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The Guide to American Airlines Business Class

JT Genter

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

How to book American Airlines business class

The airport experience, american airlines business class seats, american airlines business class amenities, in-flight dining.

American Airlines offers business class on long-haul international flights as well as transcontinental flying between major markets like New York and Los Angeles or San Francisco. American Airlines refers to its top-tier business class product as Flagship Business.

Flagship Business class has a lot of great perks to offer. Here’s what to expect when traveling in an American Airlines Flagship Business class cabin.

» Learn More: The guide to the American Airlines AAdvantage program

In addition to purchasing an American Airlines business class ticket outright, travelers can also get a business class seat by redeeming AAdvantage miles .

The mileage cost depends on what route you're flying and the demand for that flight. If you're flexible, you can book American Airlines business class between the U.S. and Europe for as few as 75,000 AAdvantage miles each way.

AAdvantage members also have the option to redeem miles to upgrade after purchasing an eligible economy or premium economy ticket. Just note that mileage upgrades typically require a cash copay. Depending on where you're flying, a mileage upgrade may not be the best value.

Complimentary upgrades to Flagship Business are available to all AAdvantage elite members on transcontinental flights and flights to Hawaii. AAdvantage elites generally need to be booked on a paid ticket — not an award ticket — to be eligible for an upgrade. However, Executive Platinum elites can even score an upgrade on award tickets.

In addition, flyers can use systemwide upgrades to upgrade to American Airlines Flagship Business class for no additional cost. AAdvantage members can select systemwide upgrades through the American Airlines Loyalty Point Rewards program or earn them upon reaching Million Miler status .

american airlines seat map business class

American Airlines business class passengers can use priority check-in lines and accelerated security queues at some airports. Travelers can check two bags without charge, and these carry priority bag tags so that they should be delivered first upon landing.

flagship first boarding area

(Photo by JT Genter)

During boarding, business class passengers can board through the priority lane. You'll get either Group 1 or Group 2 boarding, depending on if there's a first class cabin. 

» Learn More: American Airlines boarding groups and how you can upgrade

Flagship Business class passengers can access American Airlines Admirals Clubs and American Airlines Flagship Lounges on the day of travel.

liquor options in flagship lounge

The latter are impressive lounges with large buffets offering sushi, soups and salads. Self-serve bars offer a wide range of cocktails, wines, beers and champagne while refrigerators stock bottled water, juices and sodas.

buffet in flagship lounge

Unique to London, it features a place to relax with a cup of coffee, refreshments, breakfast and showers. The lounge also offers clothes pressing so travelers can head straight to a meeting from the airport.

All American Airlines Flagship Business class seats can recline 90 degrees into fully-flat seats. Even better, on all American Airlines Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft, each seat offers direct aisle access — meaning travelers don't have to step over anyone to move around the cabin.

However, some American Airlines business class seats are better than others. Here's our breakdown of the best business class seats on American Airlines.

Best American Airlines business class seats

After a massive fleet simplification in 2020, American Airlines offers four types of business class seats. Here's our ranking of how they stack up.

1. Safran Cirrus II seats (Boeing 777-300ER)

The business class seat found on American Boeing 777-300ER aircraft is generally regarded as American Airlines' best business class seat. This reverse-herringbone business class seat is spacious, offers well-designed storage compartments, easily accessible outlets and seat controls. Most importantly, this seat avoids the pitfalls of other American Airlines business class seats.

Safran Cirrus II seats (Boeing 777-300ER)

These business class seats are found on all American Airlines Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. That means you can book this aircraft and know that you'll have an excellent business class seat. Unfortunately, that's not true for other American Airlines aircraft.

2. Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats (Boeing 787-9, 777-200 and 787-8)

American Airlines' new business class standard is the Super Diamond seat. These seats are well-regarded for all facing forward, offering a variety of storage and feeling spacious.

Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats

The only ding against these seats is with the tray table. The tray table is stored under the in-flight entertainment screen, reducing the clearance of the footwell. Side sleepers may feel a bit squeezed in the thigh or knees when trying to sleep with the seat fully reclined.

Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats

Super Diamond business class seats are found on all American Airlines 787-9 aircraft, over half of 777-200 aircraft and the newest deliveries of 787-8 aircraft. On these newest aircraft, the seat has been improved even more with the addition of an adjustable privacy screen between middle seats.

3. Safran Concept D seats (Boeing 787-8 and 777-200)

American Airlines "Concept D" business class seats are typically considered American Airlines' worst long-haul business class seats. These seats alternate between forward- and rear-facing seat pairs.

Safran Concept D seats

The seats are connected to one another and aren't anchored down properly. So, when your seatmate moves, you'll feel it. These seats also don't have as much storage as the Super Diamond business class seats.

You can tell that your aircraft has Concept D seats by looking at the seat map. American Airlines places a reverse arrow on seats that face backward.

flight map with Safran Concept D seats

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.

4. Collins Diamond seats (Airbus A321T)

Last place goes to the business class seats on American Airlines' A321T — which operate transcontinental flights such as New York to Los Angeles and San Francisco. That's for a simple reason: All seats don't have aisle access.

Collins Diamond seats

These aircraft have two business class seats on either side of the single aisle. That means window passengers have to climb over the aisle seat passenger to access the aisle. Still, this is a perfectly fine seat to fly across the country.

American Airlines Flagship Business class seats offer ample storage space with nooks for smaller items and side pockets to store tablets or phones. Some have flip-up storage spaces for other things like eyeglasses and reading material. Power outlets are at every seat and generally within easy reach.

aa business class seating

Onboard, passengers will find a bottle of water waiting at their seat, as well as an amenity kit (short-haul Hawaiian flights don’t get amenity kits). There is also a comfy duvet and oversized pillow, which are part of American’s partnership with Casper bedding.

A wide variety of movies, TV shows, audio programming and often live TV is available on large screens at each seat. American also gives passengers access to Apple Music while they are flying. To enjoy the entertainment, noise-reducing headphones are given to each passenger.

Unfortunately, these headphones are often collected about one hour before landing — which can be annoying if you aren't finished enjoying the in-flight entertainment. Flight attendants generally offer low-quality earbuds as an alternative.

All American aircraft that offer Flagship Business class seating feature in-flight Wi-Fi for a charge.

» Learn More: The guide to airlines' in-flight entertainment

Before the flight, American Airlines flight attendants offer trays of orange juice, water and sparkling wine. Printed menus are delivered to each passenger (or are waiting at each seat) to explain in-flight offerings.

food in aa flagship business

Multi-course meals begin with warm nuts and a tablecloth placed on the tray table. American uses aisle serving carts for its service, which speeds up delivery, but is not exactly a premium experience. Drink refills are typically plentiful and followed by a tray with an appetizer, salad and warm bread.

meal in aa flagship business

American is the official airline partner of the James Beard Foundation, and some of the menu choices have been designed by talented chefs. Travelers can choose from one of several main courses, which usually consist of a beef, poultry, seafood and pasta option.

aa flagship business meal selection

Dessert usually includes a cheese plate or ice cream sundae with toppings that are added upon request.

aa flagship business dessert

Customers can pre-select their meal 30 days before departure via the airline’s website. In addition to the standard menu choices, there is a choice of special meals like Asian vegetarian, diabetic and Kosher options. Meals must be pre-ordered at least 24 hours before departure. Otherwise, passengers can always choose their selection from the standard menu on the flight.

On Boeing 777 and select 787-9 aircraft, American offers a food and drink station where business class passengers can help themselves to water, sodas, sandwiches, snacks and other refreshments. Other aircraft offer in-flight snacking stations on long flights, but it tends to be at the front of the business class cabin.

On many American Airlines aircraft, business class and first class can be used interchangably. That's because only two American Airlines aircraft offer both a Flagship Business and Flagship First Class cabin — the Airbus A321T and Boeing 777-300ER. On other long-haul international aircraft, Flagship Business class is the best cabin that you can book.

On most domestic and short-haul international aircraft, the front cabin is referred to as "first class" but is typically no more than a larger recliner seat with better food and drink service.

Yes, international and domestic business class receive complimentary drinks — including a variety of beers, wines and spirits to complement the food menu. Note that short flights might not offer a full drink service.

Yes, whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, all American Airlines Flagship Business class seats recline fully into lie-flat seats. However, on domestic and short-haul international flights on American Airlines single-aisle jets, first class and business class seats typically only recline a few inches.

All Flagship Business class passengers — including passengers on transcontinental domestic flights, qualifying Flagship flights to Hawaii or qualifying international routes — have access to American Airlines Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club lounges .

All Flagship Business class passengers — including passengers on transcontinental domestic flights, qualifying Flagship flights to Hawaii or qualifying international routes — have access to

American Airlines Flagship Lounge

Admirals Club lounges

(Top photo courtesy of American Airlines)

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american airlines seat map business class

American Airlines Boeing 777 during takeoff

The Complete Guide to American Airlines Business Class

JT Genter

August 9, 2023

American Airlines isn't known for its onboard service—even in premium cabins. However, between excellent lounges, a comfortable seat, good onboard food, and nice amenities, American Airlines Flagship Business class still delivers a solid experience that' many travelers feel is worth the cost— especially if you can snag a great deal.

On its fleet of internationally configured aircraft, all American Airlines business class seats have aisle access and recline into a lie-flat bed. That sets AA apart from business class on other airlines, where you may not have aisle access, or the seat might not lie entirely flat.

However, not all American Airlines business class seats are equal. So, it can pay to know which aircraft you choose. Keep reading for everything you need to know about American Airlines business class.

What to know about American Airlines business class

American Airlines offers its "Flagship Business" class product on overseas flights and select premium domestic routes. Look for Flagship Business . Essentially, if you see "Flagship" on your ticket, you can be sure you're getting a lie-flat seat, premium lounge access, full meal service, and an expanded drink menu.

After a massive fleet simplification during the pandemic, you'll find Flagship Business class on just three American Airlines aircraft: Boeing 777s, Boeing 787s, and its specialized A321 Transcon (or "A321T") aircraft.

You may find American Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft scheduled on some domestic routes. However, to get the actual Flagship Business class experience, you need to be flying on an eligible route:

  • Intercontinental flights: You're sure to find Flagship Business class on AA's long-haul flights between the US and Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and South America (excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela).
  • Qualifying transcontinental flights: Domestic flights worthy of the Flagship Business label include routes between New York's JFK airport and Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Orange County (SNA), and between Los Angeles (LAX) and Miami (MIA) and Boston (BOS).
  • Qualifying Hawaii flights: AA recently expanded Flagship Business to include its longest Hawaii flights. You'll find Flagship Business class on routes between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Honolulu (HNL), Kona (KOA), or Maui (OGG), and on flights between Chicago (ORD) or Charlotte (CLT) and Honolulu (HNL).

Keep in mind that Flagship Business class isn't quite the top product available on American Airlines. While Delta and United have both retired international first class, American offers Flagship First class on its Boeing 777-300ER and A321T aircraft. On American's Boeing 787 and 777-200 aircraft, Flagship Business class is the front cabin.

Some of the best American Airlines business class fares we've seen

  • Miami to LA in lie-flat seats for $797 nonstop
  • Inverness, Scotland, from $1,877 in business class
  • India from $2,221 in business class
  • Atlanta to Paris for $1,911 in business class
  • NYC to Rio for $1,805 nonstop in business class

The American Airlines business class experience at the airport 

You don't have to wait until boarding to start enjoying your Flagship Business class experience. American Airlines business class includes priority check-in and lounge access—including some of the best business class lounges in the US.

American Airlines Business Class Lounge

American Airlines operates two different kinds of departure lounges: Admirals Clubs and their more luxurious counterpoint, Flagship Lounges. When flying on a Flagship Business class ticket, you'll get access to the best available American Airlines lounges on the day you're flying.

American Airlines operates Admirals Clubs in nearly 50 airports. These lounges generally provide complimentary snacks, coffee, tea, complimentary house beers and wine, and a refuge from the airport terminal. In some locations, American adds nice touches, such as made-to-order guacamole and avocado toast.

AA Admirals lounge amenities.

American's Flagship Lounges take the lounge experience to a different level. You'll find these premium lounges in five American Airlines international flight hubs: Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), and New York (JFK).

True to its "flagship" name, AA's Flagship Lounges provide perks such as hot buffet meals, quality wines and champagnes, self-service cocktail bars, and even shower suites. If you're flying American Airlines business class through one of these airports, I won't blame you for intentionally booking an extended layover. In fact, that's just what I do whenever I can.

AA Flagship lounge amenities.

American Airlines Business Class Check-in

No one enjoys waiting in line at check-in—especially when you have lounge access awaiting you on the other side of security. Thankfully, American Airlines business class passengers get access to priority check-in lanes at the airport.

In addition to (hopefully) being a faster line, I've typically found these check-in counters are staffed with more experienced and knowledgeable agents that can solve issues and get you on your way quicker. Then, depending on the airport, you may be able to speed through security using priority security.

The American Airlines business class experience in the air

While American Airlines has a strong ground game, the highlight of the American Airlines business class experience is in the air. Lie-flat seats will give you the best chance at a good night's rest. Multi-course "chef-inspired" meals may make you redefine airplane food. And a solid drink menu gives you plenty of options to help you unwind.

American Airlines Business Class Seats

  • Boeing 777-300ER : The Boeing 777-300ER is American Airlines' true "flagship" aircraft—one of just two aircraft types in American Airlines' fleet with a first-class product. The 52 Safran Cirrus business class seats on this aircraft are generally considered the best business class seats in American Airlines' fleet. The cabin is set up in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone arrangement. That means all seats have direct access to the aisles, and couples will want to sit in the middle seats to be next to each other for the flight.

AA business class reverse herringbone seating.

  • Boeing 777-200 : American Airlines has two different seating types on its Boeing 777-200 aircraft. And unfortunately, it's hard to tell the two apart when looking at a seat map. Both types of seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 all-aisle-access seating arrangement with lie-flat seats. However, some AA's 777-200 aircraft have "Concept D" seats that alternate between forward- and rear-facing rows. These seats are panned for being unstable. That means you might get rocked awake in the middle of the night by your neighbor getting out of their seat. When AA was installing these seats, things got so bad that AA canceled its contract with the seat manufacturer. So, AA installed the rest of the 777-200 fleet with all forward-facing Super Diamond seats—which generally provide a much better onboard experience.
  • Boeing 787-8 : Almost all American Airlines' 787-8 aircraft have the same forward- and reverse-facing "Concept D" business class seats. Again, it's not the best business class product available. But, all seats have aisle access and recline into lie-flat beds. Couples who want to sit close to one another should select seats D and H in odd-numbered rows. Just beware that these are rear-facing seats. The 787-8 also has the smallest business class cabin in AA's international fleet, with just 20 seats. That makes the 787-8 a long shot for those hoping for an upgrade.

AA concept D seating.

  • Boeing 787-9: American installed Super Diamond seats on its fleet of 22 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. So, you can book business class on the 787-9 to be sure to get a forward-facing and quite-private seat. Like the rest of AA's international fleet, seats are arranged 1-2-1—meaning everyone gets aisle access—and recline into a lie-flat bed.
  • Airbus A321T: American Airlines has a special sub-fleet of Airbus A321 aircraft with an ultra-premium seating arrangement for premium transcontinental flights. Rather than the 181 to 187 seats found on its other A321 planes, American Airlines installed ten lie-flat first-class seats, 20 lie-flat business class seats, and just 72 economy seats. The business class cabin is arranged in five rows with two seats on each side of the aisle.

American Airlines Business Class Beds

All Flagship Business class seats recline to create a lie-flat bed. However, you may want to consider the nuances between the seat types if you have the choice between a couple of options.

The Boeing 777-300ER business class seats are generally accepted as the most comfortable beds in American Airlines' fleet. Perhaps the only negative is how close your head is to the aisle. So, light sleepers may be startled awake by fellow passengers. 

AA lie flat seats.

The Super Diamond seats installed on AA's 787-9 and some 777-200 aircraft are excellent seats. However, side sleepers may find that the space between the bed and the tray table is a bit narrow for their legs when reclined.

The Concept D seats found on AA's 787-8 and the other 777-200 aircraft are not-so-affectionately referred to as "rocking chairs" by passengers in the know. Seats are installed in connected pairs. So, you may feel it anytime your tethered seatmate moves. If you're a light sleeper, you might want to pick one of the four seats that aren't connected to another seat: 1D, 1H, 5A, and 5L.

The A321T business class seats are the only Flagship Business class seats that don't have all aisle access. Because the seats are installed in two-seat pairs, the passenger in the window seat has to climb over the aisle-seat passenger to get in and out of their seat. Unfortunately, this can lead to a "straddle or be straddled" situation when the aisle seat is in lie-flat mode. However, this proximity makes these seats especially good for couples traveling together.

AA lie flat seats in bed mode.

American Airlines Business Class Benefits

Depending on the route, American Airlines makes Flagship Business class even more comfortable with amenity kits and Casper-branded sleep kits.

American's newest amenity kits feature products made in partnership with Shinola and D.S. & Durga. The new Flagship Business class kit includes socks, an eye mask, a dental kit, earplugs, lotion, and a pen.

AA Flagship business amenity kit.

On AA's flights to Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, you'll get the full suite of Casper items: a mattress pad, pillow, duvet, pajamas, and slippers: 

AA business amenity kits on flights to AUS, NZ, and Hong Kong.

On all other routes, you'll get a pillow and duvet—with slippers for flights across the Pacific:

AA amenity kits for long haul business class flights.

American Airlines Business Class Baggage

American Airlines baggage policy allows business class passengers to get at least two free checked bags. Even better, you can stuff up to 70 pounds (that's 32 kg) of stuff into each bag at no extra charge. 

You can score a third free checked bag in the following cases:

  • American Airlines Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum elite status
  • Oneworld Emerald status with a partner airline
  • Active U.S. military member—with up to 5 free checked bags if you're traveling on orders.

American Airlines Business Class Meals

American partners with the James Beard Foundation to create "chef-inspired" meals for Flagship Business class passengers. Meals are generally customized for each route, meaning you can enjoy Japanese chef-designed meals on flights to Japan and dishes designed by a native Hawaiian chef for flights to Hawaii.

Log into your reservation within 30 days—but more than 24 hours—before your flight to pre-select the meal you want. That way, you'll be sure the option you prefer is loaded on your flight. Tastes change? No worries, you'll still have the opportunity to change your selection onboard.

reserving your meal on AA business class.

American Airlines Business Class Alcohol

Whether you're celebrating a special trip or just need a nightcap, you'll get your choice of champagne, wines, beers, cocktails, and other spirits when flying in Flagship Business class. The selection can vary based on the route you're flying, but don't expect anything too fancy from the list of spirits.

spirit menu for American AIrlines business class.

How to book American Airlines business class

How much does it cost for a business class ticket on american .

The price of American Airlines business class depends on the route, the demand for the flight, seasonality, and how close to departure you're booking. To get the best deals on American Airlines business class, become a Going Elite member. That way, you'll get cheap flight alerts when the price of American Airlines business class drops to enticing rates.

How to upgrade to business class on American for free

Unfortunately, dressing up or uttering magic words won't get you a free upgrade on American Airlines. Instead, the best way to get a free upgrade on American is by having AAdvantage elite status. Depending on your elite status level, you'll get complimentary upgrades on flights within North and Central America through the 500-mile upgrade system.

In addition, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum elites can choose so-called "systemwide upgrades" as Elite Choice Rewards. These upgrades will score you an upgrade from economy or premium economy to business class or from business class to first class. As the name might imply, elites can apply systemwide upgrades on any route American flies. Just make sure you're booked on a revenue flight (i.e., not booked with miles) to use a systemwide upgrade.

Elites can apply systemwide upgrades to upgrade friends and family — even if you aren't flying with them. So, if you have an American Airlines elite flier in your life, it can't hurt to ask if they have an extra systemwide upgrade before you take an overseas flight.

How much does it cost to upgrade to business class on American?

American Airlines can offer very reasonable paid upgrades to business and first class. The trick is to look out for offers in the weeks and days before your departure. Rather than giving away a free upgrade to an elite member, American Airlines would rather offer an inexpensive upgrade to a paying customer.

How many miles to upgrade to American business class? 

American Airlines offers members the opportunity to upgrade from economy or premium economy to business class with miles . For flights within North and Central America, you'll generally need to pay 15,000 miles plus a cash co-pay of $75 (or $175 for Hawaii flights) each way. For intercontinental flights, you'll need to pay 25,000 miles plus a cash co-pay of $350 (or just $150 for northern South America) each way.

The only time it makes sense to upgrade with miles on domestic flights is from the east coast to Hawaii via Dallas or when you can fly on one of AA's premium coast-to-coast flights. For international flights, paying just 25,000 miles plus $350 can be a steal to move from a cramped economy cabin to a lie-flat business class product.

What are the best credit cards to get free upgrades to American business class?

The best way to get free upgrades on American is by having AAdvantage elite status. And, starting in 2022, you can get AA elite status just by spending on a credit card.  

By spending $60,000 on an AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard®, you can get AAdvantage Platinum status. You'll earn one Loyalty Point per dollar spent plus 15,000 bonus Loyalty Points for spending at least $50,000. Platinum elite members can get free upgrades on flights within North and Central America through AA's 500-mile upgrade system — including lie-flat business class to Hawaii.

american airlines seat map business class

American Airlines Flagship Business class is reliably a solid option. You're sure to get a lie-flat seat, with direct aisle access on all international flights. American's Flagship Lounges provide an excellent experience in most international hubs. The onboard meals are tasty with a decent wine list and spirits to make the flight a bit more relaxing.

However, service can be hit-or-miss depending on the crew. And, if you have a choice between aircraft types, you'll want to consider the pros and cons of each business class seat.

Read more about business class travel

  • The best airlines for international business class
  • Everything to know about business class ‍
  • Business class vs. first class: What's the difference? 
  • United Polaris business class
  • Air France business class
  • Turkish Airlines business class
  • KLM business class
  • Lufthansa business class

Join Going and get incredible fares in business, first, and premium economy delivered right to your inbox. Elite members save an average of $2,000 on international business class trips.

Frequently asked questions about american airlines business class.

JT Genter

Freelance Writer

Published August 9, 2023

Last updated December 21, 2023

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Travel Codex

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Your Resource for Better Travel

American Airlines Business Class Seat Guide, 2023 Edition

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Deliveries that resumed in 2022 and through 2023 will be the Boeing 787-8, but unlike the -8s in the fleet currently, these have a different business class configuration, using the Collins Super Diamond seat. This is the business class seat on all American 787-9s, and some Boeing 777-200s.  More details below as I summarize business class seats on each long haul American plane, plus discuss what to expect in the future.

American Airlines Business Class on Boeing 787-8 (788)

american airlines seat map business class

American started flying the Dreamliner back in 2015, eventually the fleet grew to 20 of the -8 variety. Business Class has a unique seating configuration with flat bed seats that are comfortable, but are my least favorite in their fleet. Starting in 2020, they also started receiving new deliveries of 788s, eventually growing this fleet to 42. These newer planes will have the Collins Super Diamond seat in business class, like the larger 789. I’m not aware of any plans to unify this fleet, so it seems that flyers won’t know which seat will be on board won’t be possible until the plane is assigned to the particular flight that day. Either configuration has the same number of seats, but the orientation is different, with 234 seats on board. It likely won’t be until boarding that passengers will know which seat is available on their flight.

Review: Qatar Airways A350 Economy Class, Los Angeles to Doha

American’s 787-8 business cabin is small, with only 20 seats, reconfigured a few years back to make room for premium economy. These 20 business class seats between doors 1 and 2, in a 1-2-1 configuration. The Concept D seats alternate forward and reverse facing, with the A and L window seats in even numbered rows facing rearward. The D and H aisle seats in the middle of the cabin have rearward facing seats in the odd numbered rows.

american airlines seat map business class

Another issue with these seats is that they rock and/or shake when passengers in connected seats adjust their seating position. American has said this issue is being addressed, but I haven’t seen this confirmed anywhere.

american airlines seat map business class

Yes, it’s a flat bed, with decent privacy.  That’s very important, but there are several annoyances with this seat. This is my least favorite business class seat in American’s fleet.

Reminder that new delivery 788’s have the Super Diamond seat (see below for photos), identical to the American 787-9 fleet. That’s good news, but even after the 22-plane new order of 788’s is complete, the 20 original -8s will still have the Concept D seat.  The only way to try to predict which cabin will be on your flight is to track tail number  of the plane. N800AN through N819AN have the Concept D seats, and N870AX and higher will have Super Diamond.

Original plans had all 22 new 788s scheduled for delivery by the end of 2021, but now this looks like the end of 2023 for the remainder of the 788 orders to be delivered.

American Airlines Business Class on Boeing 787-9 (789)

american airlines seat map business class

There are currently 22 Boeing 787-9 in the fleet, with 25 more on order, with the new deliveries scheduled starting in 2024. Note that those new deliveries will have a new seat and more premium-heavy configuration, with 51 “Flagship Suites” in business class. I’ll discuss these more below, it seems to be the Adient Ascent seat with doors.

At least for now through 2023, unlike the possible uncertainly of seat on the 787-8 and 777-200, the business cabin configuration is the same on all planes, and the 30 seat cabin has the Collins Super Diamond seat. These seats face forward, are 21 inches wide, with a fully flat bed with decent privacy and storage options.

american airlines seat map business class

This is the ‘current’ AA business class seat, as this is what is being installed in all new delivery wide body planes through 2023. This came about due to issues that American had getting Zodiac to deliver their “Concept D” seat. The Super Diamond seat is in use by multiple carriers, and is an excellent seat.

american airlines seat map business class

This seat also has a shoulder strap that must be worn for taxi and takeoff. Not that big of a deal, but something to keep in mind.

American Airlines Business Class on Boeing 777-300ER (77W)

AA 77W

Flagship of the American Airlines fleet, the 777-300ER, (77W on American schedules) has 52 seats in business class and 8 seats in the first class cabin. The Business class seats are among my personal favorites that I’ve experienced, featuring the Cirrus seat, manufactured by Safran. Starting in late 2024, American will refurbish these cabins, removing first class, and replacing current first and business class seats with 70 Flagship Suites.

american airlines seat map business class

There are 20 77W’s in American’s fleet, with the same seating configuration. If you see 77W on your itinerary (at least through late 2024), you know what your seat will be like. There is a small mini cabin in front of door 2, featuring 8 seats in rows 3 and 4. I like this area for more privacy, and feels less like a giant cabin, particularly compared to seated near the back of the cabin. The rest of the cabin is between door 2 and the wings, rows 5-15. The seats are all the same, physically. For me, window seats are much preferred, even if I had to sit in the rear of the cabin. Hard to beat both a window and an aisle seat. Still, the aisle seats in the middle of the cabin are fine, especially on the long flights these planes typically fly.

american airlines seat map business class

American Airlines Business Class on Boeing 777-200ER (772)

american airlines seat map business class

The 777-200ER currently makes up the largest portion of American’s wide body fleet, with 47 planes, but that will be surpassed by the 787 as deliveries continue. Similar to the 788, there are 2 business class configurations on the 777.  Both have 37 seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration split across 2 cabins on either side of doors 2. Which planes have which seats?  Well, 19 of the planes have the Concept D seat, and the rest have Super Diamond. Almost 60 percent have Super Diamond, but still there is no way to know which configuration your flight will have until boarding.  Check the (unofficial) American Airlines fleet site , which shows which plane has which seating concept, but know that swaps are always possible.

american airlines seat map business class

To my knowledge, there are no current plans for upgrades or changes to business class configuration for the 772 fleet.

What’s next?

american airlines seat map business class

As mentioned, starting in 2024, 787-9 deliveries will resume, and these planes will be have the new Flagship Suite, and a much more premium heavy configuration, with 51 business class seats, and 32 premium economy seats. American has already shown a mock up of the cabin. Photos above and below, from American Airlines pressroom .

american airlines seat map business class

This definitely looks nice, more privacy, and nice new finishes. This appears to be the Adient Ascent seat . Qatar Airways 789 business cabins have this seat.  Likely configured differently, but same basics seat, with some customizations. Very nice, a good modern setup, but when I flew Qatar, I can’t help but notice the footwell is constricted. This means going from 30 to 51 seats in business class on the 789.   The 77W now has 52 business seats plus 8 First Class, and will become 77 Flagship Suites. A nice increase in premium seating, especially on the 789.

Final thoughts on American Airlines business class seating options

american airlines seat map business class

American has streamlined their long haul fleet, which now consists of only 777 and 787s. Unfortunately that doesn’t mean you know exactly which seat you have unless your flight is on a 777-300ER or a 787-9, but that will be changing soon. Some uncertainty isn’t great, but hopefully the better products will make it a net positive. Both the 787-8 and 777-200 have several seating configurations, and your flight could have either one. Exactly which you likely won’t know until boarding. In any case, all business class seats are flat bed seats, with all aisle access, but some seats are better than others. The Concept D seat alternate forward and reverse facing, and some flyers find them narrow. Certain seats sometimes move when an adjacent passenger adjusts their position. I much prefer the Super Diamond seat on all 789s, the majority of 772s and a growing number of 788s. My favorite is probably the Cirrus seat on 77W, which will start being phased out for the Flagship Suite. If not much better, at least more private and more modern, and it is probably time for an update.

Read This Next

Air Berlin A330 New Business Class Seat

Brad is a frequent traveler, based in Milwaukee. He typically travels in around 200,000 miles per year, much of it for business, and often in economy. This blog focuses on experiences and tips from the perspective of a frequent business traveler trying to maximize value. In addition to frequent work trips, he uses miles and points for even more travel with his wife and young child.

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A beginner’s guide to American Airlines economy seats

JT Genter

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Main Cabin Extra, Preferred, elite-only seats ... oh my! When you go to select an economy seat on American Airlines, it might seem that every seat has some sort of designation. And if you're selecting a seat close to the departure date, you might be left with having to pay to select a decent seat or choosing a middle seat for a long international flight.

If that's your experience, you're not alone. On several American Airlines aircraft, over 50% of economy seats are designated as Main Cabin Extra or Preferred seats — which require payment to select if you don't have elite status.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

That can leave travelers with atrocious-looking seat maps like this one on AA's Airbus A330-300 from Charlotte (CLT) to London Heathrow (LHR):

american airlines seat map business class

Believe it or not, it gets worse. If you don't have elite status on American Airlines, the airline actually hides some available seats from you as these seats are reserved only for elite members.

Welcome to the crazy world of American Airlines seating.

We'll go through the four main categories of economy seating on American Airlines. Depending on your level of elite status and when you're choosing your seats, it could cost you over $100 to choose — if you're able to choose it at all. Even more confusing, some seats are in two different categories at the same time.

Note: We are focusing on American Airlines' economy seats in this piece. If you're looking for a guide about which first class, business class or premium economy seats you should book, check out TPG's American Airlines premium seats ranked from best to worst .

A 10-hour flight is a lot more snoozable in first class – see how many points away you are from a cozy, 30,000 foot slumber with the free TPG App !

Main Cabin Extra seats

american airlines seat map business class

What is Main Cabin Extra?

Main Cabin Extra (MCE) is what American Airlines calls its extra-legroom economy seats. Many of American Airlines' aircraft have a section of MCE seats at the front of the economy cabin while others — such as former US Airways aircraft and regional jets — may only classify bulkhead and exit row seats as MCE.

For example, the former US Airways A330-300 aircraft only have two rows of Main Cabin Extra: the bulkhead rows of row 8 and row 25. Note, Main Cabin Extra seats are shown in orange on American Airlines' website:

american airlines seat map business class

What are the perks of Main Cabin Extra?

Don't confuse American Airlines' Main Cabin Extra seats for AA's Premium Economy , which features a larger seat and better catering as well as more legroom than economy.

Instead, Main Cabin Extra is the same seat that you'll find in standard economy but with more legroom. Main Cabin Extra seats have between 33 and 43.5 inches of pitch — depending on the aircraft type — versus the 30 to 33 inches you'll find in standard economy seats.

For example, the front row of economy on the American Airlines A321neo is designated as Main Cabin Extra and has 40 inches of pitch. While this is a solid seat — you can even store a carry-on bag under the first-class seat in front of you — the stationary armrests make these seats a bit more narrow than the other economy seats.

american airlines seat map business class

In mid-2018, American Airlines added "complimentary beer, wine and spirits" and "enhanced overhead bin access" as perks of Main Cabin Extra. While that "enhanced" access merely consists of just a placard in the overhead bin, Main Cabin Extra passengers board in Group 5. That's before any other economy passengers, so you should have first dibs on the overhead bins. Note that certain American Airlines card holders also receive priority or preferred boarding — for example, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® card holders receive Group 4 boarding, while those with the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® board in Group 5.

The information for the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Choosing the best credit card for American Airlines flyers

What is the cost of Main Cabin Extra?

The cost for Main Cabin Extra is going to depend on the route, the aircraft type, whether the seat is a window/aisle or middle seat and the elite status level of the passenger. For non-elite members flying on long-haul flights, there can be a significant cost to choosing MCE seats. However, the price doesn't necessarily scale with the length of the flight.

For example, from London Heathrow to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) on AA's Boeing 777-200, bulkhead seats cost $118, aisle/window seats cost $113 and middle seats cost $102:

american airlines seat map business class

While on American Airlines' longest flight from Hong Kong (HKG) to Dallas/Fort Worth on AA's Boeing 777-300ER, MCE seats range from $107 to $112:

american airlines seat map business class

On AA's third-shortest by length — and shortest by duration — flight from Charlotte to Greenville/Spartanburg (GSP) on AA's CRJ-700, Main Cabin Extra costs $27:

american airlines seat map business class

While this cost may seem excessive for just some extra legroom, you have to remember that the extra space from these seats adds up. On some planes, AA could fit more rows of seats into the same plane if all of the seats had the standard pitch. This means more tickets could potentially be sold. So, AA charges more to make up for this lost potential revenue.

Who can select a Main Cabin Extra seat for free?

These MCE seats aren't costly for everyone. MCE seats are complimentary for American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum elite members as well as Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald elites. Each of these elites can also select MCE seats for free for up to eight traveling companions on the same reservation. However, you must purchase a Main Cabin ticket — and not a Basic Economy ticket — to get this benefit.

Related: How to survive basic economy on American Airlines

american airlines seat map business class

AAdvantage Gold and Oneworld Ruby elite members get complimentary access to MCE seats at 24 hours to departure. In the past, AA Gold elites received a 50% discount on purchasing MCE seats before check-in, but this discount was eliminated in September 2018.

So, if you have status, make sure to log into your AAdvantage account or list your Oneworld account with elite status when purchasing flights.

Preferred seats

american airlines seat map business class

What are American Airlines Preferred seats?

The next category of seats are "Preferred" seats — indicated by green on AA seat maps. These seats have no more legroom than standard economy seats (30 to 33 inches of pitch) but are simply located in "preferred" areas of the plane. This could mean seats closer to the front, rows with only two seats or sometimes just random window and aisle seats, as you can see on AA's Boeing 777-300ER:

american airlines seat map business class

Beware if you see exit row seats labeled as Preferred seats rather than Main Cabin Extra. For example on AA's Boeing 767, the exit row seats marked as Preferred don't recline — so AA sells them as Preferred seats rather than MCE seats.

american airlines seat map business class

What are the perks of Preferred seats?

Besides their "preferred" location in the cabin, there are no perks that come with American Airlines Preferred seats.

What is the cost of Preferred seats?

As with Main Cabin Extra seats, the cost of Preferred seats is going to vary based on the route, the aircraft type, whether the seat is an aisle/window or middle seat and the traveler's elite status. Some examples of the cost of Preferred seats found in the screenshots above are:

  • London to Dallas on AA's 777-200: $86 for window/aisle seats or $79 for middle seats
  • Hong Kong to Dallas on AA's 777-300ER: $79 for window/aisle seats or $72 for middle seats
  • Charlotte to Greenville on AA's CRJ-700: $15 for Preferred seats

Who can select a Preferred seat for free?

Preferred seats are free for AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum elite members and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation. Also, corporate travelers can select a Preferred seat for free if their company has a contract with American Airlines.

Related: What is American Airlines elite status worth ?

Unfortunately, the only way you're going to get a Preferred seat for free as a general flyer is if you don't have a seat assignment and there are no Standard seats available. AA's system will then assign you a Preferred seat.

Elite-only seats

american airlines seat map business class

What are elite-only seats?

AA sets aside several seats on each aircraft solely for AA elite members. Those with AA elite status will see an asterisk at the top of these seats. If you don't have elite status, these empty seats won't show on the seat map as available:

american airlines seat map business class

Main Cabin Extra, Preferred seats and even standard seats can be set aside for elites only. For example, further back on the seat map for the same flight above, you'll see that seat 33B is a standard seat that's randomly blocked for elite members only:

american airlines seat map business class

The difference between seat maps can be drastic. In my opinion, there's no justification for AA holding so many seats for elite members, except to encourage novice flyers to pay for an MCE or Preferred seat.

The good news is these seats are freed up for all flyers at check-in. So, if you're looking to move to a better seat, you're going to want to set an alarm for 24 hours before your flight to check-in.

Standard economy seats

american airlines seat map business class

What are standard seats on American Airlines?

Standard seats are simply those that aren't labeled as MCE seats or Preferred seats. These are usually located in the middle to back of the plane — unless there's a row with a missing seat, as that row is probably marked Preferred. If you don't have elite status, you're likely going to end up with a standard seat unless you're paying extra.

How to choose the best seat

Now that you know a Main Cabin Extra seat from a Preferred seat, you may be wondering how to figure out which seat you should pick. To help you with this choice, TPG has detailed tours of three American Airlines aircraft complete with empty cabin photos and seat recommendations:

  • A tour of American Airlines' Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
  • A tour of American Airlines' New 777-200 retrofit
  • A tour of American Airlines' retrofit 767-300

For AA's other aircraft types, we recommend using SeatGuru . By entering your AA flight number, SeatGuru will pull up the seat map for your flight and show which seats are recommended. Just note that SeatGuru is still catching up with American Airlines' rapidly-changing fleet. But, it's still a good free starting point to figure out the best available seat.

It's also worth checking back often as the flight nears departure. For domestic flights, upgrades will clear for elite members starting around four days before departure up to the day of departure. So, checking back may score you a better seat.

Related: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on American Airlines

To save time manually checking for better seats, you can use ExpertFlyer —which is owned by TPG's parent company Red Ventures — to set up seat alerts and get a notification when a window, aisle or a particular seat opens up. Note that free accounts are limited to just one active alert at a time. Additional seat alerts cost $0.99 each or you can pay for a Pro plan to get more seat alerts and tons of additional features.

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A321-200 V.1 V.1

A321-200 v.2 v.1, a321-200 v.3, a321-200neo v.1, a321-200neo v.2, click on a seat for details.

American Airlines Airbus A321-200 V.1 V.1 seatmap preview

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First class

Indulge in the epitome of luxury with American Airlines's first class on the Airbus A321-200 V.1. With an exclusive 20 seats, every detail is crafted for the discerning traveler. From opulent suites to gourmet dining and premium entertainment, the journey is designed to exceed expectations. The crew's unwavering dedication ensures a flight of distinction

Premium economy

American Airlines's premium economy on the Airbus A321-200 V.1 offers a notable upgrade for discerning travelers. With 35 seats, passengers benefit from increased comfort and space. Enhanced in-flight entertainment and diverse meal options elevate the experience. The crew, always attentive, delivers a heightened level of service, making every flight memorable.

On the Airbus A321-200 V.1, American Airlines offers an economy class that combines practicality with efficiency. Designed for 135 passengers, the cabin provides a balance between cost-effectiveness and essential comforts. The seating is functional, complemented by a diverse in-flight entertainment selection. The dedicated crew ensures a smooth journey, catering to passenger needs with professionalism

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DFW Aviation

Featherway airlines.

American Airlines Airbus A321-200 V.2 V.1 seatmap preview

American Airlines's first class on the Airbus A321-200 V.2 is a blend of luxury and nimbleness. With 10 seats, it promises an experience of intimacy and sophistication. From the plush seating to the gourmet meals and curated entertainment, every detail is meticulously crafted. The crew's unwavering attention ensures a flight that's unparalleled in its class.

Experience light aviation at its finest with American Airlines's business class on the Airbus A321-200 V.2. Designed for 20 passengers, it offers a serene environment equipped with modern amenities. The seating is designed for relaxation, the dining is exquisite, and the entertainment options are vast. The crew's dedication ensures a journey that's both comfortable and memorable.

Elevate your light aviation experience with American Airlines's premium economy on the Airbus A321-200 V.2. Catering to 36 discerning passengers, it offers a harmonious blend of luxury and value, with improved seating, dedicated service, and an enhanced meal selection. The attentive crew ensures a journey that's both delightful and memorable.

Travelers aboard American Airlines's Airbus A321-200 V.2 in economy class can expect a functional and inviting environment. Tailored for short routes and 36 passengers, it offers essential comforts in a cozy setting. The crew remains attentive and dedicated, ensuring a satisfactory flight experience.

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One Mile At A Time

Nonstop dan.

American Airlines Airbus A321-200 V.3 seatmap preview

For the discerning traveler, American Airlines offers an unmatched experience in first class aboard the Airbus A321-200 V.3. With just 16 seats, it's a realm of opulence. From lavish suites to gourmet dining and premium entertainment, every detail is impeccable. The crew's dedication ensures a journey beyond expectations.

American Airlines introduces a refined travel experience with premium economy on the Airbus A321-200 V.3. Designed for 36, it offers superior seating comfort, a wider entertainment selection, and gourmet meal choices. The crew's dedicated service accentuates the elevated experience.

American Airlines's economy class on the Airbus A321-200 V.3 offers a practical solution for travelers. With 129 seats, it's a blend of cost-effectiveness and essential amenities. The in-flight entertainment keeps passengers engaged, and the dedicated crew ensures a satisfactory flight experience.

iTripReport

Simply aviation.

American Airlines Airbus A321-200neo V.1 seatmap preview

Aboard the Airbus A321-200neo, American Airlines presents a first class that is the epitome of airborne luxury. Serving an exclusive 20 passengers, this class offers a sanctuary of opulence and serenity. The private suites are designed for ultimate relaxation, complemented by gourmet dining and a curated entertainment suite. The dedicated crew, trained for this flagship aircraft, ensures a journey that's both personalized and unparalleled.

Elevate your flying experience with American Airlines's premium economy on the Airbus A321-200neo. Designed for 47 discerning passengers, it offers a harmonious blend of luxury and value, with plush seating, dedicated service, and an enriched dining experience. The attentive crew ensures a journey that's both delightful and memorable.

Travelers aboard American Airlines's Airbus A321-200neo in economy class can expect a functional and inviting environment. Tailored for long-haul routes and 129 passengers, it provides essential comforts paired with a vast entertainment selection. The crew remains attentive and dedicated, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable flight experience.

Robert's Story

American Airlines Airbus A321-200neo V.2 seatmap preview

For the discerning traveler, American Airlines offers an unmatched experience in first class aboard the Airbus A321-200neo V.2. With just 16 seats, it's a realm of opulence. From lavish suites to gourmet dining and premium entertainment, every detail is impeccable. The crew's dedication ensures a journey beyond expectations.

For those seeking a step above, American Airlines's premium economy on their Airbus A321-200neo V.2 is the answer. With 34 seats, passengers enjoy enhanced comfort and additional legroom. The in-flight entertainment is upgraded, and the meal options are more diverse. Their attentive crew offers a more personalized service, ensuring a memorable journey.

American Airlines's economy class on the Airbus A321-200neo V.2 offers a practical solution for travelers. With 140 seats, it's a blend of cost-effectiveness and essential amenities. The in-flight entertainment keeps passengers engaged, and the dedicated crew ensures a satisfactory flight experience.

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Fly in Style: American Airlines Flagship Business vs First – A Comprehensive Showdown

TL;DR - The Quick Scoop

  • American Airlines dominates the sky : With a 17.7% market share in 2020, it’s a heavyweight champion in the U.S.
  • Luxury redefined in the air : Flagship Business and First Class offer more than just a seat; they promise an experience.
  • The devil's in the details : According to Gilbert Ott, "The first class cabin is not much different from business class; however, there are subtle differences that make all the difference."
  • Personalized service vs. premium comfort : First Class offers unparalleled privacy and service, while Business Class focuses on comfort and value.
  • Insider tips ahead : Get ready for some top-secret advice on making the most of your high-flying experience.

The Ultimate Airborne Luxury: Decoding Flagship Business and First

Navigating through the world of air travel luxury, American Airlines presents two splendid options: Flagship Business and Flagship First. But what sets them apart? It’s like choosing between a diamond and a ruby - both precious, yet distinct.

Why American Airlines, You Ask?

With a market share of 17.7% in 2020, American Airlines isn't just another option; it's a leader in the U.S. skies . This titan of the airwaves knows a thing or two about luxury travel, offering not just a journey but an experience.

Their commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation in the premium travel sector underscores why discerning travelers often choose American Airlines for their journeys.

The airline's dedication to providing a seamless and luxurious experience from check-in to landing is evident in every detail, ensuring that passengers arrive at their destination not just refreshed, but also deeply satisfied with their journey.

Flagship Business: The Business of Luxury

Think of Flagship Business as your upscale, cosmopolitan friend who knows all the best places. This class isn't just about getting you there; it's about doing it in style. You’ll enjoy lie-flat seats , priority boarding, and access to swanky lounges. But the real cherry on top? A dining experience that’ll make you forget you’re miles above the ground.

From chef-curated meals to an extensive selection of fine wines and champagnes, every aspect of your culinary journey is designed to delight your senses.

The attention to detail extends to the ambient cabin lighting, spacious work areas, and privacy dividers, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and productivity. Flagship Business is tailored for the modern traveler who demands both luxury and efficiency, making every trip memorable.

Flagship First: The First in Class

Now, for those who prefer the finer things in life, Flagship First is like the VIP backstage pass of air travel. Gilbert Ott puts it perfectly,

"The first class cabin is not much different from business class; however, there are subtle differences that make all the difference."

Expect even larger seats, exclusive dining options, and a level of privacy that feels more like a flying boutique hotel than an airplane seat. The personalized service begins even before you board, with a dedicated check-in area and expedited security process.

Once on board, the exclusivity continues with bespoke amenities, including designer pajamas and luxury skincare products. Flagship First passengers enjoy an unparalleled dining experience, with meals prepared to order and a curated wine list that rivals those of five-star restaurants.

This class redefines the concept of flying, transforming it into an occasion in itself - an indulgent escape from the ordinary, where every moment is tailored to your preference, ensuring a journey as extraordinary as the destination. 

Comparing the Titans: Where Luxury Meets the Sky

Let’s break it down, shall we? Both Flagship Business and First offer the crème de la crème of air travel, but it’s the little things that set them apart.

From the priority services that whisk you through the airport in no time to the gourmet meals that challenge your preconceptions of airplane food, American Airlines has mastered the art of luxury travel.

Insider Secrets: Making the Most of Your Flight

Now, for those exclusive insider tips you’ve been waiting for.

Did you know that booking your flight during off-peak seasons can not only save you some cash but also enhance your chances of experiencing these classes to the fullest?

Fewer passengers mean more personalized service. And always, always enroll in their loyalty program. It's like a golden ticket to upgrades and perks.

Personal Conclusion: The Sky's the Limit

Having had the pleasure of experiencing both Flagship Business and First, I can wholeheartedly declare that American Airlines transcends the mere act of flying; it elevates it to an art form. Whether you're drawn to the refined sophistication of Business or the unparalleled luxury of First, you're guaranteed an experience that's nothing short of exceptional. But this choice isn't merely about selecting between two levels of comfort; it's about deciding how you want to remember your journey.

In Flagship Business, you'll discover a sanctuary above the clouds, where every detail, from the gourmet meals to the plush seating, is designed with your comfort in mind. It's a world where your needs aren't just met; they're anticipated. Then there's Flagship First, which offers an even more intimate and bespoke travel experience. Here, the exceptional personalized service and attention to detail make you feel like the only passenger on board. It's not just about flying; it's about indulging in an exclusive experience that begins long before takeoff and lingers long after landing.

But let's not forget: the choice between Flagship Business and First is more than a matter of luxury—it's a testament to American Airlines' commitment to providing a premier experience to all its passengers, regardless of class. This dedication to excellence is what sets American Airlines apart in the crowded skies of air travel.

So, as you plan your next journey, consider not just your destination, but also the journey itself. With American Airlines' Flagship Business and First, you're not just choosing a seat; you're choosing an experience that will redefine the way you think about flying.

The sky isn't just the limit—it's the beginning of a luxurious adventure that promises to be as memorable as the places you're exploring. Remember, in the world of travel, how you get there can be just as important as where you're going. And with American Airlines, you're assured of a glorious journey every step of the way.

What amenities can I expect in Flagship Business?

Expect lie-flat seats, access to lounges, priority boarding, gourmet dining, and premium bedding.

How does Flagship First differ from Flagship Business?

Flagship First offers more privacy, larger seats, exclusive dining options, and personalized service, setting it apart from Flagship Business.

Is there a significant price difference between Flagship Business and First?

Yes, Flagship First tends to be more expensive due to its enhanced offerings and exclusivity.

Can I access Flagship First Dining in both classes?

No, Flagship First Dining is exclusive to First Class passengers.

Are both classes available on all flights?

No, availability depends on the route and aircraft. Flagship First is available on select transcontinental and international flights.

How can I maximize my experience in either class?

Book during off-peak times, join the loyalty program, and always express any preferences or needs to the flight crew.

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Fly in Style American Airlines Flagship Business vs First - A Comprehensive Showdown

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In-flight amenities

All First Class seats feature a 15.4-inch HD-capable touchscreen monitor with a selection of up to 75 movies, more than 150 TV programs, More than 350 audio selections, and up to 15 games. Every Main Cabin Extra and Main Cabin seatback has an 8.9-inch HD-capable touchscreen monitor with a variety of movies, TV programs, games, and audio selections available. 

All classes of service on this aircraft feature regular AC power.

Read our  guide to in-seat laptop power  for more information.

Wi-Fi service is availble to all personal portable devices. Internet access is available for a fee. Daily and monthly passes may be purchased before flight. Additional information about the service may be accessed by clicking  here .

Food service depends on length of flight and time of day. Premium dining is offered in the First Class cabin. Main Cabin and Main Cabin Extra items might include complimentary light snacks such as pretzels and/or cookies. Snacks are available for purchase on flights over 2 hours. Light meals are also available for purchase on flights over 3 hours. 

Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. Beer, wine, and a variety of spirits are complimentary in First and Main Cabin Extra. They may be purchased in Main Cabin.

Additional information for each class is available in the "Travel Information / During your flight" section on  aa.com .

The American Airlines Airbus A321 (321) 181 passenger version is primarily used on Domestic US routes. This next-generation aircraft features a First Class cabin with 16 recliner-style seats. The Main Cabin features 165 standard Economy Class-style seats arranged in a 3-3 configuration. Main Cabin Extra seats, which provide additional legroom and priority boarding privileges, may be selected for an additional fee.

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  1. SeatGuru Seat Map American Airlines

    For your next American Airlines flight, use this seating chart to get the most comfortable seats ... Cheap Flights; Comparison Charts. Short-haul Economy Class; Short-haul First/Business Class; Long-haul Economy Class; Premium Economy Class; Long-haul Business Class; Long-haul First Class ... American Airlines Seat Maps. Overview; Planes & Seat ...

  2. Business

    A premium international travel experience. A Business ticket gets you our highest level of service on shorter international flights between the U.S. and Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Puerto Rico and select South American cities.*. Book now. *Includes flights to / from South America on aircraft without lie-flat seats: A319, B738, B7M8.

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    Now AA applied the same magic on its new 787-800 squeezing one extra seat in for each economy row, 3-3-3 hence 9 seats per row, comparing to JAL 787-800's 2-4-2, 8 seats per row in economy. Shame on American Airlines! Submitted by SeatGuru User on 2015/06/16. We flew this plane DFW to LHR, both ways.

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    37. 38. 38. 39. 39. View all available seats on your next American Airlines flight. Our comprehensive seat maps and seating charts on AA.com display seat availability for every aircraft type.

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    View all available seats on your next American Airlines flight. Our comprehensive seat maps and seating charts on AA.com display seat availability for every aircraft type. ... Seat Map. First Class. A D G J ( Unavailable ) Seat: 1A. 1 ( Available , Aisle Seat , Moveable armrest ) ... Business Class. A D G J

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    Some of the best American Airlines business class fares we've seen. Miami to LA in lie-flat seats for $797 nonstop. Inverness, Scotland, from $1,877 in business class. India from $2,221 in business class. Atlanta to Paris for $1,911 in business class. NYC to Rio for $1,805 nonstop in business class.

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  18. SeatGuru Seat Map American Airlines

    For your next American Airlines flight, use this seating chart to get the most comfortable seats, legroom, ... Seat 1 A is a standard forward facing Business Class seat that transforms into a fully-flat bed and is located at a bulkhead. The proximity to the galley and lavatory area might be bothersome. ... The American Airlines Boeing 787-8 ...

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    The American Airlines Boeing 777-200ER featured here presents the airline's new Premium Economy product. The aircraft is configured with seating for 273 in three cabins including Business Class - featuring 37 seats that transform into fully lie-flat beds, Premium Economy - featuring 24 recliner-style seats plus additional legroom, and the Main Cabin Economy Class - featuring 66 Main Cabin ...

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  23. SeatGuru Seat Map American Airlines

    The American Airlines Airbus A321 (321) 181 passenger version is primarily used on Domestic US routes. This next-generation aircraft features a First Class cabin with 16 recliner-style seats. The Main Cabin features 165 standard Economy Class-style seats arranged in a 3-3 configuration.

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    View all available seats on your next American Airlines flight. Our comprehensive seat maps and seating charts on AA.com display seat availability for every aircraft type. ... Seat Map. First Class. A F ... Business Class. A C D F ( Unavailable ) Seat: 6A ( Unavailable ) ...