After a long weekend in Boston visiting some friends, it was time to hop over to DC for another adventure. The flight from Boston to DC is one that I’ve done a few times in the past. Flights on this route (along with Boston – New York LaGuardia and New York LaGuardia – DC) have traditionally been called ‘Shuttle’ routes, but American removed the upgraded ‘Shuttle’ service from these routes at the end of 2021.
Once upon a time (i.e. in the 80s), the shuttle routes covered the triangle between NYC, DC, and Boston. At the time, the idea was that you could just walk up and get on the plane (and even buy a ticket on board). In effect, the idea was that it’d be as close to a train as possible. It also used to include a small meal and free beer/wine in economy class. By 2019, when I last flew on the shuttle service, the biggest perk was just the expedited check-in. Now, it just operates like any other high-frequency route.
When I was in college (early 2010s), Delta tried to market the Delta Shuttle service between LAX and SFO. I remember being in LAX and seeing ‘Flights to SF check in here’ instead of ‘Delta Shuttle check in’ counters, which was probably because the ‘Shuttle’ branding was meaningless to people on the West Coast.
Upon arrival at Boston Airport, I checked my bag and then went through pre-check. I’ve used the American Admirals in Boston a few times over the years. It’s conveniently located near the gate for the shuttle flight, but it’s not particularly anything to write home about. Instead, I decided to take my Priority Pass for a spin. In Terminal B, which American uses, there isn’t a Priority Pass lounge but rather a Priority Pass restaurant: Stephanie’s.
My flight was around lunch time, so a free lunch was a welcome option. The two people ahead of me in line also had a Priority Pass. The way Priority Pass Restaurants work is that you (and a guest) get $28 to spend at the restaurant on food. The $28 goes toward the cost of the food and the tax but not the tip. The restaurant had a big sign in front saying that Priority Pass card holders through American Express (e.g. through the Amex Platinum card) did not have access to the restaurant. I have my Priority Pass through my Ritz-Carlton Card, which means that I had access. I ordered some clam chowder (because Boston) and some sweet potato fries.
I forgot how big portion sizes can be in the US, and I was quite impressed with the amount of food that $28 got me. After having lunch, I went and checked out the Admirals Club because I still had some time. And honestly at this point, stopping by a lounge is tradition for me before a flight, even if I don’t specifically need the lounge.
After a short stay in the lounge, I returned to the gate to check out my plane. The A319 is a pretty typical aircraft for a short haul route between two major cities. The previous aircraft that served this route was an Embraer 190 (which were inherited from US Airways). These aircraft were, arguably, a bit better suited to the route because they had 11 first class seats and 88 economy seats on this business heavy route, compared to the A319, which has only 8 first class seats but 128 economy seats. As a result, the first-class ticket price on this route is substantially higher than it was pre-COVID.
Unlike my previous domestic flights on American, where I had a 777-200 and a transcontinental A321, this flight was going to be pretty run-of-the-mill.
Once on board, I made my way to the back of the plane and sat in seat 9C, which was an extra legroom economy seat. American Airlines markets these seats as ‘Main Cabin Extra’, and I got free access through my British Airways Gold Status.
The flight was short enough that there wasn’t really any service beyond handing out water and pretzels. As much as I prefer sitting in first class, I fully admit there really is no need for it when the flight is only about an hour.
In summary, this short hop was a pretty average short flight. The lack of shuttle amenities was unfortunate, but I really don’t think many people on the flight noticed the flight would previously have been slightly different from any other normal domestic flight. The Priority Pass restaurant and Admirals Club combo was a solid, free way to get lunch and relax before my flight (4/5). The coach seat was very standard (3/5). There wasn’t much in the way of service (2/5), but the flight attendants were efficient and professional (4/5). The streaming entertainment was a standard option within the US (3/5). The flight was quick and easy, which is what you want on a short hop like this, but unremarkable (16/25).
From a points perspective, the ticket cost $114, which I charged to my Amex Platinum card to get 5x points (568). I credited the flight to BA, which earned me a whopping 750 Avios. The total points earnings were worth about $17.70, which is a decent 15% return.
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