American Airlines shares 3 exciting updates about its new Flagship Business suites
American Airlines' big bet on premium is getting even bigger.
The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline announced on Wednesday three exciting updates related to its new flagship jet, the Boeing 787-9P, which debuted last month after years of anticipation.
The plane offers American's new signature business-class experience, and it marks a new era for the airline that hasn't historically competed as heavily as some of its peers for the premium market.
Here's everything you need to know.
American expanding 787-9P network
American will start flying the 787-9P to additional destinations in the coming months.
Right now, the plane is exclusively flying between Chicago and London, but that will be expanded to include several additional markets, American announced on Wednesday.
You'll find the full deployment schedule for the jet in the table below.
| Departure | Arrival | Upcoming service |
|---|---|---|
Chicago | London | All flights starting July 5 |
Dallas-Fort Worth | Auckland, New Zealand | Daily service from Jan. 5 to March 28 |
Dallas-Fort Worth | Brisbane, Australia | Daily service from Oct. 25 to March 28 |
Dallas-Fort Worth | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Daily service from Oct. 26 to Jan. 5 |
Dallas-Fort Worth | London | Daily service (AA78 and AA79) from Oct. 26 to Jan. 5, with a second daily flight (AA20 and AA21) from Dec. 3 to Jan. 5 |
Philadelphia | London | Daily service from Oct. 25 to Jan. 5 |
All of these existing routes will be updated to reflect the new plane configuration by Monday, July 7, and passengers booked on these flights will be able to see the updated seat map then. Furthermore, travelers looking to specifically purchase a flight operated by this jet will need to look for the "78P" designator when shopping via American's booking channels.
In terms of the deployment strategy, it's no surprise to see American going big in London. Even though the U.S.-to-London market is already saturated with premium service, it seems that American believes there's more untapped premium demand that it can capture with this new plane.
Suites are officially suites
When American inaugurated the 787-9P, it needed to modify a key aspect of the business-class experience. All sliding doors were locked in the open position because the airline hadn't yet received the necessary certification from the Federal Aviation Administration to use them.
The good news is that the doors have now officially received the FAA's stamp of approval, and the airline will activate the door functionality in the Flagship Suite product in the coming days.
That should be welcome news for any passenger looking to maximize their rest and privacy on board this jet.
New onboard amenities
In yet another big investment in premium, American will start offering mattress pads and pajamas in business class on all flights to East Asia, the Middle East, India, Australia and New Zealand.
The airline shared that these new amenities will be available beginning later this summer, and it joins existing sleep amenities, such as slippers, plush pillows and duvets.
Over the years, American has offered pajamas and mattress pads on select ultra-long-haul flights, but those premium touches have also been scaled back in recent months, presumably to drive down costs.
Furthermore, American's new business-class-plus experience, dubbed Flagship Suite Preferred, will continue to include even fancier amenities, such as larger amenity kits and enhanced bedding. This product will presumably be charged as a separate add-on in the coming months, but for now, American confirmed it will remain available on a first-come, first-served basis when booking.
Related reading:
- Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
- Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers
- American Airlines elite status: What it is and how to earn it
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- American Airlines basic economy: What you need to know about bags, seats, boarding and more
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.