Cancun to DFW – American Airlines Business Class
About My Flight - American Airlines - 787-8 Business Class
In December 2020, I took a trip to Cancun, Mexico. When I was looking at return flights, I came across a rare opportunity. American Airlines was operating flights from Cancun to Dallas-Fort Worth on their Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, which feature lie-flat business class seats. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing many international routes to be suspended, American Airlines had shuffled their fleet, putting their Dreamliners on multiple routes throughout North America.
The cost of a Business Class ticket from Cancun to Dallas was $380 or 15,000 American Airlines Miles. I chose to go with the 15,000 miles as I have plenty of American Airlines miles to use. I’ve flown lie-flat business class a few times before, but never on a 787 Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Before I got too excited, I reminded myself that the level of service would be different than a Transatlantic or Transpacific flight. Still, I was looking forward to seeing how the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s Business Class seats compared to the Boeing 777, Airbus A330, and Boeing 767.
A Review of American Airlines 787-8 - Business Class - Cancun to DFW - Table of Contents
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Getting to Cancun International Airport
I chose to take a taxi to get to Cancun International Airport for my flight back to the United States. When I arrived in Cancun, I had pre-booked a shuttle for USD$35. The cost of a taxi from my hotel in the Cancun City Center was only MX$350 (USD$17.50).
The taxi dropped me directly at the American Airlines check-in area at Cancun International Airport’s Terminal 3.
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Checking In
With my American Airlines Boeing 787-8 Business Class seat came Priority Check-in. There was no one in line, and I was able to check my bag and get my boarding pass within five minutes of entering the terminal.
Due to COVID-19, I had to scan a QR Code and fill out a health declaration. My trip was in December, but as of January 26, 2021, a negative COVID test is required at check-in. It may be possible to get a rapid test at the airport. For more information, visit the Cancun Airport’s website by clicking, HERE.
Security and Boarding
After check-in, I went right to the security checkpoint. Before entering, I had to show the confirmation code of my COVID-19 screening. The security line was longer than I expected, and it took about twenty minutes to clear the line. There was no separate line for first or business-class customers.
After I cleared security, I chose to eat AirMargaritaville. There were only a few options available, and AirMargaritaville was the first place that I found. I ordered the three taco meal. I was disappointed that the tacos were not the traditional Mexican tacos that I had been eating in Cancun. Still, it was a tasty meal and also ensured I’d get on my flight with a full belly.
I arrived at the boarding area about one hour before the flight boarded. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, every other seat was blocked off in the waiting area.
About 45 minutes before take-off, the business class passengers were invited to board. The was no preflight service and no hot towels that I’ve come accustomed to. I am guessing these were eliminated due to COVID-19 protocols.
American Airlines 787-8 - Business Class - The Seat
The American Airlines 787-8 Business Class seat was spectacular. This flight was my sixth time in lie-flat business and I felt that this seat was much better than any previous lie-flat business seat.
The new 787 Boeing Dreamliner had everything that I would expect in a lie-flat business class. For starters, the 61 inches of seat pitch, and 20-inch wide seat, makes a huge difference compared to Main Cabin Extra (35 inches of pitch) or even Premium Economy (38 inches of pitch). The ability to turn my seat into a 77-inch long bed is a perk that I will never get tired of while flying lie-flat business.
One of the biggest differences between the business class seat on the 787-8 compared to other business class cabins was the storage. There were three in-seat storage compartments, two near the window and one in the armrest. Having these storage compartments meant I did not have to worry about any of my personal belongings sliding in between the seat.
As I flew the short 2-hour flight to Dallas-Fort Worth, I spent most of the time editing my website. The giant tray table made it easy for me to get my work done. I was actually more comfortable in this seat working than I would be sitting at home at my computer desk.
American Airlines 787-8 - Business Class - In Flight
While this flight had the best airline seat I’ve ever had, the service was pretty lacking. The lack of service was largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the flight, there was one drink service and then a quick meal service. Options for the meal included a turkey sandwich on rye, a granola and yogurt cup, or a cheese and cracker platter. I went with the sandwich, which was pretty good for a pre-made sandwich.
During previous lie-flat business trips, I had been served a multi-course meal on real plates, with drinks served in an actual glass. I am not sure if even without COVID-19 that I would have received that level of service on a North American flight in just over 2-hours.
As I worked on writing summaries of my trip to Cancun for Buzzin’ Around the World, I kept track of our progress on the 18-inch TV monitor. The TV had all of the standard American Airlines entertainment options.
Customs and Immigration at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
Upon arrival at Dallas Fort-Worth, I had to clear passport control and customs. I was shocked to find the usually busy international arrival hall at DFW was empty. When I reached the Global Entry kiosks, instead of scanning my passport, the machine took my picture and found my passport information by using facial recognition.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I did not have to use the touch screen to answer the normal questions about if I had anything to declare. The machine printed my receipt, and the immigration official barely glanced at it.
As I reclaimed my bag, I had some food items and a statue that I had purchased in Mexico in my hand. A lady scolded me, telling me that “that needs to be in your checked luggage.”
I explained that I was keeping it out to declare it. She laughed and said, “I fly all the time and never declare anything.” My reply was that it only takes one time to lose your global entry. I don’t understand why someone would take the risk and not declare items that require declaration.
I told the agent that I had Mexican chocolate and a stone carving made out of Obsidian. He quickly waved me through. This experience was my quickest experience ever getting through customs and immigration at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
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