:00 AM; Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix.
I stood in the boarding area and waited for boarding to begin. The gate agents made an announcement that boarding would start. Guests were asked to line up at the desk next to the regular gate, which further made the process confusing. Boarding began on time.
When I reached the front of the line, the gate agent asked if I was flying first class and I said yes and she asked me to scan my boarding pass. After I scanned it she thanked me and invited me to board.
I entered the aircraft and was greeted by two flight attendants. The flight attendants welcomed me. I made my way to my seat. At the seat, I found headphones and a blanket.
My seat was 5B which is a standard first class seat. It reclines and pivots forward to allow for less disruption to the guest seating behind you.
Boarding was somewhat slow and it continued until just after the scheduled departure time. No pre-departure beverages were offered.
The flight attendants made a few announcements before closing the door. At first it appeared that there was a problem with the overhead video screens; however, after a few minutes the flight attendants got it to work and they played the safety video.
It was noted that the safety video has been updated to reflect the new AA livery, however, the content itself remained the same old video.
After a few minute taxi, the pilot announced that we would be taking off shortly and for the flight attendants to prepare for departure.
The flight took off and once we were in the air, the monitors were lowered and some video content including NBC television shows were played.
The flight attendants made a few announcements to welcome guests and the pilot gave a brief message.
A few minutes later, a flight attendant approached my seat and greeted me but did not use my name. The flight attendant asked if I would like a beverage. I requested orange juice and she offered ice. I declined and she thanked me. The flight attendant wished me a good flight.
A few minutes later, the flight attendant provided the beverage and offered a choice from the snack basket. I selected a cinnamon chip bread and a date bar.
The cinnamon chip bread was fresh and it was sweet and had a good flavor. The date bar was slightly dry and but it had a good flavor overall.
A flight attendant checked in and removed the used materials. She offered a second drink and quickly provided it.
The flight attendants were polite and they were visible in the cabin throughout the flight.
A short while later, the Captain made an announcement with arrival information and he asked the flight attendants to prepare the cabin for landing.
The flight attendants returned to my seat to remove my glass. They thanked me sincerely as they picked up the item.
Near the end of the flight, there was a beautiful sunrise with various colors between red and orange. The view was amazing. Unfortunately, the picture from the aisle seat does not due it justice.
The plane landed a little early. After a short taxi, the plane arrived at the gate. As I departed the airplane, the flight attendants thanked me and wished me a good day.
Overall the flight was enjoyable. It was nice that the flight attendants were visible in the cabin and they were proactive in offering additional beverages.
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