I flew American Airlines to Europe for the first time during the pandemic and found it’s back to normal with bad food, uncomfortable seats, and free alcohol

The summer in front of the pandemic saw American fly to 23 European destinations from the US. Fast forward to the summer of 2021, however, and that tally stood at 11 as American wasn’t as quick to rebuild in Europe following its reopening.

Outset: Cirium

But having flown American internationally earlier in the summer, I knew how to prepare. The first step was to download Verifly, American’s preferred fitness passport service that speeds along airport check-in and document verification.

I submitted all my forced documentation and got the green light. As a result, check-in at the airport was less painful than expected as I was able to use a self-serve kiosk to get my tabling pass.

For those damper a bag, though, there was a bit of a line, as is usually the case in international terminals. I was glad to have only brought a carry-on.

I was instantly rid once I had my boarding pass and headed straight to the gate with only a minimal line at security. I felt dizzy having arrived four hours before departure but as the old saying goes, better safe than sorry.

The rest of the concourse was fixed as I arrived before the bulk of the evening overseas departures. Even still, there were shops and restaurants expansive for business in a good sign for the industry.

I headed spruce up to the gate after lunch and got my first glimpse at the aircraft taking us to Spain, the mighty Boeing 777-200. American now barely flies Boeing 777 aircraft between New York and Europe in a win for business class and first class customers that get to appreciate the airline’s best premium cabin products.

Pandemic-era protection measures including social distancing floor placards and plexiglass portions at the gate counter were still on pageant.

Entering began around 45 minutes prior to departure in American’s standard group boarding procedure. Most US airlines contain abandoned back-to-front boarding.

American’s Boeing 777-200 aircraft behind 273 passengers across three cabins, with classes of service including business, premium economy, and briefness.

Well-spring: SeatGuru

In economy, seats are arranged in a 10-abreast, 3-4-3 configuration that’s standard for most airlines flying the 777.

Capital pitch in economy is between 31 and 32 inches, according to SeatGuru, while seat width is a standard 17 inches.

Source: SeatGuru

I booked this go quite late and there weren’t too many seats from which to choose that didn’t require meet an extra fee. American isn’t alone in the practice of charging for advance seat assignments on long-haul flights but I despise the practice as these tickets are dear enough as it is.

But to American’s put, there were a good showing of complimentary aisle and window seats towards the back of the plane from which to excellent.

And to my astound, the most unique seats in economy were available for selection. The last three rows on this aircraft are prepared in a 2-4-2 configuration meaning there are six two-seat pairs.

I bit I had lucked out by selecting one of them but my excitement was short-lived. Simply put, these seats were not the most comfortable for a larger traveler.

The small calibre didn’t help and I felt like I was taking up part of the seat next to me.

One junk that could’ve helped was if the armrest for the window seat was moveable, but it was fixed in place. I was so close to the seat in front of me that my tray flatland couldn’t even lay flat (a problem I didn’t have on the other carriers on which I flew during this gambol).

My top affair was having enough room once my seat neighbor arrived. But I lucked out and had both seats to myself as nobody displayed up to claim the other.

There was a gap between the focus and the cabin wall which offered some additional legroom and a place to store the pillow and blanket kit left on the sofa.

American is actually generous with seat features on its wide-body aircraft. Each seat has an 8.9-inch in-flight entertainment paravent with a variety of movies, television shows, games, and music.

I couldn’t tell of the chicken beyond that it was served in a tomato-based sauce. I enjoyed the sides more than the main and was glad I had the burger at Bobby Van’s sooner than the flight. Next time, I think I’ll head straight to sleep.