American Airlines Boeing 787 First Class Review [PHX to OGG]

During the busy travel season to Hawaii in December, American Airlines usually operates a 787-8 aircraft from Phoenix (PHX) to Maui (OGG). This flat-bed equipped aircraft is one of the most comfortable ways to get to Maui and is how I traveled to this lush paradise in December 2020.

Airline: American Airlines (AA)
Aircraft: Boeing 787-8
Flight #: AA432
Route: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Kahului Airport (OGG)
Date: December 13, 2020
Duration: 6 hrs 57 min
Cabin & Layout: First class, 20 seats, 1-2-1 config
Seat(s): 3A
Typical Retail Cost: ~$1,100 per person one-way (I paid $300 for economy class and used a systemwide upgrade to sit in first class)

I was flying to Maui as part of a larger trip to Hawaii, first starting in Maui, and then flying over to Oahu to spend time in Honolulu. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I started my journey in Maui to avoid having to retest when flying into Oahu.

This flight was definitely one of my preferred ways to get to Maui, and I had a very great flight experience. We’ll take a look at the aircraft, the onboard service, and the arrival procedures for Maui in this review.

Introduction

American Airlines flies to Maui (OGG) out of 3 of its hubs — Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), and Dallas Ft. Worth (DFW). I live in Washington, D.C., and to help break up the very long journey to Hawaii, I decided to fly from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Phoenix, overnight there, and then continue on the following day from Phoenix to Maui. This was a great decision — not only does it build in plenty of padding in case of delays, but it allows you to get a full night of rest during what otherwise is an endless travel day.

Booking

This particular flight was booked as part of a larger one-way itinerary originating in Washington, D.C. Because of the long distance to Hawaii, I find it incredibly refreshing to be able to break up the journey in both directions. You may need to search multiple segments when you book to come up with this itinerary. For example, searching one day for DCA-PHX, and then the following day for PHX-OGG, instead of just simply searching for DCA-OGG.

Fortunately, this is a valid connection, and when you’re searching on AA.com, this type of itinerary is fairly typical, whether you choose either Dallas, Phoenix, or Los Angeles as your connecting point.

The Phoenix to Maui leg will either be operated by an A321 Neo, or a 787 during the high-season. It’s worth noting that the A321 Neo first class seats are simply traditional recliner seats, and aren’t the greatest for a 6+ hour journey. While the 787 may not be available at all times during the year, it’s a far superior product, so you should keep your eye out when you’re booking.

Bottom Line: You may have a choice of 2 aircraft types to Maui — 1 that features a recliner first class product and 1 that features a flat-bed first class product. If you want more comfort, select the widebody 787 plane.

At the Airport

Because I had checked in the previous day in Washington, D.C. and wasn’t checking a bag on this flight to Maui, I could proceed directly through security without having to visit an agent. This is one of the advantages of booking this type of itinerary, and since the Phoenix airport is known to be busy during peak season, it might be a reason you’d consider breaking up your journey.

Only certain gates are equipped for wide-body flights at Phoenix airport, and for this flight, I was leaving out of the farthest pier to the right-hand side, home to the Centurion Lounge.

Centurion Lounge Phoenix

Prior to my flight, I used the Centurion Lounge Phoenix for about 1 hour prior to heading down to board. The Centurion Lounge is in Terminal 4, right across from gate B22 (and conveniently I was boarding from B23).

To access the lounge, you need either The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, The Platinum Card^® from American Express, or the Centurion Card^® from American Express.

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$3,300

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

• High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card^®.
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• NEW! Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
• 5X Membership Rewards^® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card^®.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Centurion^® Card from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

An invitation-only card with serious luxury travel benefits. If you're not invited, The Platinum Card^® from American Express offers many similar benefits.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Centurion^® Card from American Express

An invitation-only card with serious luxury travel benefits. If you're not invited, The Platinum Card^® from American Express offers many similar benefits.

Annual Fee

$5,000 per year plus a one-time joining fee of $10,000 (for U.S. users)

APR

N/A, this is a charge card,Pay over time is available upon request

Why We Like This Card

The information presented regarding the Centurion^® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

---

After working on your business for years, you finally hit the level of revenue you always dreamed of. There’s still work to be done, but your financial goals have been met.

One day, you get a letter in the mail from American Express saying you’ve been invited to apply for their Centurion Card from American Express.

You know that this is the highest honor they bestow upon their customers, and you’re excited to find out more.

Card Highlights

• There is no welcome bonus on the Centurion Card from American Express.
• 1 pt/$1 for all purchases.
• The Centurion card is an invitation-only card that caters to a more affluent customer segment.
• Dedicated concierge and travel agent.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: N/A, this is a charge card,Pay over time is available upon request
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

You can only enter up to 3 hours prior to your departure, and you’re allowed to take 2 guests with you. I was with a companion that also had one of the eligible credit cards to enter, so we both scanned our credentials separately.

The Centurion Lounge PHX is actually rather small, and there are 2 distinct areas — the main seating area and then a dining and bar area. The seating area features a variety of bench seats, couches, tables, conference tables, and swivel chairs, and I didn’t notice it being terribly crowded during my visit (but I’m sure it would be extraordinarily busy during non-COVID-19 times).

If you’d like to keep up on the latest news, there is a television directly behind the green wall as you enter. Outlets are available at pretty much opportunity, so you can easily charge up before your flights. The lounge was far from crowded during my visit — I had my pick of where to sit and chose a table in the dining area.

For food and beverage, there is a bar and buffet line at the back of the lounge that all entrants can avail themselves to. All beverages and meals are complimentary, though alcohol isn’t offered until the afternoon due to local laws.

Due to COVID-19, all meals were served by a representative, and there was a choice of pancakes, egg scrambles, fruit, yogurt, and pastries. I selected the pancakes along with a side of bacon, and really enjoyed my breakfast.

Mask usage and social distancing was quite lackluster during my visit. Folks didn’t seem to understand the procedure to wait in line, spaced apart, to get food, and there were a number of times when I noticed folks get up from their tables forgetting to put their masks on. Aside from this, there were plenty of social distancing markers, both on the floor and furniture, and hand sanitizer stations throughout.

The Centurion Lounge is by far the nicest airport lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor, so if you’ve got enough time before your flight, be sure to check it out.

At The Gate

At the gate, there were numerous announcements about Hawaii’s COVID-19 protocols and testing requirements, though there was some confusion as one of the gate agents went off-script about her personal experience, causing several questions among passengers waiting to board thinking they had the wrong tests. As of this writing, Hawaii requires a COVID-19 test from an approved state partner within 72 hours of arrival or a 10-day quarantine once you land.

Obviously, the COVID-19 test exemption is the preferred method, though you’ll want to make sure you get it right so that there are no hold-ups.

Bottom Line: Before you book your trip, visit the state of Hawaii’s information portal for the latest requirements for your journey. 

Flight

Aircraft

This particular flight to Hawaii was operated by a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, featuring 20 first class seats, 28 premium economy class seats, 48 Main Cabin Extra seats, and 138 traditional Main Cabin seats.

Because this particular flight isn’t one of American’s Flagship services to Hawaii, there were only 2 classes of service sold — first class and economy class. The premium economy seats were able to be chosen by anyone who was willing to pay a small premium, though the service was a standard economy class offering.

Boarding

Boarding for this flight began on-time, starting with first class and uniformed military personnel. I boarded with this first group, and as I approached the gate podium with my boarding pass, I still noticed considerable confusion amongst passengers about the testing and quarantine requirements.

This particular plane boards with a single jet bridge, and once on board I was directed to turn left into the first class cabin.

AA 787-8 First Class

The 787-8 aircraft features 20 open suites, each with a pitch of about 60 inches and a bed length of about 77 inches. The seat width is approximately 21 inches. These seats fold into a fully flat bed, making this a perfect seat for those wanting to get some rest.

Keep in mind that if you’re in the center pair of seats, there is no overhead bin access over rows 1 and 2, so you’ll need to use the bins located over the single seats on the side or in the center, aft of row 3.

The seats in this cabin are laid out in a staggered format, with every other seat facing a different direction. Starting in row 1, these seats face forward, while the seats in row 2 face the rear, with row 3 facing forward again, and alternating up to row 5.

I selected seat 2A for this flight, a rear-facing seat on the left-hand side of the aircraft. I have flown this plane before and actually like the privacy of the rear-facing seats since you’re seated farther away from the aisle. If you’re a nervous flyer or think you may have motion sickness from facing backward, you’ll want to select one of the forward-facing seats.

One of the major flaws of these particular seats is that because the seats alternate in how they face, the mechanics of the “pairs” of seats are tied together. When the person nearest you reclines their seat, your seat may feel a slight jolt — this is a well-known problem with this configuration.

Hot Tip: We advise that you choose seats next to your traveling companion — this way, you’re seated facing a familiar passenger should your seat start to move.

These are the seats you’ll want to keep in mind when you book your flight:

• Attached window seats — 1A and 2A, 3A and 4A, 1L and 2L, 3L and 4L
• Non-attached window seats — 5A, 5L
• Attached center seats — 2D and 3D, 4D and 5D, 2H and 3H, 4H and 5H
• Non-attached center seats — 1D, 1H

Each seat is equipped with a large television monitor for movies, a tray table that extends out from the side console, and several surrounding storage pockets for menus, laptops, and shoes.

There is a power outlet immediately next to the seat so your devices can stay fully charged.

Bottom Line: If you’re traveling solo, select a window seat so you can have privacy and your own window. If you’re traveling with a companion, be sure to select a pair of seats where the backs of each seat are against each other, to reduce the annoyance of the seats rocking when moved.

Amenities

This flight had limited amenities due to COVID-19, but there were a few enhancements. At each seat was a flimsy pillow and blanket, and there was also a pair of noise-canceling headphones. A sanitizing wipe was provided, as is standard on all American flights during COVID-19.

These headphones were collected about 45 minutes prior to landing in Maui, so if you’re looking to continue watching any films, you’ll want to bring your own headset for the journey. This is a consistent complaint I have about flying American — on many flights, the headphones are picked up so early that they really detract from your ability to watch entertainment. This flight was no exception as the headphones were picked up well before the descent.

Entertainment

On this aircraft, each first class seat was equipped with a touchscreen television monitor that swung out from the side panel. American usually stocks a wide variety of movies and television shows on these monitors, though it’s worth noting that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the live television feature had been turned off.

One of the downsides about how this plane is configured is that the monitor must be stowed for takeoff and landing. Because of this, it’s difficult to watch any shows upon departure or landing, though the television does stow at an angle, so you could awkwardly watch any show in the meantime.

To control the television, simply touch the screen. It’s fairly responsive, though I’ve noticed some aircraft where the screens aren’t as responsible, presumably after lots of use. You can see what is playing on your flight by visiting American’s entertainment website.

Hot Tip: If you wish to watch a movie throughout your entire flight, bring a pair of your own headphones — this way you can continue to listen to the inflight entertainment even when the onboard headphones are collected.

Meal and Service

Ordinarily, in non-COVID-19 times, this flight would feature a full-plated meal service. Thanks to the pandemic, this has been scaled back significantly, and the only flights that have full meal service to Maui are from Dallas.

On this flight, there was a full beverage service offered, though everything was served in plastic cups. For food, there was a choice of a packaged cheese plate or a turkey, Havarti cheese, and arugula sandwich. The sandwich came with a chocolate chip cookie for dessert, and truth be told, this was the real reason I wanted to select this item. Unfortunately, only the cheese plate was left by the time the flight attendant got to my seat.

There are limited quantities of each, and I noticed they ran out of 1 item about halfway through the cabin, so be prepared to not have a choice for food. These are really heavier snack-like items and aren’t a full meal, so if you’re particularly hungry, you’ll want to stock up in the terminal prior to boarding.

The cheese plate featured 3 kinds of cheeses, crackers, grapes, nuts and a small chocolate candy.

Passengers on this flight seemed to take the wearing of masks seriously, though I did notice some passengers being fairly lax with wearing one. Having been on a few Hawaii flights since the pandemic began, I tend to think this is because these passengers assume that they are safe because most other passengers have tested negative prior to entry into Hawaii.

I found the service on this flight to be very abrupt — flight attendants served the beverage and meal service, but really were not out in the aisle other than this. They could have been more proactive.

Final Thoughts

While there are certain precautions in place to limit contact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s certainly nice to have a flat-bed seat to the Hawaiian Islands!

If you’re flying to Hawaii, make sure to specifically look at airports that offer one of these widebody planes as it will be well worth it to arrive rested and ready to start your vacation.