American Airlines, Inc. is a prominent American airline based in Fort Worth, Texas, in the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. When it comes to fleet size, scheduled passenger miles, and revenue passenger mile, it is the largest airline in the world. With almost 6,800 flights each day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries, AA, along with its regional partners and affiliates, operates a vast international and domestic network. American Airlines is a founding member of the Oneworld airline alliance, the world’s third-largest. Under the American Eagle brand, independent and subsidiary carriers provide regional service.
American Airlines and American Eagle have ten hubs, the largest of which is Dallas/Fort Worth. The airline transports around 200 million people every year, with an average of over 500,000 passengers per day. The corporation employs over 130,000 employees as of 2019.
What’s on the inside of an American airline? Let’s have a look at it more closely!
First Class
Many US airlines used to provide both a business class and an even superior first-class cabin. However, as airlines such as Delta and United introduced new and superior business class seats, first class was phased out of international flights. International first class is now mostly available on international airlines. American Airlines is the only major US carrier that offers a truly worldwide first-class experience.
American Airlines Flagship First is difficult to beat on itineraries where it is available. You’ll most likely have a fantastic experience both on the ground and in the air, thanks to beautiful lounges and wide seats.
The “first-class” products offered by American Airlines, on the other hand, are vastly different. Continue reading to learn more about American Airlines first class and the differences between it and other classes.
American Airlines offers two distinct first-class options. American Airlines offers a domestic first-class offering on domestic and short-haul international destinations. In speaking, this means a seat that’s a little nicer than economy, though, on some routes and planes, you might get lucky and receive a lie-flat seat (generally on coast-to-coast flights). You might get a full dinner depending on the length of the flight. However, lounge access is only available on foreign flights.
American Airlines’ “Flagship First” class is available on premium coast-to-coast flights and long-haul international routes. Flagship First is a truly first-class product that is always available in addition to Flagship Business. This distinguishes American Airlines from Delta and United, which no longer provide a truly international first-class experience.
Lounge
When flying domestically with American Airlines first class, you don’t receive access to the lounge. That is true regardless of how far you are traveling. You could be traveling first class from Fort Lauderdale to Hawaii. You won’t be able to visit the lounge unless you have a lounge membership, a qualifying credit card, or pay for a day pass unless your ticket has the magic phrase “Flagship” on it.
On short-haul international flights, first-class usually does not include access to a lounge. However, American Airlines is providing access to first-class travelers traveling between the United States and Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico “for a limited time.” As a result, whenever you fly overseas in American Airlines first class, you’ll be guaranteed admission to the Admirals Club.
Passengers in Flagship First Class have a completely different experience. You’ll receive access to the best-available lounge when flying in Flagship First (Admirals Club or the nicer Flagship Lounge).
Buffet meals, self-serve booze, a variety of sitting options—from desktops to loungers—and even shower suites—are all available in American Airlines’ premium lounges.
When traveling in Flagship First, though, you’ll want to miss the buffet at the Flagship Lounge. American Airlines offers a sit-down meal experience dubbed Flagship First Dining at four Flagship Lounge locations. This restaurant-style dinner option is only available to Flagship First passengers, and AA occasionally invites its Concierge Key premium members via invitation.
These meals are more about luxury than quickness. As a result, you should arrive at the airport early enough to take advantage of the complete sit-down meal experience. Multi-course meals created by local chefs using locally sourced foods will be served to you. A bartender is present at each site to prepare cocktails or provide wine, beer, or champagne.
Check-in
When flying first class with American Airlines, you’ll get access to the Priority check-in line. That means you can avoid using the self-check-in kiosks and instead check in with a real person at the front desk.
Additionally, American Airlines Flagship First passengers can check-in at five airports: Chicago O’Hare (ORD), London Heathrow (LHR), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), and New York (JFK) (JFK). Only Flagship First passengers, qualifying elite customers, and passengers who paid for Five Star Service have access to this exclusive check-in area, which is normally blocked off.
Seats
777 First Class
On its most expensive itineraries, American Airlines employs its flagship Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The first-class cabin is divided into two rows, each with one row of 1-2-1 seating. That means each side of the aisle has a window seat, with two seats in the center. Aisle access is available in every seat. The two chairs in the center are ideal for couples who want to sit together.
A321T First Class
On its premium transcontinental routes, American Airlines operates specially modified A321 aircraft. First-class on these so-called “A321T” planes consists of five rows of one-to-one seating. This means that every seat has both a window and an aisle. Couples who are flying together might choose to sit across the aisle or one in front of the other.
Baggage
You can check up to three complimentary checked bags of up to 70 pounds each while flying in Flagship First class. Keep in mind that the third free checked bag is only valid for tickets purchased in Flagship First class. On short-haul international itineraries, you’ll only get two free checked bags if you fly “first-class” (up to 70 pounds each).
Business Class
Even in premium cabins, American Airlines isn’t famed for its onboard service. However, with wonderful lounges, a comfy seat, delicious onboard food, and attractive facilities, American Airlines Flagship Business class still provides a respectable experience that many travelers believe is worth the money—especially if you can get a good price.
All American Airlines business class seats on its fleet of internationally configured aircraft offer aisle access and recline into a lie-flat bed. This distinguishes American Airlines’ business class from those of other airlines, where you may not have access to the aisle or the seat may not lie completely flat.
However, not all business class seats on American Airlines are created equal. As a result, knowing which aircraft to choose can be beneficial. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about flying business class with American Airlines.
On international flights and select premium domestic routes, American Airlines offers its “Flagship Business” class. Look for a company called Flagship Business. Basically, if your ticket says “Flagship,” you can expect a lie-flat seat, premium lounge access, full food service, and an extended drink selection.
Flagship Business class is available on only three American Airlines aircraft: Boeing 777s, Boeing 787s, and its specialty A321 Transcon (or “A321T”) aircraft, following a substantial fleet rationalization during the epidemic.
Lounge
Admirals Clubs and its more opulent counterpart, Flagship Lounges, are the two types of departure lounges offered by American Airlines. When flying in Flagship Business class, you’ll get access to the best American Airlines lounges available on the day of your flight.
Admirals Clubs are located in nearly 50 airports around the United States. These lounges usually offer complimentary food, coffee, tea, and house beers and wines, as well as a place to get away from the airport terminal. American adds great details like made-to-order guacamole and avocado toast in some places.
Check-in
Nobody likes standing in line during check-in, especially when there’s a lounge on the other side of security. Business-class guests on American Airlines benefit from priority check-in lanes at the airport.
Aside from (hopefully) being a shorter wait, I’ve observed that these check-in counters are often manned by more experienced and competent agents who can resolve concerns and get you on your way faster. Then, depending on the airport, you might be able to use priority security to get through security faster.
Beds
All seats in Flagship Business class recline to form a lie-flat bed. If you have a choice between a few possibilities, you may wish to evaluate the differences between the seat types.
The Boeing 777-300ER business class seats are often regarded as American Airlines’ most luxurious mattresses. The fact that your head is so near to the aisle may be the sole drawback. As a result, passengers who are light sleepers may be startled awake by other passengers.
The Super Diamond seats on American Airlines’ 787-9 and select 777-200 planes are exceptional. When reclining, however, side sleepers may discover that the space between the bed and the tray table is a little tight for their legs.
Passengers in the know refer to the Concept D seats found on American Airlines’ 787-8 and other 777-200 aircraft as “rocking chairs.” Seats are arranged in groups of two. As a result, you may notice it whenever your tethered seatmate moves. If you’re a light sleeper, one of the four seats that aren’t attached to another seat: 1D, 1H, 5A, and 5L, is a good choice.
The A321T business class seats are the only ones that don’t have access to the entire aisle. The person in the window seat must climb over the passenger in the aisle seat to get in and out of their seat since the seats are placed in two-seat pairs. When the aisle seat is in lie-flat mode, this can result in a “straddle or be straddled” situation. However, because of their close closeness, these seats are ideal for couples traveling together.
Premium Economy
American Airlines was the first major U.S. airline to launch a real premium economy offering in May 2017. By the end of 2018, American Airlines has installed premium economy on over 100 planes, demonstrating its commitment to the new product. For international flights, American Airlines has placed premium economy seating on all of its Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft.
If you’re unfamiliar with premium economy on American Airlines, you might be wondering how it varies from ordinary economy. Let’s look at the airline’s premium economy seats, food, and facilities, as well as some frequently asked questions regarding how premium economy works on American Airlines.
Seats
One of the main advantages of reserving premium economy on American Airlines is that you get a larger and wider seat than you would in economy. American fitted Collins Aerospace MiQ chairs that are slightly wider (approximately 18.5-19 inches) than its economy seats for its premium economy product (around 16-18 inches).
Premium seats have a 38-inch pitch, and economy seats have a 31-32-inch pitch. More legroom and a deeper recline are available as a result.
If this seat looks familiar, it’s because American Airlines’ refurbished domestic fleet uses the identical seat style for domestic first-class seating.
In a few aspects, American Airlines’ premium economy seats are superior to these domestic first-class seats. The biggest benefit is that premium economy seats have an in-flight entertainment screen and control, whereas domestic first-class seats only have a tablet holder. In addition, every premium economy seat has a footrest or a leg rest.
American fitted between 21 and 28 premium economy seats across three to four rows, depending on the aircraft type. American Airlines fitted eight seats per row on Boeing 777 aircraft, two on each side of the window and four in the middle. In the meanwhile, American Airlines’ 787 planes have seven seats per row, organized 2-3-2. Couples will want to sit together in the windows in any case, while families would generally prefer the middle seats.
Food
Premium economy on American Airlines features “chef-inspired meals” as well as complimentary beer, wine, and spirits. American will serve multi-course meals with actual metal silverware on top of white tablecloths on long-haul foreign flights. When you factor in the airline’s excellent drink selection, an American Airlines premium economy ticket can approach that of some airlines’ business class.
Unfortunately, this level of care is not available on all premium economy routes. Because meal types are determined by geography and distance, some premium economy passengers receive the same meal and beverage service as economy passengers.
On a recent flight from Dallas to Bogota, for example, the premium economy lunch didn’t appear particularly “chef-inspired.”
Economy
Basic Economy is American Airlines’ cheapest ticket class, offering a no-frills experience with some standard onboard facilities but with a slew of restrictions that will entice many passengers to shun it.
Basic Economy travels in the “B” ticket class on American Airlines, making it simple to recall. However, because B prices are not available on every route, Basic Economy may not be available on your particular flight. American examines pricing, destinations, and demand regularly to determine whether and where offering Basic Economy fares makes sense.
Basic Economy is virtually always available on some routes, particularly those to domestic leisure destinations. Some lines never do, and others have a limited number of B fares. Basic Economy rates are often available at the last minute, even on the day of departure.
Passengers will get a notification before paying on aa.com or any online travel broker (like Orbitz or Kayak) that advises them of any restrictions on the ticket. This is an important warning that has sparked a debate: it plainly warns visitors against ordering a Basic Economy flight and instead encourages them to book a regular economy ticket, which comes with many advantages and benefits.
If you discover a Basic Economy ticket, the price difference between ordinary economy and Basic Economy can be significant (and surprising): it could be as little as $10 or as much as several hundred dollars! We’ve seen a lot of cases when the Basic Economy cost was around $50 and the next lowest normal fare was around $400.
This is perplexing because one of the aims of Basic Economy is to encourage passengers to upgrade to regular economy, but a large ticket difference would make this difficult for many passengers. We’ll defer to the airlines on this weird price decision!
So, what are your thoughts about this? Comment below! Thanks for watching.
