AA's Flagship Business Plus: What you need to know

As American begins updating its long-haul international fleet over the next few years, it will phase out its Flagship First cabin on its Boeing 777 and Airbus A321T planes, coinciding with the launch of a new fare called Flagship Business+, which offers additional first-class perks. Flagship Business Class Standard Experience.

Here's how to purchase the new American Flagship Business Plus fare and what it entails.

Flagship Business Plus fares are only available on Boeing 777-200, 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft, which primarily operate on long-haul international routes.

Customers who book the Flagship Business Class Plus fare will enjoy some additional perks at the airport that aren't available to customers who purchase the standard Flagship Business fare.

• You can use the Flagship First check-in area at airports that offer it.

• The third checked bag is free.

Access to priority check-in areas, Admirals Club The day of international flight departure.

It's no different to what flagship business class passengers experience in the air.

The beverage and food service, amenity kits, and airport perks (like Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge access, priority check-in and boarding) are the same. The main difference is at the airport before your flight.

American Airlines' Flagship Business Plus fare isn't available on all flights, but when it is, the fare is web When booking a flight.

If available, it may be listed as “Premier” class. Flights with Flagship First Class do not offer the Flagship Business Plus option.

Flagship Business Plus fares tend to be $400-500 more expensive than standard Flagship Business fares.

Before you shell out money for this fare class, consider whether you are already eligible for the perks that come with this ticket. If you are, why pay extra when you can get the perks based on your status?

You can also pay about $350 separately for the features you want.

• A single visit pass to a Flagship Lounge costs $150 or 15,000 miles, but it doesn't give you access to Flagship First Dining, which is only available in Miami and Dallas-Fort Worth, not in the other Flagship Lounges in Los Angeles and Chicago O'Hare. Also, with the exception of London Heathrow, these Flagship Lounges and First Class check-in areas are only in the US, meaning most of the perks apply to outbound flights from the US, but not return flights to the US.

• Checking a third bag will cost you $200 on international flights.

It may not be worth buying the bundled upsells; you'll need to compare the cost of the perks to the higher bundled fares to see what makes the most sense for you.

The Flagship Business Plus fare isn't the best value because many perks can be purchased separately. The only perks you get on this fare that you can't purchase are Flagship First check-in and Flagship First dining, which some travelers may be able to access by earning elite status.

For everyone else, Flagship Business Plus fares are an option for those wanting extra perks at the airport.