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Cheap First Class Fares AA JFK-Los Angeles on The New A321: As Low As $492 One Way!

Brian Kelly
Brian Kelly
Founder and “The Points Guy”
Since launching TPG in 2010, founder Brian Kelly has expanded the team to include a distinguished editorial staff and an extensive network of freelancer contacts from around the globe. Today, TPG reaches 11 million unique monthly visitors and more than 3 million followers across social media platforms and has offices in New York City, Charlotte and the U.K.
Feb. 25, 2014
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3 min read
F-Seat-from-above
Cheap First Class Fares AA JFK-Los Angeles on The New A321: As Low As $492 One Way!
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American Airlines is the only carrier now operating and promoting a 3-cabin first class product between New York and Los Angeles (and soon to be San Francisco). Fares on this route for first class are usually in the $2,935 one-way. However, there are a bunch of dates in April and May where fares are as low as $491.99 each way for the 6am departure. I generally don't like flights that early, but I'll always get out of bed early for a good deal!

First class drastically cheaper than business class
First class drastically cheaper than business class

Sadly, I've only found this fare for JFK-LAX and not the other way around, but still- the first class fare is thousands less than business class and sometimes less than $200 more than economy making this a no brainer for those traveling on the available dates.

These are P fares which earn a 50% class of service bonus and 1.5 EQPs, but will incur a $200 cancellation/rebooking fee, but AA.com will let you hold fares for 24 hours so I'd recommend at least doing that because these fares will likely not last very long.

First ClassA, F, P100%50%1.50
AA 24 hour hold

I pulled up non-stop fares on the ITA Matrix for JFK-LAX in April/May/June and found the below- usually the days with $492/$500 fares are those with the super cheap 6am American Airlines departure in first class.

April cheap fare dates
April cheap fare dates
May cheap fare dates
May cheap fare dates

I flew this product recently and thought it was a really solid product and at this price it's a no brainer!

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F SEAT A321 AA
Not the biggest first class seat, but certainly comfortable for a transcend and better than most other options
Not the biggest first class seat, but certainly comfortable for a transcend and better than most other options

You can book through an online portal to maximize your miles/points and also put your purchase on the Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express for 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or the Sapphire Preferred, Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard or Citi AA cards for 2x miles/points.

Hat tip Dealspin

Featured image by Not the biggest first class seat, but certainly comfortable for a transcend and better than most other options