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
AA2430
DFW – TPA
Departure: 1315
Arrival: 1631 (+1 hour)
Flight Time: 2 hours 16 minutes
Seat: 19C
March 6, 2019
After trying to access as many lounges as I could during the 90 minute layover, I made my way to the gate. The gate area was full of people standing around, blocking the walkway.
Boarding began late, according to another passenger. I inquired about the current boarding group, but other passengers did not have a clue. Using a military benefit, I boarded prior than my assigned group, group 6. I quickly made my way down the jet bridge but encountered a significant wait.
After making it to the aircraft, I was welcomed aboard by a flight attendant then made the turn towards my seat near the back of the plane. I hated passing the bulkhead and exit row seats in Main Cabin Extra for my smaller seat in Row 19.
A flight attendant noticed me taking pictures and said, “you like pictures of seats, huh”? I stated that I did and kept moving towards my seat. At least it was not a United Airlines situation.
The seat was the same exact seat I experienced on my trip to Boston last year. I really dislike the small seat back pocket, There is hardly any room for anything other than a cellphone.
I like tray tables that can be used halved or whole. It allows more space in already cramped seat in economy.
The seat also included an outlet for each seat and an overhead panel with individual air nozzles.
The overhead bins on the A321 seem bigger than on American’s 737. I could be mistaken but I think so.
The setback device was very responsive. It included everything from inflight entertainment to food menu. The setback menu and the actual menu differed slightly. I was particularly interested in the Valencia Chicken Sandwich and Skyline Sparkler.
Boarding was complete at 1318. The pilot, Dennis, welcomed us aboard a few minutes later. He informed us of a 1hr 50min flight to Tampa at 35,000 feet. The doors were closed and we began our pushback soon thereafter. I did not hear an announcement for the safety video but happened to look at the monitor while typing this. Is there supposed to be announcement about the safety demonstration/video?
We began our taxi at 1324. At this point, the safety video was restarted and a manual demonstration was performed. Maybe this is a new thing??? We had a powerful takeoff at 1332. The plane swerved side to side as went down the runway. It felt like one of the pilots was a bit heavy on the rudder pedals.
Once airborne, the seat back menu informed me that Apple Music was available onboard. I promptly tried to download it. I listened to Wu Tang as I tried to get the complimentary subscription. Apparently, the first three months are free and then $10 USD for every month thereafter. I created my profile and immediately listened to 2 Chainz’s new album, Rap or Go to the League.
The service began 35 minutes after departure. I found it interesting that the seatbelt sign was still illuminated. Two flight attendants began serving at the from of the economy section, while began from the rear of the cabin. It took about 20 minutes before the attendants arrived at my seat. I requested the Skyline Sparkler and Chicken Sandwich. The sandwich was not available due to the short duration of the flight. I was not proactively offered any other snack option. I received the Dasani but not the vodka because the flight attendants argued near my seat. During the spat, I reminded her of my vodka, which she provided free of charge. Pretzels were not provided, I assume due to her level of frustration with her male counterpart.
I went to the rear galley to speak with the female flight attendant. She told me the entire story of the conflict. I reminded her that she forgot the pretzels. Slightly embarrassed, she provided me with a bag of beef jerky from a snack box.
The captain soon made an announcement for the flight attendants to prepare the cabin for landing. We began our descent 30 minutes out from Tampa. At this point, the cabin lighting was turned on.
Final Word
What should have been an uneventful flight, turned into something I have never witnessed on airplane. I get that coworkers often have personality clashes, but it should never spill over into the public. Professionalism has to remain at all times. If that cannot happen, maybe finding a different job would be appropriate.
