Flying in Style: My Experience with American Airlines 777-200 Business Class from Miami to Madrid
Traveling is as much about the journey as it is the destination, especially when you’re flying business class. On a recent trip from Miami (MIA) to Madrid (MAD), I had the pleasure of flying American Airlines’ 777-200 business class.
Spoiler alert: it was a great experience both ways, though each leg of the journey had its unique vibe. Here’s a breakdown of the trip, from the bubbles in the lounge to the comfort at 35,000 feet.
Pre-Flight Luxury at the MIA AA Flagship Lounge
Every great flight begins with a solid lounge experience, and the AA Flagship Lounge at MIA didn’t disappoint.
As soon as I stepped inside, the hustle and bustle of the airport melted away. It’s a sleek, spacious oasis with plenty of seating options, perfect for recharging before a long flight.
Naturally, I started things off with a glass of champagne—because why not? I paired it with a few light bites from their impressive buffet, which ranged from fresh salads to savory hors d’oeuvres.
I’m a sucker for good lounge perks, and the Flagship Lounge ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal, they’ve got you covered. After refueling and catching up on some emails, it was time to board the first leg of my journey to Madrid.
MIA to MAD: Forward-Facing Comfort
As soon as I stepped onto the 777-200, I was greeted with warm smiles and a welcome glass of champagne. Pro tip: Always accept the bubbles. My seat was in the forward-facing configuration, which felt private and spacious. The cabin layout alternates between forward and rear-facing seats, and this is usually completely random.
The seat itself was fantastic. It reclined fully into a lie-flat bed, and with a cozy blanket and pillow, I was ready for some solid sleep.
But first, dinner. The meal service kicked off with a choice of appetizers and a fresh salad. I opted for the beef entree, which was surprisingly tender and flavorful—a far cry from the bland meals you’d expect on a plane.
The dessert trolley came rolling through with multiple tempting options, but I settled on a chocolate mousse paired with a glass of port. Delicious. The flight attendants were attentive and friendly, making sure my glass was never empty and my questions were answered with a smile.
After dinner, I explored the entertainment system. It was intuitive and loaded with options, from the latest movies to TV series and games. After selecting a feel-good movie to wind down, I reclined my seat, popped in some noise-canceling headphones, and managed to get a solid four hours of uninterrupted sleep. For a red-eye flight, that’s about as good as it gets.
Arriving in Madrid
Landing in Madrid early in the morning, I felt surprisingly refreshed. The smooth flight and comfortable cabin definitely played a role. Madrid-Barajas Airport was easy to navigate, and within no time, I was on my way to explore the vibrant streets of Madrid.
MAD to MIA: Rear-Facing Reflections
The return flight was during the day, which gave the journey a completely different vibe. This time, we were on the rear facing aircraft. My wife was on the rear facing seat, and I was forward facing. These are her thoughts: If you’ve never flown in a rear-facing seat before, it can feel a little strange at first, especially during takeoff and landing, but I quickly adjusted. In fact, I found the layout just as comfortable as the forward-facing seats, with the same generous space and lie-flat capabilities.
As the cabin doors closed and we settled in, the flight attendants came around with—you guessed it—more champagne. Cheers to that!
Lunch service began shortly after takeoff. The Panang curry caught my eye, and I’m glad I chose it. The dish was bursting with flavor, and it was the perfect comfort food for a long flight.
For dessert, I couldn’t resist the ice cream sundae, topped with a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of nuts.
While the flight back was smooth, I didn’t plan on sleeping as much since it was a daytime journey. Instead, I napped a couple of times, watched movies, and indulged in a few rounds of Woodford Reserve with ginger ale.
There’s just something about sipping bourbon at 35,000 feet that makes you feel like you’re truly living the high life.
The service on this leg of the trip was equally impressive. The flight attendants were attentive without being intrusive, always ensuring I had everything I needed to stay comfortable. The cabin itself was spotless, and the entertainment system worked flawlessly again.
Final Thoughts
Flying business class on American Airlines’ 777-200 was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Whether it was the forward-facing seat on the way to Madrid or the rear-facing aircraft on the way back, the comfort and amenities were top-notch. The food was genuinely enjoyable, the service was impeccable, and the entertainment options kept me occupied throughout both flights.
For anyone considering this route, I highly recommend it. It’s worth the splurge if you’re looking to make your journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Have you flown American Airlines’ 777-200 business class before? I’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below or share your thoughts on social media. Until next time, happy travels and smooth skies.