The Guide to American Airlines Flagship Business Class
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Unlike a short, domestic business-class flight on American Airlines, Flagship business class tickets give travelers more. If you're planning to fly long distances with American Airlines, you may want to book a flagship business class ticket to improve your overall comfort and experience.
However, American Airlines Flagship business class tickets are only available on select routes. This guide will explain the essential details of this ticket type.
What is American Airlines Flagship business?
American Airlines Flagship business class tickets are available on select transcontinental, international and Hawaii flights. Compared with shorter business-class trips with American Airlines, this ticket type promises a more comfortable and upgraded experience for longer flights.
Transcontinental flights
You can book American Airlines Flagship business class tickets for the following routes:
Los Angeles-LAX to New York-JFK.
San Francisco to New York-JFK.
New York-JFK to Orange County (A321T aircraft only).
Los Angeles-LAX to Boston (A321T aircraft only).
Los Angeles-LAX to Miami (Widebody and A321T aircraft only).
International and select Hawaii flights
You can also book American Airlines Flagship business class tickets on select international flights between the United States and:
Asia.
Australia.
Europe.
New Zealand.
South America.
Additionally, you can book these tickets on select flights between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii.
However, Flagship business tickets are only available on aircraft featuring lie-flat seats, meaning the fare is only available on the:
Boeing 777-200.
Boeing 777-300.
Boeing 787-8.
Boeing 787-9
Airbus A321T.
If you're traveling on the above routes on a different plane, you won't be able to book a Flagship business ticket.
» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now
The American Airlines Flagship business class experience
When you book an American Airlines Flagship business ticket, you'll receive extra care and attention from arrival at the airport to arrival at your destination. Here's a closer look at what you can expect with this premium ticket type:
At the airport
American Airlines Flagship business class passengers get priority check-in, security and boarding perks. Additionally, passengers get complimentary access to airport lounges. This includes Admirals Club lounges and Flagship Lounges, which are premium-level lounges available in select cities.
There are nearly 50 Admirals Club lounges available in airports around the world. These lounges offer complimentary snacks and drinks and provide a relaxing environment.
Flagship Lounges are more limited. They are only available at:
Chicago-O'Hare: Located at Terminal 3 (temporarily closed).
Dallas-Fort Worth: Located at Terminal D.
Los Angeles: Located at Terminal 4.
Miami: Located at Concourse D.
New York-JFK: Located at Terminal 8.
Flagship Lounges have a premium touch and feature chef-inspired meals, a specialty cocktail bar, a premium wine table and shower suites. So if you're looking for a more luxurious lounge experience, these lounges are where you will want to go.
Note: Not all lounges are currently open amid the pandemic. Be sure to check up-to-date hours and availability before flying.
» Learn more: How to access American Airlines Admirals Club lounges
In-Flight
Seats
All American Airlines Flagship business class passengers flying on international flights can enjoy lie-flat seats on all planes. Seat width varies by aircraft and ranges from 19 to 21.9 inches. Seat count also varies by plane. An upgraded lie-flat seat may help to make your flight experience more comfortable.
In-flight comforts and amenities
As a Flagship business class traveler, you can take advantage of in-flight comforts and amenities, such as a Shinola and D.S. & Durga amenity kit, a Casper sleep set featuring pillows and blankets, and Bang & Olufsen headphones.
In-flight entertainment
As a Flagship business class traveler, you'll have plenty of entertainment, including movies, tv shows, music and games. Many, but not all, flights also feature live tv.
All American Airlines Flagship business class planes feature seat-back screens. In addition, in-flight Wi-Fi is available on all Flagship business flights for an additional fee.
» Learn more: In-flight entertainment: The complete guide
Premium dining
Ticket holders can expect an upgraded multi-course dining experience as well. American Airlines is an official partner of the James Beard Foundation, so many of the premium in-flight menu choices were designed by elite chefs. Meal offerings vary by region. Flagship business class passengers can enjoy complimentary beers, wines and spirits throughout their meal service.
You can pre-select meals starting 30 days before departure through the American Airlines website. Special dietary accommodations can also be met. All meals must be pre-selected at least 24 hours before departure. If not, passengers can choose selections from a pre-selected menu while onboard.
Arrival
Flagship business class passengers traveling to London can visit the Arrivals Lounge at London Heathrow-LHR. This lounge features:
Spa showers.
Valet ironing services.
Breakfast and lunch buffets.
A coffee bar, a champagne bar and more.
After a long flight, these amenities allow travelers to refresh and recharge.
Get closer to elite status
AAdvantage loyalty members who book American Airlines Flagship business class tickets will earn more Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs). This can help you earn elite status sooner.
» Learn more: Guide to American Airlines elite status
How to book an American Airlines Flagship business class ticket
American Airlines Flagship business class tickets are available for purchase with cash or by redeeming AAdvantage miles.
Another option is to use AAdvantage miles to upgrade an existing ticket. However, an American Airlines Flagship business ticket upgrade could come with a cash copay — so this may not be the best use of miles or the best value.
$0.
$0 intro for the first year, then $99.
$595.
$99.
Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 60,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.
• 2 miles per $1 at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services, and on eligible American Airlines purchases.
• 1 mile per $1 spent on other purchases.
• 1 Loyalty Point per 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
• 2 miles per $1 at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases.
• 1 mile per $1 spent on other purchases.
• 1 Loyalty Point per 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
• 10 miles per $1 on eligible car rentals and hotels booked through AA.
• 4 miles per $1 on eligible American Airlines purchases, up to $150,000 spent per calendar year (5 miles per $1 spent thereafter for the remainder of the calendar year).
• 1 mile per $1 on everything else.
• 1 Loyalty Point per 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
• 2 miles per $1 on eligible American Airlines purchases.
• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
• 1 Loyalty Point per 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
» Learn more: The complete guide to redeeming American Airlines miles
Final thoughts on American Airlines flagship business class
Flagship business class on American Airlines Flagship differs from the experience you'd have when flying business for a shorter American Airlines trip. The precise amenities and services may vary by flight and destination.
However, American Airlines travelers flying on a Flagship business class ticket can expect a much more comfortable experience when compared with flying in the main cabin or on a quick business-class flight.
If you want to take your next flight experience to the next level, consider booking an American Airlines Flagship business class ticket.
Photo courtesy of American Airlines.
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