Let’s talk about route options for a second. I didn’t fly to South Africa on a traditional flight route. Usually, flights from LA go from LAX to LHR (London Heathrow) or Doha. Then to Johannesburg. These are two options you have. However, since I’m doing the first half of the flights free (paid for with miles) we need to get creative. In other words, my non-traditional (yes, I’m very non-traditional. So non-traditional people already expect this from me,) flight is going from John Wayne Airport in Orange County, to Dallas Fort Worth, to Sao Paulo Brazil, to Johannesburg, to Cape Town. Yes, thats a lot but I think I’m ready!

The First Flight: American Airlines in First class in an 737 from SNA to DFW

As I write this, I’m only about half way across the long journey to South Africa. To be more specific, I’m actually on a Latam flight in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. But that’s not where this journey begins. I want to start at the beginning. Los Angeles is where this journey really starts. This is the long trek to South Africa and the many flights, layover, hotel stays and quirky mishaps that occurred along the way.

The first flight is on American Airlines 737-800 from SNA (John Wayne Airport) to DFW (Dallas Fort Worth.) It’s a morning flight which means we expect about an hour and thirty minute drive down the dreaded 405 freeway. It actually takes us longer than that but since the flight is delayed due to weather we’re not panicking.

With pre-check, we walk through security in 4 minutes and head to the Admirals Lounge for some breakfast and morning champagne… I mean who doesn’t start their vacation right away?

via GIPHY

Considering we’re in first class, we board first so it doesn’t matter if we’re late for boarding or not, they’ll stop the line and let us board in any case. Therefore, we relax and make sure we set our brain to vacation mode completely.

The Plane

Considering this plane is a 737 the first class configuration isn’t as big as you’d expect. There’s 16 people in first. The seats are pretty much nice recliners at this point. Think of premium economy. They have extra leg space. They’re nice and cushiony. The seats recline nicely. To top it off, even though the seats are smaller than most first class seats, it’s big enough for my wide shoulders. There’s even screens for us to watch movies, which means it’s a newer plane. The older 737s don’t have screens on each seat. We’re set. 

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A flight from SNA to DFW is only about 2.5 hours and I gotta say it went by pretty fast. I managed to distract myself by watching Crazy Rich Asians and crying the entire length of the trip! Why didn’t anyone tell me this movie is tear-jerker? I mean, who is good enough for that family?? 

The Meal

There’s several meals to choose from the menu. I always end up feeling over-full from all the food they give you. I don’t like feeling like that. So, I chose to eat the Asian Chicken Salad and a coffee as usual. I had my “Bon Voyage” champagne in the lounge before takeoff, therefore I didn’t feel like I was missing out.

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To be completely honest, the Asian Chicken Salad is only okay. It’s somewhat dry. The majority of it is cabbage. Although, the chicken is decent. I’m glad I tried it. Nothing wrong with expanding your horizons, while above the horizon (Ohhh hey, see what I did there?? Haha.)

As Crazy Rich Asians completed, they announced our initial decent. We landed in Dallas shortly after. This plane ride was supposed to be full of turbulence but it was actually a smooth ride.

Let Me Break It Down For You:

Flight from SNA to DFW is 2.5 hours on a 737.

First class is decent, they’re not pods. Its a smaller plane.

The Asian Chicken Salad is okay. Nothing to write home about.

The entertainment was great. I watched Crazy Rich Asians and got all choked up in the meantime.

It’s comfy and quick. Cant complain.

Paid for with points.