My first flight on the brand new American Airlines 787-9 with Flagship Suites exceeded my expectations and represents the best way to travel between Los Angeles and Chicago.

My First Flight On AA Flagship Suites

As I detailed yesterday, I’m on a short journey to Germany to pick up my children from their summer holiday. My outbound journey includes flying from Los Angeles to London via Chicago on American Airlines, with both segments operated by a brand new Dreamliner with AA’s latest “Flagship Suites” onboard.

I had intended to get to the airport before dawn so I could lounge hop, but went to the gym instead and hit traffic driving to the airport. By the time I arrived, I had only a moment to stop at the Alaska Airlines lounge for coffee before walking over to the Tom Bradley International Terminal, where my flight would be departing from.

Boarding began 40 minutes prior to departure, and I boarded to find a very sleek and clean cabin. The colors work well, especially with the mood lighting on.

I was seated in 14A on this flight, the last row of business class. Checking out the seat, I noticed wireless charging (it did not work) as well as a USB-A, USB-C, and universal power port, all easily within reach.

The seat also has a storage cabinet with a mirror, reading light, cabin light (sconce), and overhead light. The doors have now been certified and can be closed after takeoff. There’s also a handy little shelf that flips down below the literature rack that is large enough for mixed nuts and a beverage–a very thoughtful touch.

I pre-ordered the grain bowl for lunch..I’ve come a long way from the days in which I would have always chosen the enchiladas or beef short ribs with macaroni & cheese. This was an excellent choice and I very much enjoyed the lunch…the mixed grains were nicely spiced with pickled onions, cauliflower, and chunks of sweet potato were served with salmon and a creamy green sauce. A very good lunch (with a choice of ice cream or fruit & cheese for dessert).

There’s certainly privacy when the doors are closed…and flight attendants are instructed not to bother guests if their door is closed.

I put the seat in lie-flat mode and took a little nap before landing…I’m a side sleeper and there was a good amount of space for my knees when I slept with my knees facing the fuselage (you can see the extra space in the picture below).

We landed ahead of schedule in Chicago, where I had a bit of time before my connecting flight to London.

It’s always fun to fly on a widebody jet on a domestic flight and despite the fierce competition and frequencies on the LAX-ORD route, AA3249 is the poshest way to travel right now. Enjoy this aircraft on the route for the duration of the summer…it comes off when the winter schedule goes live.

Next stop: London.