After a family event in Colorado Springs, I boarded an American Airlines Flight from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Honolulu (HNL) in Premium Economy on a Boeing 777. With a flight time of 7 hours and 21 minutes, this long journey was a perfect test to see if American’s Premium Economy lives up to its name.
You can watch my full review on YouTube by clicking here or the image below.
Pre-Flight Experience at DFW
Departure was from Gate 33 at DFW’s Terminal D. While I planned to explore the Admirals Club, a tight turnaround meant skipping it this time. If you ever pass through Gates 33 or 34, take a moment to admire the stunning mosaic artwork embedded in the floor—a hidden gem often missed in the hustle of travel.
Boarding and First Impressions
Boarding was efficient despite the usual bottleneck at the door. My son and I were seated in 14J and 14L on the right-hand side in a 2-4-2 configuration. Many travelers ask which side is best for arrivals into Honolulu—my personal pick is the right side for its frequent ocean-view approach.
Seat and Cabin Details
American’s Premium Economy seats on the 777 are spacious with noticeable upgrades from the standard economy. Here’s a detailed look at the seat features:
- Seat Design: Tiltable seatback screen, storage pockets, and a convenient pull-out tab to hang small items like a purse.
- Footrest: Functional but limited for taller passengers like me (6’2”), as my knees stayed bent.
- Center Console: A drink holder and charging outlets hidden beneath the armrests with a headphone jack marked by glowing blue lights (reading glasses recommended!).
- Tray Table: Located inside the window-side armrest—be sure to pull the tab with the fork icon (not push down like I mistakenly did!).
- Seat Controls: Located in the front console along with the entertainment remote.
Raven Lily Amenities Kit and Pre-Departure Setup
While there was no pre-departure beverage, waiting at the seat were:
- A thick blanket
- Basic pillow
- Complimentary headphones (a bit small—consider bringing your own)
- Raven Lily Amenity Kit featuring:
- Hand and body lotion
- Lip balm
- Earplugs
- Dental kit
- American Airlines-branded eye mask
- Socks
These items were useful for a long-haul flight, and the reusable bag was a nice touch.
American Airlines Premium Economy In-Flight Service and Meal
Meal service kicked off shortly after takeoff. Here’s what we tried:
- Chicken Chipotle Wrap (Me): One of the best in-flight meals I’ve ever had. The tortilla was fresh, and the filling was flavorful and generously portioned. The accompanying noodle salad was crunchy and reminiscent of somen noodles—delicious! The dessert was decent but not memorable. The baked peas? They were… baked peas.
- Vegetarian Option (Son): Spinach Artichoke Croissant, also well received with similar sides.
Snack Service: A fruit, cheese, and cracker platter with tasty cheddar and dark chocolate followed a few hours later.
Entertainment and Comfort
The entertainment system worked smoothly, and I settled into a movie after the meal. With a spacious seat width and good legroom, Premium Economy was a definite upgrade—once you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to go back.
Overall Service
Cabin crew service was efficient but distant, focused on completing tasks quickly. I didn’t make many requests, but I felt hesitant to interrupt.
Arrival into Honolulu
Despite some cloud cover, the approach into Honolulu offered stunning views from our seats on the right side. There’s something magical about seeing the islands come into view after hours over the Pacific.
Final Thoughts: Is Premium Economy Worth It?
American Airlines Premium Economy on the 777-200ER met my expectations in comfort, meal quality, and overall space. Service could be warmer, but the seat comfort and thoughtful amenities made the experience worthwhile.
Looking ahead, I already have a Premium Economy flight booked on a Boeing 787 from HNL to PHX—stay tuned for that comparison soon!
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Nice review. Thank you! I would add that the catering AA uses for Premium Economy on leisure routes is a notch down from the longhaul international flights to/from Europe, S America and Asia.
Thank you for sharing this! I did not know this was the case, I will have to keep an eye out on future flights and make a comparison afterwards.