This is complete guides to American Airlines Business Class that your need to know before flying with this airlines.
Different planes offer different seating configurations for those flying business class on American Airlines.
In numerous American Airlines planes, the terms business class and first class are often interchangeable.
This is primarily due to the fact that only two aircraft in their fleet, the Airbus A321T and Boeing 777-300ER, feature both Flagship Business and Flagship First Class cabins.
For other long-haul international flights, Flagship Business class represents the highest tier available for booking.
On the majority of domestic and short-haul international flights, the front cabin is labeled as “first class,” but it generally consists of larger recliner seats along with enhanced food and beverage service.
If you’re flying long-haul internationally or on transcontinental routes between big cities like New York and Los Angeles or San Francisco, American Airlines has you covered with their business class.
They proudly name their top-notch business class offering Flagship Business.
When you choose Flagship Business class, you’re in for some fantastic perks.
Here’s what you can expect while enjoying the American Airlines Flagship Business class experience.
American Airlines Business Class Cabin and Seating
Every seat in American Airlines’ Flagship Business class can recline to a full 90 degrees, transforming into a fully-flat bed.
Plus, on all Boeing 777 and 787 models, each seat provides direct access to the aisle, allowing passengers to navigate the cabin without disturbing others.
That said, not all business class seats on American Airlines are created equal.
Let’s explore which ones stand out as the best options.
Following a significant fleet overhaul in 2020, American Airlines now features four distinct types of business class seats.
Here’s how they rank against each other.
Safran Cirrus II seats (Boeing 777-300ER Business Class)
When it comes to business class, the seats on American Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER are often hailed as the best in the fleet.
With a reverse-herringbone layout, these seats are not only roomy but also come with smart storage solutions and easily accessible power outlets and controls.
Importantly, they avoid the issues that plague other business class seats offered by American Airlines.
You can expect to find these premium seats on every Boeing 777-300ER, guaranteeing a superior business class experience when you choose this aircraft.
Unfortunately, this standard isn’t met on other models within the American Airlines lineup.
Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats (Boeing 787-9, 777-200 and 787-8 Business Class)
American Airlines has introduced the Super Diamond seat as its new standard for business class, and these seats have garnered a positive reputation for their forward-facing design, ample storage options, and spacious feel.
However, there is a minor drawback related to the tray table, which is positioned beneath the in-flight entertainment screen, leading to limited footwell space.
Passengers who prefer to sleep on their sides might find themselves a bit cramped around the thighs or knees when the seat is fully reclined.
The Super Diamond business class seats are available on all American Airlines 787-9 aircraft, more than half of the 777-200 fleet, and the latest 787-8 deliveries.
Notably, the newest models feature an enhanced design with an adjustable privacy screen between the middle seats, further elevating the travel experience.
Safran Concept D seats (Boeing 787-8 and 777-200 Business Class)
The “Concept D” business class seats offered by American Airlines are often regarded as the least favorable option for long-haul travel.
These seats feature a unique arrangement where pairs alternate between facing forward and backward, which can create a disjointed experience for passengers.
Additionally, the seats are interconnected and lack proper anchoring, meaning any movement from your seatmate can be felt quite noticeably.
Furthermore, the storage space available is limited compared to the more spacious Super Diamond business class seats, making it less convenient for travelers with multiple belongings.
To identify whether your aircraft is equipped with Concept D seats, simply check the seat map provided by American Airlines.
You’ll notice that seats facing backward are marked with a reverse arrow, making it easy to spot them.
This design choice, while innovative, has led to mixed reviews from passengers who prioritize comfort and stability during their flights.
Overall, while Concept D seats may have their unique features, they often fall short of the expectations set by other business class offerings in terms of comfort and functionality.
You’ll find Concept D installed on most American Airlines Boeing 787-8 aircraft and just under half of American’s Boeing 777-200 fleet.
Collins Diamond seats (Airbus A321T Business Class)
The least favorable option among American Airlines’ A321T business class seats, which are used for transcontinental routes like New York to Los Angeles and San Francisco, is primarily due to the lack of direct aisle access for all passengers.
This design flaw can be quite inconvenient, especially for those seated by the window.
On these aircraft, the business class configuration features two seats on each side of the central aisle.
Consequently, passengers seated by the window must navigate over the person in the aisle seat to reach the aisle, which can be a hassle during the flight.
Despite this drawback, the seat remains a decent choice for cross-country travel.
While the arrangement may not be ideal for everyone, it’s important to note that flying in these business class seats can still provide a comfortable experience.
For those willing to manage the minor inconvenience of accessing the aisle, the journey across the country can be quite enjoyable.
American Airlines Business Class In-Flight Services & Amenities
American Airlines’ Flagship Business class provides generous storage options, including compartments for smaller items and side pockets designed for tablets or smartphones.
Some seats even feature flip-up storage for essentials like eyeglasses and reading materials.
Each seat is equipped with power outlets that are conveniently located for easy access, ensuring that passengers can keep their devices charged throughout the flight.
Upon boarding, travelers will discover a complimentary bottle of water at their seat, along with an amenity kit, although short-haul Hawaiian flights do not include these kits.
Passengers can also enjoy a cozy duvet and a large pillow, thanks to American’s collaboration with Casper bedding.
Entertainment options abound, with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and audio programming available on large screens, along with access to Apple Music.
Noise-canceling headphones are provided for an immersive experience, though they are typically collected about an hour before landing, which can be a bit frustrating for those still enjoying the entertainment.
For those in need, flight attendants usually offer lower-quality earbuds as a substitute.
Additionally, all American aircraft featuring Flagship Business class seating come with in-flight Wi-Fi available for a fee.
Inflight Dining & Beverages Services
Prior to takeoff, flight attendants with American Airlines present passengers with trays filled with orange juice, water, and sparkling wine.
Each traveler receives a printed menu, either placed at their seat or handed out, detailing the various in-flight dining options available.
The multi-course meals kick off with warm nuts and a tablecloth elegantly laid out on the tray table, creating a more refined dining atmosphere.
While American Airlines utilizes aisle serving carts to enhance the speed of service, this method may not fully capture the essence of a premium experience.
Drink refills are generous, and soon after, a tray featuring an appetizer, salad, and warm bread is served.
As the official airline partner of the James Beard Foundation, American Airlines takes pride in offering menu selections crafted by skilled chefs.
Passengers can choose from a variety of main courses, typically including options like beef, poultry, seafood, and pasta.
For dessert, travelers can indulge in a cheese plate or an ice cream sundae, with toppings available upon request.
Additionally, customers have the convenience of pre-selecting their meals up to 30 days before their flight through the airline’s website.
Special dietary options, such as Asian vegetarian, diabetic, and Kosher meals, can also be pre-ordered, provided they are requested at least 24 hours before departure.
On select Boeing 777 and 787-9 aircraft, American Airlines enhances the experience for business class passengers by providing a self-service food and drink station.
Here, travelers can help themselves to a variety of refreshments, including water, sodas, sandwiches, and snacks.
While other aircraft may feature in-flight snacking stations on longer flights, these are typically located at the front of the business class cabin.
This setup allows passengers to enjoy a more casual dining experience, complementing the formal meal service offered during the flight.
American Airlines Business Class Lounges
American Airlines operates Admirals Club and Flagship Lounges for Business Class passengers.
The Flagship Lounges are more premium and are available at select airports.
Pros:
- Flagship Lounge: Offers a more luxurious experience with high-end dining, premium drinks, showers, and comfortable seating areas. Some locations even have a Flagship First Dining room.
- Admirals Club: Provides a quieter space with basic snacks, drinks, and business facilities, ideal for relaxing or working before a flight.
Cons:
- Crowding: Both lounges can become crowded, particularly during peak travel times.
- Admirals Club Offerings: While decent, the Admirals Club offerings are more basic and may not meet the expectations of Business Class travelers looking for a more luxurious pre-flight experience.