Introduction: Pandemic Trip to Costa Rica
Review: American Airlines CRJ-700 (First Class) – Oklahoma City to Dallas
Review: American Airlines 737-800 (First Class) – Dallas to San Jose, Costa Rica
Review: Marriott Costa Rica – Double Bed Suite
Review: VIP Lounge/Copa Club – Juan Santamaria International Airport
Review: American Airlines 737-800 (First Class) – San Jose, Costa Rica to Dallas
Review: American Airlines A321 (First Class) – Dallas to Oklahoma City
AA1458
DFW-OKC
Departure: 2057
Arrival: 2156
Seat: 1D
Flight Time: 0hr 59min
October 11, 2021
We had some time between flights so we decided to check out the American Airlines’ Lounge Admirals Club in Terminal C. American Airlines offers, space available, complimentary lounge access to active duty military members on economy tickets. This gave my friend and I a place to chill and grab a beer while waiting for our delayed flight. The restaurants and bars in the terminal were closed. After I short stay, we made our way to the gate. Boarding started 2100, 38 minutes behind schedule. The A321, although it had older seats, felt spacious and comfortable. I was seated in 1D.
Before grabbing my seat, I snapped a pic of the empty economy cabin.
Boarding was uneventful. I think it was due to the late departure. During this time an announcement was played, through the PA and displayed on the inflight entertainment screen, to ask those passengers seated in the Exit Rows to ring the call button if they are unable to fulfill the responsibilities of the seat. This was the first time I had heard an automated recording, a flight attendant usually requires a verbal response from each passenger in those seats.
While we waited, I checked out the seat. The tray table was stored in the center armrest. It could be used halved or whole. The tray table was missing the tablet holder found on newer aircraft/seats.
The aforementioned inflight entertainment screen was on the wall since I was seated in the first row of first class. The wired remote was located on the inner wall of the center console. I did not use it during the short flight.
One thing I can always get behind is the legroom offered at the bulkheads, whether it be in first or economy class. Bulkhead seats are my go to when flying, followed closely by aisle seats.
After 24 minutes, all 189 passengers to OKC were situated and we were finally on our way. The welcome announcement and boarding demonstration were played. Again, there was not too much interaction between the flight attendants and the passengers. There seemed to be no less than seven flight attendants milling around the airplane.
The pushback from the gate began five minutes after the door closed. The plane was silent except for a baby whimpering. At that moment, the baby and I were on the same wavelength as I was ready to get back home. After a nine minute taxi, we had rolling takeoff.
Drink service started 21 minutes into flight which was nearly time for us to begin the descent into OKC. The flight attendant was efficient. She walked around with a clipboard to take everyone’s drink order before returning to the galley to prepare them. I ordered my last vodka and sprite of the vacation. There is a sad feeling having the last of anything on vacation and this was no different. The drink holder extended from the center console.
I watched the Ravens/Colts on American Airlines’s live streaming option over WiFi during the flight…because fantasy football, right? It should be noted that I am terrible at fantasy football. Next year will be an autodraft year for all of my teams. At least my real team is doing well, so far. Go Cowboys! DC4L
We had a smooth touch down at Will Rogers Airport and arrived at gate only 30 minutes after the scheduled arrival.
Final Word
The short flight between Dallas and OKC was quite boring, which is exactly what I needed to after spending the week in Costa Rica. This trip was exactly what I needed after not being able to travel internationally for two years. I plan to travel more in 2022, unless COVID-19 has other ideas. Thanks for following along on my adventures.
