I’ve been flying American Airlines (AA) since 1995 and have been one of their top tier frequent fliers (Executive Platinum) for close to a decade. I know American Airlines very well and fortunately, I know the front of the cabin well too. I’ve often been upgraded for free thanks to my status, had clients purchase first class seats or I’ve used my miles.
The last time I flew in AA’s Flagship First seats was a couple of months ago when I traveled between LAX and JFK (see photo above). They’re awesome since the 321T aircraft in First is configured 1×1. However, I did notice the seats were getting a little ratty. But American is going to be replacing not only these seats but their premium transcontinental aircrafts (Airbus A321XLR) and installing Flagship Suites.
The first Flagship Suite is debuting on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and they’re already available for booking now, including some great redemptions using miles as my buddy Gary Leff pointed out.
Route Rollout: Where You Can Fly in Flagship Style
The first international flight featuring these new premium suites is set to depart June 5, offering travelers a plush journey from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to London Heathrow (LHR) at 10:25pm as Flight 98. However, earlier that day, passengers can preview the aircraft with a domestic leg at 9:12am (Flight 2012) from ORD to Los Angeles and back at 1pm as Flight 2321. The prices for that flight have jumped (see screenshot below), so my plan to experience it has gone out the window.
American will gradually expand service to other international routes throughout the year. See below:
- Philadelphia (PHL) to London Heathrow (LHR): August 6
- Philadelphia (PHL) to Zurich (ZRH): September 3
- Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to Brisbane, Australia (BNE): October 26
First Look at the Suite Life
The redesigned 787-9 aircraft features 51 private Flagship Suite seats, each enclosed with privacy doors. Inside, passengers will find an array of amenities: increased personal storage, wireless charging pads and an exclusive chaise lounge seating concept that includes an adjustable headrest and dual-sided pillows, cool touch on one side, traditional fabric on the other.
Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer, emphasized the airline’s focus on enhancing the travel journey: “Every aspect of our new 787-9 is designed to feel premium in nature. Whether flying for business or pleasure, having the opportunity to explore other parts of the world should be an exciting and memorable experience that begins the moment you book your flight.”
Beyond the Seat: Flagship Perks on the Ground and in the Air
Travelers booking Flagship Suite will enjoy priority check-in, security, boarding and baggage handling, plus access to American’s Flagship lounges. These upscale lounges offer regionally inspired cuisine, curated cocktails and a relaxing pre-flight atmosphere.
Inflight, passengers are treated to multi-course meals designed to complement a selection of award-winning wines, along with premium amenity kits packed with luxury skincare products. Comfort continues with high-end bedding that matches the suite’s sophisticated design.
Photo: American Airlines
More Premium Seating to Come
American has already received two new 787-9s, which recently arrived in Dallas-Fort Worth and plans to add 30 new aircraft by 2029. These aircraft will significantly boost the airline’s lie-flat and Premium Economy capacity by 50% over the next few years.
In addition to the Dreamliners, American’s new Airbus A321XLR and retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER jets will also be outfitted with Flagship Suite seating. I’m really looking forward to it since I fly a lot more domestic routes with American Airlines these days than I do internationally.
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