American Airlines Adds Premium Economy to Some Hawaii Routes
Back in October 2016, American Airlines debuted its new premium economy product on a flight between Dallas (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX), which was operated by a 787-9. Since then, AA has rapidly expanded this product to more aircraft types as well as the routes on which it serves. While much of the focus for American has remained on its international routes, now AA is adding premium economy on several popular domestic routes.
Beginning December 15, American will begin flying its premium economy product on select Hawaii routes. Here are the exact details for each of the new routes that will offer it:
- Dallas (DFW) - Honolulu (HNL)
- Dallas (DFW) - Kahului (OGG)
- Dallas (DFW) - Kona (KOA) — beginning June 7, 2018
- Los Angeles (LAX) - Honolulu (HNL) — only between December 15, 2017, and January 7, 2018
Each of the new routes that are listed above will be operated by one of American's retrofitted 777-200 aircraft. Premium economy on the 772 is arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, which is the same as that on its 787-9 aircraft. Passengers seated in premium economy on these new routes will receive food and beverage service, including complimentary spirits, beer and wine. In addition, customers will get an enhanced pillow and blanket.
On the inaugural premium economy flight between DFW and HNL, you can purchase a round-trip ticket for as low as $1,689 as of this writing.
According to an AA spokesperson, AAdvantage awards and upgrades for premium economy on these new routes aren't yet available. However, they will be at a later date. In the interim, passengers can request a 500-mile upgrade from Main Cabin to domestic first class and from premium economy to domestic first class.
In addition, Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro members will get complimentary upgrades from either the main cabin or premium economy to domestic first class if seats are available. Platinum and Gold members can pay to upgrade with 500-mile upgrades. As far as what you'll earn, flying premium economy will earn you 1.5 EQMs.
This is great news from AA, which is continuing to expand its new premium economy product. TPG's JT Genter flew AA's premium economy product on the 777-200 and enjoyed his experience, especially the additional legroom and enhanced pillows. If you're looking to try premium economy on a domestic route, these new additions from AA are a great way to do so.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.