Introduction: Spring Break in Florida
Review: American Airlines (ERJ-140) Economy Class – Wichita Falls to Dallas
Review: The Club – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Review: American Airlines (A321) Economy Class – Dallas to Tampa
Review: The Café by Mise en Place – Tampa International Airport
Review: The Lure – South Tampa
Review: Delta Airlines (A321) Economy Class – Tampa to Atlanta
Review: The Club – Hartsfield Jackson/Atlanta International Airport
Review: Delta Sky Club – Hartsfield Jackson/Atlanta International Airport
Review: Delta Airlines (737-700) Economy Class – Atlanta to Fort Walton Beach
Review: The Crab Shack – Fort Walton Beach
Review: Mama Nu’s Kitchen – Fort Walton Beach
Review: American Airlines (CRJ-900) Economy Class – Fort Walton Beach to Charlotte
Review: Admirals Club – Charlotte International Airport
Review: Admirals Club – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
AA3612
SPS – DFW
Departure: 1021
Arrival: 1119
Flight Time: 58 minutes
Seat: 10B
March 6, 2019
Due to my mid-morning departure, I arrived at the airport at 8:15. This was a full two hours prior to departure, which was not needed. The terminal was eerily quiet. It was so quiet because the TSA nor America Airlines agents were present. I decided to take some pictures of the terminal.
While taking pictures of the Southern Grill, the bartender informed that the check in counter would open 30 minutes prior to departure (which proved to be incorrect). I decided to have a drink while I waited. When I ordered a mimosa, the bartender informed me that he did not “have the stuff to make it” because the manager was not at work to open the liquor cabinet. Beer and wine were the only offerings. I decided to have a Bud Light.
The TSA checkpoint opened 30 minutes after I arrived at the airport. I finished my drink and headed for security. It only took two minutes to process through the checkpoint, thanks to TSA Precheck. There was an open seating area after security. It included two gates, some vending machines, and numerous seats.
Boarding began at 0952 with Concierge Key members. Group 1 and military members were called to board right after. We boarded through the first door on the left. The aircraft was really small. So small that my head nearly touched the ceiling.
The flight attendant, Y Cien, greeted every passenger as they boarded. He provided the welcome aboard announcement while the last passengers were boarding. Y Cien informed us of the 28 minute flight at an altitude of just 11,000 feet. The entire boarding process took nine minutes.
I found my way to my aisle seat in Row 10. It was a fairly basic older seat with limited legroom. Actually, the entire plane was old. To include the lighting/air nozzle panel and tray table.
The seat back pocket was dirty and full of trash.
Due to the limited space on the aircraft, overhead bins were located only on the right side of the aircraft.
If you can, snag a seat in Row A on this aircraft. I feel like there is more space in this seat.
The safety demonstration began 10 minutes after boarding was completed. We began our pushback during the safety briefing. We left nine minutes early from the gate. After an eight minute taxi, we were airborne. The emergency exit door near 11A whistled during the climb out.
Due to the short duration of the flight, a water service was offered. Y Cien would try to fulfill any other beverage request, if time allowed. The service consisted of a liter water bottle in one hand and and a sleeve of cups in the other. I did not request any. I did, however, request a vodka orange to see if it was possible on the flight. Y Cien stated that he would see what he could do.
After concluding the drink service, he came through the aisle with Biscoff cookies. I do not particularly care for these. It should be mandatory for all airlines to offer stroopwafels. The vodka orange was delivered five minutes after my request. Thanks Y Cien.
It should be noted that WiFi nor personal device entertainment were available on the flight. We began our descent 15 minutes after takeoff. This was the shortest flight I have ever taken. It narrowly beat the Singapore to Malaysia flight I took last year. We had a bumpy touchdown at 1045, 26 minutes after takeoff. After a 12 minute taxi, we arrived at Terminal B.
Final Word
The flight was more than I expected. Thank you to the flight attendant, Y Cien, for being so welcoming and accommodating. You gave me hope for the rest of the day.
