How to Fly American's Best Business Class Seats Domestically in March and April
American Airlines is in the process of revolutionizing its fleet — both in good ways and bad — and that means its planes can still be frustratingly inconsistent, especially on US domestic routes. Some long domestic routes will lack power or in-flight entertainment, even in first class. Meanwhile, you can find lie-flat seats sold as economy on one-hour flights. If you've got some flexibility in your travels, knowing American Airlines' fleet schedule can mean getting a superior experience.
Problem is, AA's schedule can vary from month to month. So, we at The Points Guy dig into it to unveil where you can find these excellent seats.
Whether you splurge on a first class award or paid ticket, get a free upgrade using 500-mile upgrades or get a complimentary upgrade as an Executive Platinum member, here are the ways to fly on American Airlines' best business class seats without having to bring your passport.
If you're looking to score one of these seats in February, here's that schedule.
777-200: B/E Aerospace Super Diamond or Zodiac
American Airlines has three versions of the 777-200 in its fleet — some with "rocking" Zodiac seats and others with new B/E Aerospace Super Diamond seats. All but 13 of these have been retrofit with premium economy. These can be frustrating to try to tell apart. And, even if you do book a particular version, equipment changes means there's no telling which type will show up at your gate.
However, all three versions have some form of lie-flat business class seat. So, looking for 777-200s on domestic routes is sure to provide a better-than-average first class experience. Here are the routes on which AA is using these aircraft:
| From | To | Flight # | Depart | Arrive | Starting | Ending | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFW | MIA | 2791 | 17:05 | 20:45 | 1-Mar | 3-Mar | Daily |
DFW | MIA | 1289 | 17:05 | 20:45 | 4-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
DFW | MIA | 222 | 15:55 | 19:40 | 2-Apr | 23-Apr | Daily |
DFW | MIA | 1294 | 16:55 | 20:43 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
JFK | DFW | 1223 | 14:55 | 17:55 | 3-Apr | 3-Apr | One-off |
LAX | MIA | 225 | 7:45 | 15:36 | 1-Mar | 25-Mar | Daily |
MIA | DFW | 969 | 11:00 | 13:25 | 1-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
MIA | DFW | 2808 | 9:10 | 11:24 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
MIA | DFW | 222 | 10:15 | 12:27 | 4-Apr | 4-Apr | One-off |
MIA | DFW | 222 | 10:15 | 12:27 | 25-Apr | 25-Apr | One-off |
MIA | LAX | 270 | 17:25 | 20:23 | 1-Mar | 3-Mar | Daily |
MIA | LAX | 275 | 17:30 | 20:28 | 4-Mar | 24-Mar | Daily |
787-9 B/E Aerospace Super Diamond

While American Airlines mostly keeps its efficient 787-9 Dreamliners on international routes, periodically the airline will have to position these aircraft between hubs due to scheduling needs. This opens up a golden opportunity to try AA's newest business class seat out for yourself.
For March-April, you'll find these three-cabin (economy, premium economy, business) aircraft flying domestic routes between Dallas (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX) and Chicago (ORD):
| From | To | Flight # | Depart | Arrive | Starting | Ending | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFW | LAX | 2489 | 18:42 | 20:14 | 1-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
DFW | LAX | 2649 | 20:30 | 22:02 | 24-Mar | 24-Mar | One-off |
DFW | LAX | 1281 | 18:55 | 20:23 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
DFW | ORD | 1233 | 12:35 | 14:52 | 1-Mar | 24-Mar | Daily |
LAX | DFW | 2459 | 8:20 | 13:27 | 1-Mar | 23-Mar | Daily |
LAX | DFW | 2459 | 14:10 | 19:18 | 25-Mar | 30-Apr | Daily |
ORD | DFW | 2349 | 16:55 | 19:26 | 1-Mar | 24-Mar | Daily |
Upgrade didn't clear? Or, don't want to pay for first class? AA has made the decision to not sell premium economy on domestic routes (except to Hawaii), so the premium economy seats found on these aircraft are sold as part of the economy cabin. However, these seats are labeled as Main Cabin Extra, so you'll need AA elite status to choose these for free.
A330 Envoy Suite

While not the newest business class seat in the fleet, the legacy US Airlines A330s are a solid business class product — and certainly more than sufficient for a domestic flight.
Here's where to find these domestically:
| From | To | Flight # | Depart | Arrive | Starting | Ending | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CLT | MCO | 581 | 14:37 | 16:19 | 2-Mar | 2-Mar | One-off |
CLT | MCO | 1870 | 17:54 | 19:39 | 28-Apr | 28-Apr | One-off |
CLT | PHL | 559 | 16:35 | 18:23 | 1-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
CLT | PHL | 1798 | 20:24 | 22:04 | 2-Apr | 2-Apr | One-off |
CLT | PHX | 692 | 7:30 | 10:27 | 1-Mar | 10-Mar | Daily |
CLT | PHX | 692 | 7:34 | 9:25 | 11-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
LAX | PHL | 670 | 8:15 | 16:34 | 25-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
LAX | PHL | 2083 | 8:25 | 16:54 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
MCO | CLT | 1739 | 11:49 | 13:37 | 2-Mar | 2-Mar | One-off |
MCO | CLT | 1725 | 10:23 | 12:10 | 29-Apr | 29-Apr | One-off |
MCO | PHL | 720 | 9:30 | 11:57 | 1-Mar | 3-Mar | Daily |
MCO | PHL | 1666 | 17:19 | 19:50 | 2-Mar | 2-Mar | One-off |
MCO | PHL | 562 | 9:30 | 11:57 | 4-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
MCO | PHL | 1879 | 9:25 | 11:51 | 3-Apr | 3-Apr | One-off |
PHL | CLT | 566 | 13:05 | 14:53 | 1-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
PHL | CLT | 1995 | 9:46 | 11:35 | 25-Mar | 25-Mar | One-off |
PHL | LAX | 751 | 15:45 | 18:57 | 24-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
PHL | LAX | 700 | 15:50 | 18:54 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
PHL | MCO | 1786 | 18:15 | 21:04 | 1-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
PHL | MCO | 1728 | 8:10 | 10:49 | 2-Mar | 2-Mar | One-off |
PHL | SFO | 877 | 15:30 | 18:49 | 1-Mar | 3-Mar | Daily |
PHL | SFO | 771 | 16:10 | 19:30 | 4-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
PHL | SFO | 1977 | 15:50 | 19:05 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
PHX | CLT | 743 | 9:49 | 15:50 | 1-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
PHX | PHL | 766 | 9:00 | 16:36 | 3-Apr | 3-Apr | One-off |
SFO | PHL | 878 | 8:20 | 16:43 | 1-Mar | 3-Mar | Daily |
SFO | PHL | 770 | 8:20 | 16:43 | 4-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
SFO | PHL | 1984 | 8:30 | 16:59 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
767-300

The fourth and final aircraft we're going to take a look at is American Airlines' old Boeing 767s. While these are far from the best AA business class seats — actually, these rank #6 in our rankings — at least they've got lie-flat seats.
| From | To | Flight # | Depart | Arrive | Starting | Ending | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CLT | MIA | 1234 | 9:55 | 12:13 | 26-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
DFW | MIA | 2686 | 10:25 | 14:07 | 1-Mar | 4-Mar | Daily |
DFW | MIA | 1462 | 12:35 | 16:17 | 1-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
DFW | MIA | 2336 | 7:15 | 11:10 | 3-Apr | 3-Apr | One-off |
DFW | MIA | 1057 | 14:35 | 18:31 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
DFW | MIA | 2427 | 10:25 | 14:12 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
DFW | PHL | 2748 | 20:35 | 0:41 | 2-Apr | 2-Apr | One-off |
DFW | PHL | 2748 | 7:30 | 11:47 | 3-Apr | 3-Apr | One-off |
JFK | MIA | 369 | 15:30 | 18:59 | 1-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
JFK | MIA | 2230 | 6:00 | 9:14 | 24-Mar | 24-Mar | One-off |
JFK | MIA | 65 | 15:30 | 18:53 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
JFK | MIA | 942 | 11:05 | 14:11 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
LAS | MIA | 2746 | 12:35 | 20:18 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
MIA | CLT | 348 | 6:40 | 8:49 | 26-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
MIA | DFW | 2213 | 15:45 | 18:08 | 1-Mar | 3-Mar | Daily |
MIA | DFW | 2427 | 17:35 | 20:02 | 1-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
MIA | DFW | 2455 | 11:00 | 13:21 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
MIA | DFW | 263 | 7:00 | 9:17 | 4-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
MIA | JFK | 391 | 13:05 | 16:04 | 1-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
MIA | JFK | 2493 | 7:00 | 10:00 | 4-Mar | 4-Mar | One-off |
MIA | JFK | 942 | 7:00 | 10:01 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
MIA | JFK | 2458 | 19:35 | 22:41 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
MIA | LAS | 1470 | 8:45 | 11:16 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
MIA | ORD | 1090 | 13:50 | 16:16 | 25-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
MIA | ORD | 2439 | 10:05 | 12:31 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
MIA | PHL | 320 | 13:40 | 16:30 | 24-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
MIA | PHL | 196 | 16:00 | 18:56 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
MIA | PHL | 1266 | 6:50 | 9:41 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
MIA | PHL | 2626 | 13:35 | 16:29 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
ORD | MIA | 342 | 17:19 | 21:23 | 25-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
ORD | MIA | 2439 | 13:47 | 18:01 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
PHL | MIA | 97 | 17:40 | 20:43 | 25-Mar | 2-Apr | Daily |
PHL | MIA | 2582 | 10:45 | 13:48 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
PHL | MIA | 2785 | 15:35 | 18:41 | 3-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
PHL | MIA | 2683 | 17:45 | 20:55 | 4-Apr | 30-Apr | Daily |
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.

