Unlike American Airlines' short domestic business class flights, Flagship Business Class tickets offer travelers even more perks. If you're planning on flying long distance with American Airlines, you may want to book a ticket in Flagship Business Class for a better overall comfort and experience.
However, American Airlines flagship business class tickets are only available on select routes. This guide provides important details about 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 to short-term business class travel on American Airlines, this type of ticket promises a more comfortable and upgraded experience on long-haul flights.
transcontinental flight
You can book American Airlines Flagship Business Class tickets on the following routes:
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From Los Angeles – LAX to New York – JFK.
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From San Francisco to New York to JFK Airport.
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New York-JFK-Orange County (A321T aircraft only).
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Los Angeles – LAX to Boston (A321T aircraft only).
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Los Angeles – LAX to Miami (widebody and A321T aircraft only).
International flights and some Hawaii flights
You can also book American Airlines Flagship Business Class tickets on select international flights between the United States and:
Additionally, these tickets can also be booked on select flights between the mainland United States and Hawaii.
However, Flagship Business tickets are only available on aircraft with lie-flat seats. This means that fares are only available in the following regions:
If you are traveling on a different plane on the above routes, you will not be able to book a Flagship Business ticket.
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American Airlines Flagship Business Class Experience
When you book an American Airlines Flagship Business ticket, you'll receive special care and consideration from the airport to your destination. Let's take a closer look at what you can expect with this premium ticket type.
at the airport
Passengers in American's flagship business class enjoy priority check-in, security and boarding benefits. Additionally, passengers have free access to airport lounges.This includes the Admirals Club Lounge and Flagship loungea premium-level lounge available in select cities.
There are nearly 50 Admirals Club lounges available at airports around the world. These lounges offer complimentary snacks and drinks and a relaxing environment.
The Flagship Lounge is even more exclusive. These are only available at:
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Chicago-O'Hare Airport: Located in Terminal 3 (temporarily closed).
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Dallas-Fort Worth: Located in Terminal D.
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Los Angeles: Located in Terminal 4.
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Miami: Located on Concourse D.
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New York-JFK Airport: Located in Terminal 8.
The Flagship Lounge is upscale and features chef-inspired dining, a signature cocktail bar, fine wine tables and shower suites. If you're looking for a more luxurious lounge experience, these lounges are for you.
Note: Due to the pandemic, not all lounges are currently open. Please be sure to check the latest opening hours and availability before you travel.
Inside the plane
seat
If you're flying internationally in American's flagship business class, you'll enjoy a lie-flat seat on every plane. Seat width varies by aircraft and ranges from 19 to 21.9 inches. The number of seats also varies depending on the plane. The upgraded lie-flat seat helps make your flight experience more comfortable.
Onboard comfort and amenities
Flagship Business Class customers enjoy onboard comfort and amenities, including Shinola and DS & Durga amenity kits, Casper sleep sets with pillows and blankets, and Bang & Olufsen headphones.
In-flight entertainment
Flagship Business Class passengers enjoy plenty of entertainment, including movies, TV shows, music, and games. Many, but not all, flights also feature live television.
All American Airlines flagship business class aircraft are equipped with seatback screens. Additionally, in-flight Wi-Fi is available on all flagship business flights for an additional fee.
premium dining
Ticket holders can also expect an upgraded Kaiseki experience. American Airlines is an official partner of the James Beard Foundation, so many of our premium in-flight menus are designed by elite chefs. Meals provided vary by region. Flagship Business Class passengers enjoy complimentary beer, wine and spirits through meal service.
American Airlines' website allows you to pre-select in-flight meals starting 30 days before departure. Special dietary considerations can also be made. All meals must be pre-selected at least 24 hours prior to departure. Otherwise, passengers can choose from a pre-selected menu on board.
arrival
Flagship Business Class passengers traveling to London have access to the arrival lounge at London Heathrow Airport LHR. Features of this lounge:
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Breakfast and lunch buffet.
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coffee bar, champagne bar, etc.
After a long flight, you can take advantage of these amenities to refresh and recharge.
approach elite status
AAdvantage loyalty members who book American Airlines Flagship Business Class flights earn more Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs). This will help you achieve elite status faster.
How to book American Airlines flagship business class tickets
American Airlines Flagship Business Class tickets can be purchased with cash or with AAdvantage miles.
Another option is to use AAdvantage miles to upgrade your existing ticket. However, upgrading your American Airlines Flagship Business ticket may involve a cash out-of-pocket expense, so this may not be the best use or best value for your miles.
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Rates and fees
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
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Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
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AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
Rates and fees
Annual fee
$0 introductory fee for the first year, then $99.
welcome offer
Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles when you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles when you spend $2,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after you spend $7,000 within the first three months of account opening.
Earn 50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles within the first 90 days after your first purchase and after paying your $99 annual fee in full.
Acquisition rate
• Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services, and on eligible American Airlines purchases.
• 1 mile for every dollar spent on other purchases.
• 1 Loyalty Point for every eligible AAdvantage® mile earned on purchases.
• Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on gas stations, restaurants and eligible American Airlines purchases.
• 1 Loyalty Point for every eligible AAdvantage® mile earned on purchases.
• 10 miles per dollar spent on eligible rental cars and hotels booked through AA.
• 4 miles per $1 on eligible American Airlines purchases up to $150,000 per calendar year (5 miles per $1 thereafter for the remainder of the calendar year).
• 1 mile per $1 for all others.
• 1 Loyalty Point for every eligible AAdvantage® mile earned on purchases.
• Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
• 1 Loyalty Point for every eligible AAdvantage® mile earned on purchases.
Final thoughts about American Airlines' flagship business class
Flagship Business Class on American Airlines Flagship is different from the experience you get when flying business on short trips on American Airlines. Exact amenities and services may vary by flight and destination.
However, travelers flying American Airlines' flagship business class tickets can expect a much more comfortable experience compared to the main cabin or a quick business class flight.
If you want to take your next flight experience to the next level, consider booking American Airlines Flagship Business Class tickets.
Photo courtesy of American Airlines.
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