American Airlines offers business class on long-haul international flights as well as transcontinental flying between major markets like New York and Los Angeles or San Francisco. American Airlines refers to its top-tier business class product as Flagship Business.
Flagship Business class has a lot of great perks to offer. Here’s what to expect when traveling in an American Airlines Flagship Business class cabin.
» Learn More: The guide to the American Airlines AAdvantage program
How to book American Airlines business class
In addition to purchasing an American Airlines business class ticket outright, travelers can also get a business class seat by redeeming AAdvantage miles.
The mileage cost depends on what route you're flying and the demand for that flight. If you're flexible, you can book American Airlines business class between the U.S. and Europe for as few as 75,000 AAdvantage miles each way.
AAdvantage members also have the option to redeem miles to upgrade after purchasing an eligible economy or premium economy ticket. Just note that mileage upgrades typically require a cash copay. Depending on where you're flying, a mileage upgrade may not be the best value.
Complimentary upgrades to Flagship Business are available to all AAdvantage elite members on transcontinental flights and flights to Hawaii. AAdvantage elites generally need to be booked on a paid ticket — not an award ticket — to be eligible for an upgrade. However, Executive Platinum elites can even score an upgrade on award tickets.
In addition, flyers can use systemwide upgrades to upgrade to American Airlines Flagship Business class for no additional cost. AAdvantage members can select systemwide upgrades through the American Airlines Loyalty Point Rewards program or earn them upon reaching Million Miler status.
The airport experience
American Airlines business class passengers can use priority check-in lines and accelerated security queues at some airports. Travelers can check two bags without charge, and these carry priority bag tags so that they should be delivered first upon landing.
During boarding, business class passengers can board through the priority lane. You'll get either Group 1 or Group 2 boarding, depending on if there's a first class cabin.
» Learn More: American Airlines boarding groups and how you can upgrade
Flagship Business class passengers can access American Airlines Admirals Clubs and American Airlines Flagship Lounges on the day of travel.
The latter are impressive lounges with large buffets offering sushi, soups and salads. Self-serve bars offer a wide range of cocktails, wines, beers and champagne while refrigerators stock bottled water, juices and sodas.
Business class travelers flying into London Heathrow are treated to another special perk: the Arrivals Lounge.
Unique to London, it features a place to relax with a cup of coffee, refreshments, breakfast and showers. The lounge also offers clothes pressing so travelers can head straight to a meeting from the airport.
American Airlines business class seats
All American Airlines Flagship Business class seats can recline 90 degrees into fully-flat seats. Even better, on all American Airlines Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft, each seat offers direct aisle access — meaning travelers don't have to step over anyone to move around the cabin.
However, some American Airlines business class seats are better than others. Here's our breakdown of the best business class seats on American Airlines.
Best American Airlines business class seats
After a massive fleet simplification in 2020, American Airlines offers four types of business class seats. Here's our ranking of how they stack up.
1. Safran Cirrus II seats (Boeing 777-300ER)
The business class seat found on American Boeing 777-300ER aircraft is generally regarded as American Airlines' best business class seat. This reverse-herringbone business class seat is spacious, offers well-designed storage compartments, easily accessible outlets and seat controls. Most importantly, this seat avoids the pitfalls of other American Airlines business class seats.
These business class seats are found on all American Airlines Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. That means you can book this aircraft and know that you'll have an excellent business class seat. Unfortunately, that's not true for other American Airlines aircraft.
2. Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats (Boeing 787-9, 777-200 and 787-8)
American Airlines' new business class standard is the Super Diamond seat. These seats are well-regarded for all facing forward, offering a variety of storage and feeling spacious.
The only ding against these seats is with the tray table. The tray table is stored under the in-flight entertainment screen, reducing the clearance of the footwell. Side sleepers may feel a bit squeezed in the thigh or knees when trying to sleep with the seat fully reclined.
Super Diamond business class seats are found on all American Airlines 787-9 aircraft, over half of 777-200 aircraft and the newest deliveries of 787-8 aircraft. On these newest aircraft, the seat has been improved even more with the addition of an adjustable privacy screen between middle seats.
3. Safran Concept D seats (Boeing 787-8 and 777-200)
American Airlines "Concept D" business class seats are typically considered American Airlines' worst long-haul business class seats. These seats alternate between forward- and rear-facing seat pairs.
The seats are connected to one another and aren't anchored down properly. So, when your seatmate moves, you'll feel it. These seats also don't have as much storage as the Super Diamond business class seats.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You can tell that your aircraft has Concept D seats by looking at the seat map. American Airlines places a reverse arrow on seats that face backward.
You'll find Concept D installed on most American Airlines Boeing 787-8 aircraft and just under half of American's Boeing 777-200 fleet.
4. Collins Diamond seats (Airbus A321T)
Last place goes to the business class seats on American Airlines' A321T — which operate transcontinental flights such as New York to Los Angeles and San Francisco. That's for a simple reason: All seats don't have aisle access.
These aircraft have two business class seats on either side of the single aisle. That means window passengers have to climb over the aisle seat passenger to access the aisle. Still, this is a perfectly fine seat to fly across the country.
American Airlines business class amenities
American Airlines Flagship Business class seats offer ample storage space with nooks for smaller items and side pockets to store tablets or phones. Some have flip-up storage spaces for other things like eyeglasses and reading material. Power outlets are at every seat and generally within easy reach.
Onboard, passengers will find a bottle of water waiting at their seat, as well as an amenity kit (short-haul Hawaiian flights don’t get amenity kits). There is also a comfy duvet and oversized pillow, which are part of American’s partnership with Casper bedding.
A wide variety of movies, TV shows, audio programming and often live TV is available on large screens at each seat. American also gives passengers access to Apple Music while they are flying. To enjoy the entertainment, noise-reducing headphones are given to each passenger.
Unfortunately, these headphones are often collected about one hour before landing — which can be annoying if you aren't finished enjoying the in-flight entertainment. Flight attendants generally offer low-quality earbuds as an alternative.
All American aircraft that offer Flagship Business class seating feature in-flight Wi-Fi for a charge.
» Learn More: The guide to airlines' in-flight entertainment
In-flight dining
Before the flight, American Airlines flight attendants offer trays of orange juice, water and sparkling wine. Printed menus are delivered to each passenger (or are waiting at each seat) to explain in-flight offerings.
Multi-course meals begin with warm nuts and a tablecloth placed on the tray table. American uses aisle serving carts for its service, which speeds up delivery, but is not exactly a premium experience. Drink refills are typically plentiful and followed by a tray with an appetizer, salad and warm bread.
American is the official airline partner of the James Beard Foundation, and some of the menu choices have been designed by talented chefs. Travelers can choose from one of several main courses, which usually consist of a beef, poultry, seafood and pasta option.
Dessert usually includes a cheese plate or ice cream sundae with toppings that are added upon request.
Customers can pre-select their meal 30 days before departure via the airline’s website. In addition to the standard menu choices, there is a choice of special meals like Asian vegetarian, diabetic and Kosher options. Meals must be pre-ordered at least 24 hours before departure. Otherwise, passengers can always choose their selection from the standard menu on the flight.
On Boeing 777 and select 787-9 aircraft, American offers a food and drink station where business class passengers can help themselves to water, sodas, sandwiches, snacks and other refreshments. Other aircraft offer in-flight snacking stations on long flights, but it tends to be at the front of the business class cabin.
Frequently asked questions
Is business the same as first class on American Airlines?
On many American Airlines aircraft, business class and first class can be used interchangably. That's because only two American Airlines aircraft offer both a Flagship Business and Flagship First Class cabin — the Airbus A321T and Boeing 777-300ER. On other long-haul international aircraft, Flagship Business class is the best cabin that you can book.
On most domestic and short-haul international aircraft, the front cabin is referred to as "first class" but is typically no more than a larger recliner seat with better food and drink service.
Are drinks free in business class on American Airlines?
Yes, international and domestic business class receive complimentary drinks — including a variety of beers, wines and spirits to complement the food menu. Note that short flights might not offer a full drink service.
Do American Airlines business class seats fully recline?
Yes, whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, all American Airlines Flagship Business class seats recline fully into lie-flat seats. However, on domestic and short-haul international flights on American Airlines single-aisle jets, first class and business class seats typically only recline a few inches.
Does business class get lounge access American Airlines?
All Flagship Business class passengers — including passengers on transcontinental domestic flights, qualifying Flagship flights to Hawaii or qualifying international routes — have access to American Airlines Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club lounges.
(Top photo courtesy of American Airlines)
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FAQs
What is the best seat on AA business class? ›
American Airlines' business class seats vary between aircraft. Generally, the best business class seats are on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. And the best seats on that aircraft are in the mini-cabin in rows 3 and 4. Generally, the second-best seats are found on AA's 787-9 aircraft and some of AA's 777-200 aircraft.
Do you get free drinks in business class on American Airlines? ›Are drinks free in business class on American Airlines? Yes, international and domestic business class receive complimentary drinks — including a variety of beers, wines and spirits to complement the food menu.
Do American Airlines business class seats fully recline? ›The business class seats still recline fully flat, but you don't get a separate bed (your seat is your bed), you'll have less privacy from other passengers, and there is less personal space allocated just for you.
Is American Airlines business the same as first class? ›Is business class "first class" on American? No, these two distinct fare classes offer two different experiences for passengers. That said, because first class isn't always available for certain flights, business class stands in as its most premium offering.
Where is the best seat location in business class? ›The best seats in Business Class
In Business Class, I'll always book a window seat (with the seat next to the window) at least one row away from the galley and lavatories. Bulkhead seats offer more room but I would only choose these if they're not near the galley/lavatories, or if they have doors.
Dress code
For most of us, being comfortable in flight extends to the clothes we wear. American doesn't have a prescribed dress code for our non-revenue guests. So, as long as your clothing is neat and clean and doesn't offend or distract, you're good to fly in any class (including premium cabins).
- Priority billing. ...
- Additional baggage allowance. ...
- Business class waiting room. ...
- Priority boarding. ...
- Bigger and better seat. ...
- Luxury dinner. ...
- Services and facilities. ...
- Be the first to leave the plane.
Amenities can include additional space, a lie down bed, full meals, complementary non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, blankets, pajamas, complementary toiletries and oftentimes in-flight lounge access.
Do you get unlimited drinks in business class? ›As for food and drinks, customers in business class seats can expect to enjoy a nice meal and drinks, including unlimited alcoholic beverages. The specific food and drink options offered vary from airline to airline and may be a step below that of first-class passenger seating options.
Can I get into American Airlines lounge with a business class ticket? ›Our premium Flagship® Lounge is available to qualifying First and Business customers.
Does business class get lounge access? ›
If you're on a domestic portion of a transcontinental flight and have a business class ticket, you should be able to enjoy all of the snacks, space, and amenities provided at either airport. Otherwise, you can look into getting a credit card that offers access to airport lounges.
Can you sleep in business class flight? ›More Space. On a short daytime flight, it's nice to have extra space, though not completely necessary. On an overnight flight, however, extra legroom is a necessity, especially if you're hoping to get some sleep. Most business class seats can be fully reclined to a flat, bed position.
Can you keep the blankets in first class American Airlines? ›Blankets. Business and first-class flights offer comfort items like blankets during the flight. You must leave them on board when you're leaving the plane as they can be reused.
Is first class nicer than business class? ›First class chairs are generally bigger, more comfortable, more private, and more exclusive. But it varies from airline to airline. Some business class cabins, like the Qatar Airways Qsuites, are nicer than many first-class products. Make sure to read reviews of the airline and specific aircraft you are flying.
How is business class different from economy? ›The main difference between economy and business classes lies in the prices and facilities offered. The fare of a business class is two to five times higher than an economy class. The business class allows you to carry additional luggage. Plus, you get free food and drinks, lounge services, and wider seats.
How do I get the best out of business class? ›- Choose the best seat for you. ...
- Be well-rested. ...
- Check in online. ...
- Show up early and use the lounge. ...
- Dress on purpose. ...
- Use the fast-track security and boarding gates. ...
- Business during the flight. ...
- Settle in.
The Business Class cabin has a number of complimentary services and amenities, such as high-quality food and drink, larger and more comfortable seating, a personal workspace, travel kits and more. What's included with a Business Class ticket differs from airline to airline, with some more extravagant than others.
Can you wear sneakers in business class? ›Close-toed shoes are ideal footwear option for business class travel. You can either pick up flats, boots, ankle boots, even leather sneakers if you want to add an urban vibe to your business class outfit. You can also choose pumps, if you like them and think you will feel fine wearing them for long hours.
Do you get a meal on American business class? ›Available for customers traveling on American Airlines in First or Business class, on the majority of flights that are scheduled to offer a meal. Meals may not be available at times as there is a limit on numbers.
How to behave in business class? ›- Don't drink billions of bellinis. ...
- Don't clean your bare feet with the hot towel. ...
- Don't get angry if your nuts are served in a packet. ...
- Don't post a photo of your boarding pass on Instagram. ...
- Don't wear activewear in the lounge. ...
- Don't wear wireless in-ear headphones while you sleep. ...
- Don't ask other passengers to move.
Does business class have separate security check? ›
Here, only Air India and Vistara have business-class seats for domestic travel whose premium passengers can use the special security channel in front of gate 3C at Kolkata airport. Along with premium passengers, passengers with restricted mobility and airline crew use the channel for security clearance.
Is business lounge food free? ›Yes, all of the food and beverages, including alcohol, are free in British Airways lounges.
Do business class passengers get priority security? ›Priority check-in
This perk really saves valuable time. Business and first class passengers can enter the plane through a dedicated check-in line and also a priority security screening and immigration line.
Verdict: if you make the above assumptions, you can fly business class on every flight if you earn over $277,014.40 annually (or if the future asset value of your productive energy can be valued on an annual basis at or over this number).
Is airport lounge free for business class? ›Entrance to most airport lounges usually comes free for those carrying a first- or business-class ticket (and often, for economy-class flyers carrying an active military ID).
Do business class passengers get their luggage first? ›Check-in, luggage and boarding
Technically, first-class luggage at your destination should arrive on the luggage belts first, though in practice, all priority-tagged bags may be delivered at the same time. First-class passengers will be the first to walk off the aircraft, and business-class passengers after them.
Business class passengers can also order a meal whenever they want during the flight and in any order they choose.
Does business class have a shower? ›There are two major airlines that have showers on their planes: Emirates and Etihad, both from the United Arab Emirates and both serving several destinations in the U.S. On both airlines, the showers are available exclusively on Airbus A380s.
Can you ask for more food on business class? ›"Yes, you may ask politely [for more free food]," Nuralia Mazlan, a Kuala Lumpur-based flight attendant, told the website Quora. "If a passenger came to me asking if there's anything for them to munch on, I always give them anything that's available.
Does business class get you into Admirals Club? ›Complimentary access
Complimentary Admirals Club access is available to business and first-class passengers traveling on any international route (including flights to Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, which previously were excluded), premium transcontinental routes and select Hawaii flights.
Can you sleep in business class lounge? ›
Many of the best Priority Pass lounges in the world are open 24/7, which makes catching a cat nap (or more) very easy. Keep in mind that some lounges frown upon people sleeping there, and many also have time limits on how long you can stay, so factor this into consideration when planning out your night.
How do you use a business lounge at the airport? ›If you're already at the airport, just walk up to the lounge entrance and ask if you're eligible for entry. If you are, note that you will need to present your access credential (such as the credit card that includes access or your Priority Pass card), your photo ID and your boarding pass.
Is there a dress code for business class lounge? ›Smart-casual is a common policy for airport lounges and it's not particularly restrictive. Such regulations prohibit lounge customers from wearing short clothing, offensive slogans, pajamas and fancy dress, to name but a few items.
Can business class passengers bring guest to lounge? ›You will need to show your boarding pass in Domestic Business Class on a Star Alliance member airline operated flight. You are not entitled to bring any guests.
How long can you stay in business class lounge? ›In most airport lounges, you're allowed to stay for 2-3 hours before departure or after landing. Some also offer extended stays for upwards of 5 hours.
How early do you have to be at the airport for business class? ›You should arrive 2 hours earlier for short-haul or domestic flights. As for long-haul or international flights, arriving 4 hours before the scheduled flight time should do the trick.
Do they give you a pillow in business class? ›Do Airlines Provide Pillows? Most international airlines provide pillows for long-haul flights regardless of whether you are in the economy, business, or first class.
What should I wear to sleep in business class? ›Wear comfortable clothes
Stay away from clothes that are too tight as you are going to wear them for a long time. Some airline companies offer pajamas on their business class flights. But you should be prepared in case your business class flight doesn't offer pajamas.
According to active flight attendant and HuffPost blogger Sara Keagle, this dirty little secret is indeed true, at least partially. As she revealed to HuffPost, freshly washed blankets are only supplied to the first flights of the day. On subsequent flights, the blankets are re-folded and re-used.
Does American Airlines have a dress code for first class? ›Generally speaking, most airlines don't have a dress code for business or first-class travel.
Can you use first class bathroom American Airlines? ›
American Airlines also does not have a policy against coach passengers using the first class lavatory for domestic flights, or for flights departing the U.S.
Do business class seats fully recline? ›The business class seats still recline fully flat, but you don't get a separate bed (your seat is your bed), you'll have less privacy from other passengers, and there is less personal space allocated just for you.
Why is business class so much better? ›Business class offers perks like priority boarding, comfortable seats with extra legroom, gourmet food service, premium beverages, access to lounges and more, depending on the airline. This is why it costs more than an economy ticket.
What's the difference between business and first class on American Airlines? ›The difference between business class and first class on American Airlines flights can be challenging to distinguish. First class provides a slightly better meal experience and amenities kits. But, business class still provides passengers a premium cabin with tons of privacy, quality entertainment, and lie-flat seats.
How is business class better? ›Seating in Business Class
Business class seats are bigger; wider and with more legroom than economy. The variations between airline standards for business class aren't huge, most seats being around 3 – 4 inches wider than economy and with around 15 -20 inches more leg room.
Business class is a class of air travel that offers passengers a higher level of comfort, service, and amenities than economy class. You'll usually find business class seats in the fancy part of the plane, behind first class, but still separated from economy/premium economy by a curtain.
Why is business better than first class? ›Business-class might offer more legroom but doesn't offer a private space. The food and drink in business class are typically at a restaurant level. However, first-class dining might be at another level with an award-winning chef setting the menu.
What are the best seats on a 777-200 business class? ›The best seats on AA 787-8 and 777-200. The best seats are the window seats in a mini-cabin, so 6A, 7A, 6L, and 7L. Also, we recommend the last row of the main cabin, so the window seats 5A, and 5L. Read our American Airlines 777-200 business class flight review.
Does American Airlines business class have lay flat seats? ›A premier experience for the long haul
*Flagship® Business is only available on aircraft with lie-flat seats: Boeing 777-200, 777-300, 787-8 and 787-9; and Airbus A321T.
Both the Boeing 777 and 787 offer generous space and comfort in business class. The 787 allows for larger seats with up to 6 inches of additional pitch, whereas the 777 features two-by-two seating with a bit more privacy.
Does a business class ticket on American get lounge access? ›
If you're flying in first or business class on select international, transcontinental or other domestic flights marketed and operated by American, its Oneworld airline partners or marketed by JetBlue and operated by American, you'll get complimentary Admirals Club access.
Which seats are best in American Airlines 777 300 business class? ›Which Are The Best Seats In American Airlines 777-300ER Business Class? Solo passengers will want to aim for an A or J seat to be close to the window. Drilling down, right-handers may prefer J, whereas left-handers will have access to the side table on their left-hand side when seated in an A seat.
Is business class better on A380 or 777? ›Interestingly, the seat design (with the extra legroom) on the 777 creates a few more enjoyable lounging positions to enjoy the IFE. However, with better storage and a lie-flat bed, the A380 is the easy winner for sleeping and privacy. Want to see more of our trip reports - click here!
Do business class seats lay down? ›Most airlines have lie-flat seats in business class on wide-body (twin-aisle) aircraft. However, watch out for some notable exceptions to this general rule. For example, some Asia-based carriers opt to configure some of their larger aircraft for domestic and regional routes.
What is included in business class flights? ›- Priority check-in, security and boarding.
- Premium seats, including more space and lie-flat beds.
- Lounge access.
- Complimentary alcoholic beverages and enhanced food options.
- Amenity kits.
- Dedicated overhead space for your carry-on luggage.
Generally speaking, the Boeing 777 offers a more comfortable passenger experience. This is because it is somewhat larger than the 787 and has higher capacity, leading to more room in terms of seating comfort.
Is flying business class better than first class? ›There's little doubt that first class offers a great deal more luxury, but it comes with a hefty price tag. While business class may not be as luxurious as first class, it's far nicer than economy, and surprisingly comfortable.
Is 787 Dreamliner bigger than 777? ›The Boeing 777 series is larger than the 787 and thus can carry more passengers. The 787-10 has a higher capacity than the smaller 777-200 series. However, it falls short of the larger 777-300 models by 66 passengers in a typical two-class configuration. Of course, the exact capacity varies from airline to airline.
Can I use the business class lounge when I land? ›The airline's lounges are not usually available for arrivals access – you'll need an outbound boarding pass.