Starting 2022 off with a destination not often visited by most! My friend’s Ronnie and Jared are joining me on a trip to Africa! Ronnie is starting his journey from Tampa so he won’t be with us until we arrive.

Flying First Class isn’t what it used to be pre-Covid, but it’s still enjoyable sitting at the front of the plane with lots of legroom extra reclining chairs. Our flight was at 5:06 pm and we got to the airport at 3:30 to make sure AA had time to check our bags and all of our documents and to make sure our international travel was smooth. Since we were in domestic First Class/International Business Class on a OneWorld airline we were able to start check-in at the Priority lane.

Check-in was super smooth and we walked towards security. Both Jared and have Global Entry (which includes Pre-Check) and also Clear! This makes security a breeze. Orlando tourist season is back in full swing and there’s often long lines even for Pre-Check. Clear takes away one of the most annoying parts about going to the airport, waiting in line. With Clear we walk up to an agent, they scan your eyes or fingerprints and the walk you to the front of the Pre-Check line. It took less than 1 minute and we were right at the front of the line. I wish I bought Clear years ago!

Next we take the transit bus/train to our terminal and head straight to the Admirals Club. Normally, most domestic First Class itineraries don’t get access, so on American Airlines/Alaska Airlines flights I get myself and up to 2 guests in using the AA Executive Card and a boarding pass; but this time we got in by simply scanning our boarding passes because we’re on an International Business Class OneWorld same day flight!

Finally, it’s time to board our plane! It’s a 737-800 and I’m in seat 2F. The purser (head flight attendant) offers us boarding drinks and we wait patiently for boarding to complete so that we can take off.