Deciding against a 5-hour road trip, we opted for a short flight between Palm Springs and Phoenix Sky Harbour. With bags to check-in, American Eagle First Class on their E175 aircraft was the most cost-effective option for our short trip from California to Arizona. Here’s our experience…
Flight Details
Flight No: AA3645
From/To: Palm Springs (LHR) to Phoenix (MAD)
Departure time: 16:34
Ticket Class: First
Flight time: 47 mins
Frequent Flyer Points: 1,000
Status Points: 40
Aircraft: N203NN
Aircraft type: Embraer 175
Number of classes: 2
Number of seats in flying class: 12
Seat: 4D and F
Position: right hand side of the aircraft, 4 rows from the front
In this review:
Airport Experience
Palm Springs (PSP) airport offers an interesting experience, bearing more resemblance to an outdoor shopping arcade than a traditional airport. On our vacation, with each of us carrying 20kg suitcases, we easily checked these in due to the absence of a queue at the business/first-class check-in desk, being served within minutes. The security process was notably smooth, and we reached the airside area just 5 minutes after luggage drop-off. It was nice to have the option to explore the outdoor spaces, though we noticed most people preferred the comfort of air-conditioned bars and waiting areas. Eventually, we opted to join them, choosing a spot beside our gate where the temperatures were more bearable.
Boarding & Welcome
Boarding commenced rather unexpectedly when the first passenger approached the gate and was permitted to board; subsequently, the rest of us followed suit. Upon entering the aircraft cabin through the attached jet bridge, we were greeted by a crew member clad in full AA uniform. Given the small size of the aircraft, boarding was swiftly completed, allowing the doors to be secured for an on-time departure.
Seat
The first-class seats on this small aircraft featured extra-wide recliners upholstered in leather. Due to the narrow single-aisle cabin, the seating arrangement was an unusual 1-2. We booked two seats together on the right, though solo travellers have the option of sitting alone on the left side.
Overhead storage space was limited, typical of a regional jet, offering about 50% of the capacity found on standard A320 or 737 aircraft. There was sufficient space for small cases in the bins above our seats, and small bags could be placed under the seat in front. Passengers flying in economy might have found storage space challenging, with some potentially needing to check in a bag.
There weren’t any charging sockets available at the seat.
What is the best seat on American Eagle E175 First Class?
If you’re a solo traveller, 2A, 3A and 4A are the best. 2D & F, or 3D & F as best for pairs travelling together.
See the seating plan on SeatGuru.
Onboard Experience
Because of turbulence, the seatbelt sign was illuminated for the majority of the flight. Movement around the cabin was limited and crew remained strapped-in for the majority of the journey.
Food & Drink
We were offered a beverage before take-off, although we had to guess what was available. We both went for a white wine. It arrived in a plastic cup and was a tepid. Later on, the crew hurried along the cabin to offer a small glass of water prior to landing. Aside from that, there was no other cabin service on this American Eagle E175 First Class flight.
In-flight Entertainment
Bring your own device entertainment was available through the onboard Wi-Fi system. There was a small selection of movie and TV content. Paid Internet access was available during the short cruise section of the flight.
BG1 Verdict
This was a very short “up and down” regional flight, so punctuality and general comfort are the only factors that matter. American Eagle scored well for both. It’s not first class, though. Not by any stretch of the imagination. Price-wise, you don’t get much cabin service for the extra you pay for American Eagle E175 First Class. The cheap wine in plastic cups certainly grounds anyone with grandiose expectations. We came expecting little, so weren’t disappointed. We are, however, particularly unhappy with the baggage handling procedures that resulted in our checked bags emerging with deep scratches and yellow paint marks all over them. The ground staff at Phoenix were unsympathetic and blamed it on a faulty or misused belt loader. For this reason, I’m less inclined to fly this route with American Eagle again and would look for alternative carriers/routes into Palm Springs.
BG1 Tip
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I was unhappy w/my ground experience flying British Airways Seattle – London return in 2008. I wrote a registered letter to Willie Walsh and rec’d a reply with one thousand miles credit to my Executive Club account..
In the situation w/your luggage I would suggest doing the same. The worst thing that will happen it’ll be read out loud at the next shareholders’ meeting!