American Airlines Shifts Gears: Goodbye First Class, Hello Flagship Suites

American Airlines is making significant changes to its premium cabins, phasing out its international first class, Flagship First, and introducing a new business class called Flagship Suites. This shift reflects a broader industry trend where airlines are prioritizing business class enhancements over maintaining first class.

New Flagship Suites

The Flagship Suites will be available on various aircraft, including:

• Boeing 787-9
• Airbus A321XLR
• Boeing 777-300ER
• Boeing 777-200ER (later)

These seats are designed for enhanced privacy and comfort, featuring a privacy door, which is becoming a standard expectation for business class on major airlines.

Retiring Flagship First

Flagship First was previously offered on:

• Boeing 777-300ER
• Airbus A321-200 (used for premium transcontinental routes)

American Airlines will be reconfiguring these aircraft:

• 777-300ERs will have no first class and more business class.
• A321-200s will be replaced by the A321XLR for transcontinental routes.

The Flagship First seats on the 777-300ER were unique, featuring seats that could swivel up to 90 degrees, creating a proper working area. However, this feature was not enough to keep first class viable. The main difference between Flagship First and business class was the soft product, which includes improved service, amenities, and catering.

Introducing Flagship Preferred

With the introduction of Flagship Suites, American Airlines is also introducing Flagship Preferred, a new 'business class plus' product that is a more direct successor to its first class. Flagship Preferred utilizes the dead space in front of every bulkhead seat, offering:

• More space for passengers
• A larger footwell
• A large counter area
• Higher walls
• A larger screen

Passengers in Flagship Preferred receive upgraded amenities and ground service comparable to that of Flagship First.

Industry Trends

American Airlines is not alone in making these changes. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are also enhancing their business class offerings:

• Delta was the first to introduce privacy doors with its DeltaOne Suites on the Airbus A350 and A330neo in 2017.
• United Airlines plans to introduce similar features on its new Boeing 787s in 2026.