American Airlines is discontinuing its first-class service on select long-haul routes as part of a strategic shift to enhance its business-class offerings. This change will affect flights operated by the carrier's Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which are typically used for international and premium transcontinental routes.
The airline announced that beginning November 19, passengers will no longer be able to purchase first-class tickets, known as Flagship First, on these Boeing 777-300ER planes. Additionally, first-class seats will be phased out on the Airbus A321T aircraft starting March 28, 2027.
As part of this reconfiguration, American Airlines will increase the total number of premium seats on its Boeing 777-300ER fleet. The cabin layout will be updated to include 70 Flagship Suite business-class seats, each featuring privacy doors and a flat-bed configuration. The carrier will also offer 44 Premium Economy seats and 30 Main Cabin Extra seats, which provide additional legroom in the economy section.
Passengers flying in business class will gain access to certain amenities previously exclusive to first-class, including Flagship Dining, a complimentary multi-course dining experience available at select American Airlines Flagship lounges. The complete retrofit of the Boeing 777-300ER fleet is expected to be finished by 2027.
While first-class cabins are being removed from these specific aircraft, any remaining first-class seats on other planes will temporarily be integrated into the business-class section. The duration for which these seats will be available to business-class flyers remains unclear.
American Airlines originally considered ending its international first-class service in 2022, citing low demand. The airline is currently the only one among the three major U.S. carriers to offer an international first-class cabin. Delta Air Lines discontinued its first-class sections in 1998, and United Airlines did so in 2018.
Despite the airline's decision, some industry observers have noted the value of the exclusive, smaller first-class cabins. However, the airline contends that its modern business-class suites, with features like flat beds and privacy doors, offer a superior product that aligns with current passenger expectations.