With the January 31 flight, American became the first operator of the 310-seat airliner in America. It also marked the unveiling of AA's new look, a silver-bodied plane with an updated logo that's an abstract take on the airline's eagle mascot.

Chris Sloan, an aviation expert and the executive producer of the Travel Channel series "Airport 24/7: Miami," rode the inaugural flight, and was seriously impressed by the experience.

"From a passenger perspective, this is one of the very best flights I have ever been on regardless of airline, aircraft, and destination," wrote Sloan, who paid for the trip at his own expense.