VENICE- An American Airlines (AA) business class trip from Austin (AUS) to Venice (VCE) via Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) promised a smooth journey—but delivered a mixed experience, especially for a family traveling with small children.
Despite securing business class seats on AA’s Boeing 777-200 using AAdvantage miles, the flight came with broken seats, poor in-flight service, and challenges navigating the strict seatbelt policy with a fussy toddler.
Photo: CanvaAmerican Airlines Broken Business Class
Gary Leff, a popular blogger who writes for View from the Wing, shared his experience, and he mentioned it was not a pleasant one.
The transatlantic journey started with an optimistic itinerary: Austin to Venice via Dallas on American Airlines (AA). The long-haul segment was operated by a Boeing 777-200, featuring the older Safran ‘Concept D’ business class seats.
Originally planned for a Boeing 787-8, the equipment swap offered more business class availability, but not necessarily better comfort.
The family booked award tickets at 61,000 AAdvantage miles per seat, plus $267 for an infant fare. A separate 20,000-mile redemption granted access to Flagship First Dining at DFW, a strong start that included premium champagne and a well-reviewed meal—perks not usually included with standard business class lounge access.
However, once onboard, the experience quickly turned uneven. The older business seats lacked storage and stability. The divider between middle seats was permanently open due to known design flaws, and the rocking sensation between paired seats was unavoidable.
Despite the promising Caspar bedding and Bang & Olufsen headphones, the hard product felt outdated.
Photo: American Airlines (Representative Photo)Inconsistent Service and Onboard Issues
Flight attendants provided pre-departure drinks on the short AUS–DFW segment and offered standard business class service during the transatlantic leg. But the crew’s attentiveness varied.
One flight attendant seemed unfamiliar with business class service, initially denying the presence of an espresso machine onboard. Another strictly enforced seatbelt rule, scolding passengers—including the parents of a walking infant—despite minimal turbulence.
The meal service also underwhelmed. Breakfast was described as inedible, and the amenity kits, although rebranded with Brandon Blackwood, offered little improvement in contents.
These inconsistencies in service left a lasting impression that didn’t match the expectations typically associated with international business class.
Photo: Clément AlloingInfant Travel and Cabin Limitations
One of the biggest friction points came from the challenges of traveling with a one-year-old. Although the child remained mostly calm, attempts to quietly walk him in the aisle during the night were met with resistance from the crew, citing prolonged seatbelt sign enforcement.
While the FAA seatbelt rule was technically followed, the crew’s rigid approach contrasted with industry norms and added stress to already exhausted parents.
Storage limitations in the business class seats didn’t help, especially for a family juggling baby supplies. Fortunately, immigration at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) was quick, and baggage claim was efficient—offering some relief after the flight.
Photo: American AirlinesWas It Worth the Miles?
From a redemption value standpoint, the trip offered solid mileage utility. Award space was available, the routing was convenient, and premium lounge access elevated the pre-flight experience. But the onboard product showed its age.
For families or travelers prioritizing service consistency and modern seat design, other airlines or newer AA aircraft might provide a better overall experience.
American Airlines continues to upgrade its premium cabins on key international routes, especially to Asia and the Middle East. But on this flight, passengers received an aging product with patchy service. The value was there—but so were the compromises.
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