Worth the splurge---American Airlines Envoy Class

   Let me start by saying we fly coach 99% of the time. We got bumped to first class once after missing our connection to Mexico because of a delay. Other than that we fly like sardines, elbow to elbow, knee to knee drinking our one complimentary soda or juice.
    However, for a recent Western Mediterranean cruise, we decided to splurge on our transatlantic flight from Philadelphia to Barcelona, Spain. Basically, we wanted to be able to sleep. Comfortably. This was our kids' first time to Europe and it was going to be a "go,go,go" kind of vacation from the start.
    We usually fly American Airlines. Their international business class is called Envoy and boasts seats that recline flat. Sounded good to us! So we booked four seats in Envoy for the flight over---coach for the flight home.

    With champagne in hand shortly after boarding the Airbus A-330, we met our flight attendants and snuggled into our individual "pod" style seats. They were spacious and offered some privacy.

   Each seat had direct aisle access which was really nice. There's no getting up for anyone except yourself! The seating configuration was a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone. My husband and I were in the middle with a daughter on either side of us near the windows.
   The seats were comfy and outfitted with an amenity kit, pillow, blanket and an awesome entertainment system which we had fun exploring.

   There were more than 200 movies to choose from with the on-demand entertainment. If that wasn't enough, they offered 130 TV shows , 18 radio channels and close to 400 albums. We also had Bose headphones to use during the flight. Our 8-year old practiced putting the seat into a bed while we figured it all out.  Please note she did not have the seat fully reclined in this picture.

    A small, white, linen table cloth was then placed on our tray before being served a snack and another drink. I thought the table cloth was a nice touch. Fancy! It was then time for the flight attendant to take our dinner orders. From the get go, I thought she could have been a little friendlier, especially with my daughter who was acting shy. My husband and 11-year old daughter had a more personable attendant who seemed to be having a little more fun with the passengers. The service was good---don't get me wrong, it just could have been friendlier.
   Dinner service started with some chilled chicken appetizers followed by the main course. My husband and older daughter had filet mignon and our younger daughter and I ordered a fish entree. We all seemed to enjoy our meals. The food was good---not amazing---but good!

   Dinner was topped off with delicious deserts.  You could choose between a chocolate mousse or Ben and Jerry's ice cream. The mousse got a thumbs up from me.

 
   After a movie or two, I slipped on my American Airlines socks and brushed my teeth with the provided toothbrush, tooth paste and mouthwash and turned my seat into a bed. It felt amazing to be horizontal, lying flat in my own little space.  And yes, I slept well. So did the kids. My husband too. We woke up in Barcelona to an awesome breakfast before getting off the plane and continuing our adventure.

    Envoy class was fantastic. It was worth it for us and such a treat.  I could definitely get used to it! I wish we had money to burn so we could do it all again. But we don't. So its back to coach.