A review of American Airlines Boeing 737-800 First Class (CLT-BNA) provides an in-depth analysis of the premium travel experience on this specific route. It highlights key aspects such as seat comfort, in-flight amenities, service quality, and overall value. Whether it’s a short-haul flight or a transcontinental journey, First Class aims to deliver a superior level of comfort, convenience, and exclusivity. From priority boarding to extra legroom and elevated dining options, this review dissects every detail to help travelers understand what to expect when flying in American Airlines’ premium cabin.

Flying First Class isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about experiencing the journey in a way that feels effortless and refined. The moment you step into the premium cabin, you’re greeted with a sense of exclusivity, plush seating, and attentive service. But does the Boeing 737-800 First Class on American Airlines truly live up to expectations? This review american airlines boeing 737 800 first class uncovers whether the experience is worth the upgrade or if travelers should look elsewhere for luxury in the skies.

This review of American Airlines Boeing 737-800 First Class (CLT-BNA) explores the entire journey, from pre-flight lounge access to the in-flight experience and landing. We analyze seat configurations, entertainment options, meal service, and the overall ambiance of the premium cabin. If you’re considering flying First Class on this route, this detailed breakdown will help you determine if it meets your expectations or if you should reconsider your travel plans.

Charlotte to Nashville Experience

When traveling between Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Nashville International Airport (BNA), American Airlines offers multiple daily flights on their workhorse Boeing 737-800 aircraft. As a frequent flyer on this route, I recently decided to splurge on a First Class ticket to evaluate whether the premium experience justifies the higher price tag on this relatively short 1-hour flight. This comprehensive review breaks down every aspect of the journey to help you decide if upgrading makes sense for your travel style and budget.

The Charlotte to Nashville route serves as both an important business corridor connecting two growing Southern economic centers and a gateway for leisure travelers heading to Music City. AA operates multiple daily flights on this route, typically using their reliable Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which forms the backbone of their domestic fleet.

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Flight Details:

• Date: February 26, 2025
• Flight Number: AA1422
• Route: Charlotte (CLT) to Nashville (BNA)
• Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 (N908NN)
• Scheduled Flight Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
• Actual Flight Time: 59 minutes

“The true measure of a premium cabin experience isn’t just found in the width of the seat, but in how refreshed you feel upon arrival.” – Frequent business traveler perspective

Booking Experience

Fare Analysis

For this journey, I paid $279 one-way for the First Class fare, compared to $149 for Main Cabin and $189 for Main Cabin Extra. Using points would have required 25,000 AAdvantage miles plus $5.60 in taxes and fees, giving a redemption value of about 1.1 cents per mile – not particularly compelling.

A quick analysis revealed the sweet spot for booking this flight appears to be 21-30 days out, where First Class fares typically hover around $250-$300 one-way. Wait until the last week, and you’re likely to see prices spike to $450+.

Cabin Class	Cash Price	Miles Required	Value Per Mile
First Class	$279	25,000	1.1¢
Main Cabin Extra	$189	20,000	0.9¢
Main Cabin	$149	12,500	1.2¢

Upgrade Options

As an AAdvantage Gold member, I’ve found the CLT-BNA route offers decent upgrade chances when using 500-mile upgrades (now converted to Loyalty Points). Success rates are approximately:

• 70% when requested 72+ hours in advance
• 50% at 24-48 hours
• 20-30% at check-in or gate

The route seems to fill up primarily with business travelers Monday through Thursday, while weekend flights tend to offer better upgrade possibilities.

Airport Experience at Charlotte Douglas (CLT)

Charlotte serves as one of American’s largest hubs, and the experience can vary dramatically depending on your terminal and time of day.

Admirals Club Access

With my First Class ticket, I didn’t automatically receive Admirals Club access (a benefit reserved for international or transcontinental First Class). However, my American Express Platinum card granted entry to both the Admirals Club (through the Platinum card’s lounge benefit) and the Centurion Lounge.

The Admirals Club in Concourse B (near gate B8) offered:

• A moderately stocked breakfast buffet (fresh fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, pastries)
• Complimentary house wines and draft beers
• Premium drinks available for purchase
• Relatively comfortable seating with power outlets
• Clean restrooms with no waiting

Pro tip: The Centurion Lounge at CLT, while smaller than some in the network, offers superior food and beverage options if you have access through an eligible American Express card.

Security and Gate Area

The CLT Priority security lane processed passengers efficiently with a wait time of approximately 4 minutes. The general security line appeared to be 15-20 minutes during my mid-morning departure.

The gate area for my flight (C11) was moderately crowded but manageable. Power outlets were limited, highlighting the value of lounge access before boarding.

Boarding Process

American Airlines implemented their standard boarding procedure:

1. ConciergeKey members
2. First Class passengers and AAdvantage Executive Platinum members
3. AAdvantage Platinum Pro/Platinum members
4. AAdvantage Gold members
5. General boarding by groups 1-9

The boarding process began precisely 30 minutes before departure. As a First Class passenger, I was welcomed aboard during the second boarding group. The gate agents were courteous but focused on efficiency rather than personalized service.

Stepping onboard, I was greeted by name by the lead flight attendant – a small but appreciated touch that reflects proper preparation and attention to detail.

Cabin Configuration & Seat Details

The First Class Cabin

The Boeing 737-800 featured a standard configuration with 16 First Class seats arranged in a 2-2 layout across 4 rows. This particular aircraft (N908NN) had been retrofitted in 2022, featuring the newer cabin interior.

First Class Seat Specifications:

• Width: 21 inches
• Pitch: 37-38 inches
• Recline: Approximately 5-6 inches
• Configuration: 2-2 across 4 rows (16 seats total)

Compared to competitors on similar routes:

• Delta offers similar seats on their 737-800s
• United typically operates smaller regional jets on comparable routes with slightly less comfortable seating

Seat Features and Storage

Each seat included:

• Personal device holder integrated into the tray table
• Universal power outlet (shared between seats)
• USB-A charging port
• Adjustable headrest
• Standard-sized tray table
• Shared center armrest with minimal storage

The legroom was more than adequate for my 5’11” frame, though taller passengers might find the bulkhead (row 1) more comfortable due to the ability to extend legs further.

Storage space proved sufficient for a short flight:

• Seatback pocket easily accommodated a tablet, book, and water bottle
• Overhead bins were spacious and not overfilled
• No dedicated storage for shoes or small personal items

Best seats in the cabin: 2A/2F offer the ideal balance of legroom, recline, and service priority without bulkhead limitations.

Worst seats: 4C/4D experience more cabin noise due to proximity to the galley and have less consistent service timing.

Pre-Departure Service

Within minutes of settling into my seat, a flight attendant offered the traditional pre-departure beverage choice of water, orange juice, or sparkling wine served in a plastic cup – standard for domestic First Class but nothing memorable.

The cabin amenities were basic but appropriate for a short flight:

• No blankets or pillows provided
• No pre-departure hot towel service (discontinued post-pandemic)
• Simple coat hanging service offered

Our pushback occurred precisely on schedule at 10:45 AM, and the taxi to the runway took approximately 12 minutes – typical for CLT’s sometimes congested ground operations.

In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity

Wi-Fi Performance

The aircraft featured Viasat satellite Wi-Fi, priced at $10 for the flight duration (complimentary for First Class passengers). Speed testing revealed:

• Download: 14.6 Mbps
• Upload: 2.8 Mbps
• Ping: 720ms

These speeds allowed for comfortable email checking, web browsing, and even standard-definition video streaming, though video calls would have been challenging.

Entertainment Options

Like most of American’s narrowbody fleet, this aircraft relied on personal device entertainment rather than seatback screens:

• Free streaming of movies, TV shows, and live TV via the American Airlines app
• Approximately 150+ movies and TV options
• Limited live TV channels (mostly news and sports)

Content selection was appropriate for a short flight, with recent releases and classics available. The personal device holder integrated into the tray table worked well for phones but was less stable for larger tablets.

Dining Experience

For this mid-morning departure, American offered a light meal service that exceeded my expectations for such a short flight.

Menu and Presentation

First Class passengers received:

• Choice of breakfast sandwich (egg and cheese croissant) or fruit plate
• Side of fresh fruit cup regardless of main choice
• Warm cookie service approximately 30 minutes before landing
• Full beverage service including alcohol

The food was served on a ceramic plate with actual metal cutlery – a welcome touch that maintains some premium feel compared to economy’s disposable serviceware.

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Food Quality

The egg and cheese croissant was surprisingly well-executed:

• Properly heated with melted cheese
• Crisp rather than soggy exterior
• Generous portion size

The fruit cup contained cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, and grapes – all fresh and ripe.

Beverage Service

The beverage selection included:

• Full bar service (premium spirits, wine, beer)
• Soft drinks and juices
• Coffee (regular and decaf) and tea

I opted for coffee, which was served in a substantial ceramic mug rather than the plastic cups often found on shorter flights. The coffee was hot and reasonably flavorful – better than many airline offerings.

Service Timing and Efficiency

Given the short flight duration, the crew executed service impressively:

• Pre-departure beverages offered within 2 minutes of boarding
• Main meal service began 12 minutes after reaching cruising altitude
• Plates cleared promptly upon completion
• Second beverage round offered mid-flight
• Cookie service approximately 15 minutes before descent began

Comfort Factors

Cabin Environment

The in-flight experience was enhanced by several environmental factors:

• Cabin temperature remained comfortable throughout (approximately 72°F)
• Noise levels were moderate, with the retrofitted cabin showing improved sound insulation
• Air quality felt fresh with no stuffiness even toward the end of flight
• Window shades were kept open per crew request, providing lovely views of the Southeast landscape

Seat Comfort

For a short flight, the seat comfort was more than adequate:

• Cushioning remained supportive throughout
• Recline was sufficient for relaxation without feeling intrusive to the passenger behind
• Armrests were well-padded, though the shared center armrest occasionally led to the “elbow dance” with my seatmate

Crew Service Quality

The cabin amenities and hard product only tell part of the story. On this flight, the crew significantly elevated the experience:

• Personalization: Flight attendants addressed First Class passengers by name throughout
• Attentiveness: Empty glasses never lingered more than a few minutes
• Genuine interaction: Brief but pleasant conversations that felt authentic rather than scripted
• Anticipation: Offered refills proactively rather than waiting to be asked

Case Study: Service Recovery When the passenger across the aisle discovered their preferred meal choice was unavailable, the lead flight attendant:

1. Sincerely apologized for the inconvenience
2. Offered a complimentary premium drink as compensation
3. Checked back after meal service to ensure satisfaction
4. Provided their employee number and encouraged feedback to customer service

This level of service recovery demonstrates proper training and customer-focused values.

Arrival Experience at Nashville (BNA)

Our flight arrived 11 minutes ahead of schedule at BNA, pulling into gate C10.

Deplaning and Baggage

The deplaning process was orderly, with First Class passengers able to exit without rushing. From aircraft door opening to stepping into the terminal took approximately 3 minutes.

For checked baggage, American’s priority baggage handling delivered my checked bag to the carousel within 14 minutes of arrival at the gate – not exceptionally fast but consistent with their advertised standards.

Nashville’s compact terminal design meant a short walk to ground transportation, with clear signage throughout.

Value Analysis

The central question: Was First Class worth it for this short hop?

Cost-Benefit Analysis

For the $130 premium over Main Cabin, First Class delivered:

• Approximately 5 inches of additional legroom
• Priority boarding, security, and baggage handling
• Free alcoholic beverages (value: ~$16-24 if purchased in Main Cabin)
• Meal service (value: ~$12-15 compared to airport purchases)
• Enhanced service and comfort

Main Cabin Extra as an Alternative For just $40 more than regular economy, Main Cabin Extra would have provided:

• 3-4 inches of additional legroom (vs. regular economy)
• Priority boarding (Group 5 instead of Group 6-9)
• Complimentary beer and wine
• Same seat width as regular economy

Who Should Upgrade?

Based on this experience, First Class on the CLT-BNA route makes most sense for:

• ✅ Business travelers whose companies will cover the cost
• ✅ Taller passengers who genuinely need the additional space
• ✅ Those who value the certainty of overhead bin space and priority deplaning
• ✅ Travelers connecting from international premium cabins who want consistent service

It’s harder to justify for:

• ❌ Budget-conscious leisure travelers
• ❌ Shorter passengers who find economy seats comfortable enough
• ❌ Travelers who don’t care about food or beverage service
• ❌ Those who wouldn’t otherwise check a bag (diminishing the priority baggage benefit)

Final Verdict

Rating Breakdown

Category	Rating (1-10)	Comments
Seat Comfort	7.5	Comfortable for short-haul, but not exceptional
Meal Service	8	Surprisingly good for flight duration
Crew	9	Attentive, personable, proactive
Wi-Fi/Entertainment	6.5	Functional but limited by personal device requirement
Ground Experience	7	Efficient but not luxurious
Value	7	Worthwhile for certain travelers, expensive for others
Overall	7.5	Solid premium experience for a short domestic hop

Strengths and Weaknesses

What Impressed:

• Service efficiency despite short flight time
• Food quality exceeding expectations
• On-time performance
• Clean, well-maintained cabin

What Could Improve:

• Dated power outlet configuration
• Limited pre-departure amenities
• No dedicated premium security lane at CLT
• Minimal differentiation in ground experience

American Airlines’ Boeing 737-800 First Class offering between Charlotte and Nashville delivers a pleasant, efficient premium experience that prioritizes the elements that matter most on a short flight: comfortable seating, efficient service, decent food, and reliable timing.

While not a luxury experience by any measure, it provides tangible benefits over economy that many business travelers and those seeking extra comfort will appreciate. The primary question isn’t whether it’s better than economy (it certainly is), but whether the improvement justifies the price premium for your specific needs and values.

For frequent American flyers with status, using upgrade instruments on this route represents excellent value. For cash bookings, the justification depends heavily on your personal valuation of comfort and convenience against your travel budget.

Reader Tips

Maximize Your Experience:

• Book seats in Row 2 for the best balance of legroom, recline, and service priority
• Download the AA app before boarding to access entertainment options
• Consider bringing your own headphones as they’re not provided
• Use the Charlotte Centurion Lounge if you have access through Amex
• Request a pre-departure beverage immediately after boarding as service time is limited

Connection Strategies at CLT:

• Allow at least 45 minutes for connections during peak times
• Concourses B and C are easily walkable; D and E require more time
• Use the internal shuttle for A-to-E connections to save time

BNA Navigation Tips:

• Rideshare pickup has moved to the ground transportation area (follow signs)
• Security lines peak between 5-7am and 4-6pm on weekdays
• The new expanded terminal has significantly improved dining options near A/B gates

See Also: Flight Review: Delta One 767-300 Business Class from SFO to JFK

FAQs

1. What amenities are available in First Class on the Boeing 737-800?

First Class passengers enjoy wider seats with increased legroom, priority boarding, complimentary meals, and beverages.

2. How many seats are in the First Class cabin of the 737-800?

The First Class cabin typically features 16 seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration.

3. Is in-flight entertainment provided in First Class?

Yes, passengers have access to seatback entertainment screens or can stream content to personal devices.

4. What is the baggage allowance for First Class passengers?

First Class travelers can check two bags free of charge, each weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kg).

5. Are power outlets available at First Class seats?

Yes, each First Class seat is equipped with power outlets to charge electronic devices.

Conclusion

This review-american-airlines-boeing-737-800-first-class shows that the experience offers comfort, priority perks, and better service than the main cabin. The seats are roomy, the service is attentive, and the overall journey feels more relaxed. However, for a short flight like CLT to BNA, some may question if the upgrade is worth the cost.

Overall, this review-american-airlines-boeing-737-800-first-class highlights both the good and the areas that need improvement. While the seating and service stand out, the in-flight amenities and meal options may not always meet premium expectations. If you value extra space and a hassle-free experience, this First Class cabin could be a great choice.

Have you flown American’s First Class on this route? Share your experience in the comments below! Did you find the upgrade worthwhile, or do you prefer to save your dollars for longer flights