American Airlines' Premium Suite Will Offer A Luxurious Experience For Long-Haul Flights

Anyone old enough to remember when the difference between an airline's business and economy-class cabins boiled down to paying a premium to sit in a slightly larger seat and eat moderately better food, may think American Airlines' new business-class cabin sounds fantastical. But it's not. In April, the airline took delivery of the first two of more than two dozen Boeing 777-9 Dreamliners outfitted with the new head-turning configuration cabin. Set to debut on long-haul routes in 2025, the airline's new Flagship Suites — its first-ever business-class suites — were designed to create the feeling of traveling in a private retreat. Features include privacy doors, wireless charging capability, Bluetooth connectivity, and easy-access storage. Additionally, the new seats feature a range of seat settings including chaise longue mode and lie-flat bed. That's welcome, since American Airlines' is gradually doing away with first-class service.

American Airlines partnered with Teague, the design consultancy firm responsible for creating such iconic symbols as Texaco-branded service stations and the Polaroid camera, to create its new Flagship Suite. The end goal was to create an instantly familiar space by incorporating elements of the airline's signature style with an emphasis on delivering ultimate passenger comfort in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Design highlights include carpeting that represents North American city grids, welcome lighting panels, and illuminated marble cocktail surfaces combined to evoke a sense of home.  

"We are enhancing the customer experience across their entire journey with American," Julie Rath, American Airlines' Vice President of Customer Experience said in a company statement. "The arrival of new long-haul aircraft and the customized seat design of the Flagship Suite seats will offer customers a truly private premium experience on our long-haul fleet."

American Airlines' new Flagship experience begins before boarding with pre or between-flight time spent relaxing in the airline's recently updated Admirals Club lounges. (AAdvantage members who are not flying Flagship can sample the ambience by purchasing a day pass.) More homey than corporate, the updated lounges are the result of a collaboration between American Airlines and DMAC Architecture & Interiors, a Chicago design firm better known for designing hotels than airport lounges.

"The new Admirals Club interior design is inspired by our customers, who tell us that their favorite aspect of visiting our lounges is feeling like they're coming home," Clarissa Sebastian, American Airlines managing director of premium customer experience and onboard products, said in a company statement, adding, "Each element was thoughtfully developed to create an environment of calm, with natural woods and open spaces, so our customers can relax and feel their best as they prepare for their flight."

While the exact routes have yet to be announced, the delivery of the American Airlines' first new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners — each outfitted with 51 Flagship Suite seats — marks a new beginning for the carrier's Flagship service. The Airbus A321XLRs on order will feature 20 Flagship Suite seats, and plans call for retrofitting the existing fleet of 20 Boeing 777-300ERs and 16 Airbus A321Ts. The new configuration also includes updated premium economy cabins — here's how to know when to choose premium economy — featuring seats with headrest wings, larger entertainment screens, and increased in-seat storage space.