Travel news, reviews and intel for high-flyers

American Airlines

American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. Founded in 1930, it operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights, serving over 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American Airlines is known for its fleet size, which includes various aircraft types, and it offers amenities such as in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, and frequent flyer programs like AAdvantage. The airline is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, enhancing its global reach and partnership network.

by Business Traveler

June 12, 2022

Passengers can now enjoy Still G.I.N. by Dre and Snoop in lounges and redeem miles for snacks and drinks inflight

By Enrique Perrella

March 25, 2025

Crackdown on government spending and economic anxieties eat into travel demand, airline profit forecasts

By Fergus Cole

March 17, 2025

Fresh spring menu items are now available in lounges and in-flight, featuring regional dishes, premium spirits, and the option to pay with AAdvantage miles

By Enrique Perrella

March 10, 2025

The Northeast Alliance was found to be anti-competitive and disbanded in 2023

By Fergus Cole

March 5, 2025

The test will cover three domestic routes as the legacy carrier contemplates a wider rollout

By Fergus Cole

March 3, 2025

While not game changers, these promotions are worth considering—especially if you haven’t booked your March travel yet

By Enrique Perrella

February 27, 2025

If you want to stretch out on your flight but not pay the premium for business or first class, take a look at some of the world's most generous premium economy offerings

By Fergus Cole

February 26, 2025

The new administration signals major shifts in U.S. aviation, from potential FAA privatization and relaxed airline regulations to air traffic control challenges and Boeing scrutiny

By Enrique Perrella

January 23, 2025

An FAA-issued nationwide ground stop has disrupted American Airlines flights on Christmas Eve due to a technical issue. The FAA lifted the order shortly after.

By Enrique Perrella

December 24, 2024

American Airlines and Citi extend their 37-year partnership, making Citi the exclusive issuer of AAdvantage cards in 2026

By Enrique Perrella

December 9, 2024

FAQ

What is American Airlines AAdvantage?

The American Airlines AAdvantage programme was the first of its kind when it was established in 1981. Points or miles are earned by making purchases through American Airlines or their partners - which includes flights, car rentals, accommodation and cruises. These can then be redeemed on a range of similar products, as well as cabin upgrades and experience days. The sheer scale of options available with AAdvantage is its main appeal, with miles exchangeable for flights to over 1000 destinations. Generally speaking, redeeming points on airfare represents the best value for money.

Once you have enough points, you will start to unlock Elite Status. The first of these - AAdvantage Gold - starts at 30,000, with perks like free checked-in luggage, cabin upgrades and priority boarding growing as you move through the ranks.

What are American Airlines' ticketing options?

When you fly with American Airlines, you can choose from six different types of seats. Every one of these comes with some free snacks and soft drinks as well as inflight entertainment

Basic Economy

Earn miles by flying
Same-day flight changes and standby
Priority privileges
1 carry-on
Last to board
Seats allocated at check-in

Main Cabin

Earn miles by flying
Same-day flight changes and standby
No change fees (with a fully flexible booking)
Same day flight change and standby
1 carry-on
Free seat selection

Main Cabin Extra

Upgrades from main cabin to main cabin extra are available from $20 and offer a little more luxury to the journey

 Earn miles by flying
 No change fees (with a fully flexible booking)
 Same day flight change and standby
 1 carry-on
 Early boarding
 Extra legroom

Premium Economy

 Earn miles by flying
 Same day flight change and standby
 1 carry-on
 Early boarding
 Wider seats and more leg room than main cabin
 Complimentary restaurant quality food and alcoholic beverages
 Free Wi-Fi and power sockets
 Speedy check-in

Business

 Earn miles by flying
 Same day flight change and standby
 One carry-on + two to three checked-in bags
 Early boarding
 Wider seats + extra legroom
 Complimentary restaurant quality food and beverages
 Free Wi-Fi and power sockets
 Speedy check-in
 Lounge access before certain flights
 Complimentary pillows and blankets
 Dedicated check-in counter
 Priority baggage delivery

First Class

 Earn miles by flying
 Same-day flight change and standby
 One carry-on + two to three checked-in bags
 First to board
 Wider seats + extra legroom
 Complimentary restaurant quality food and beverages
 Free Wi-Fi and power sockets
 Speedy check-in
 Lounge access before certain flights
 Complimentary pillows and blankets
 Dedicated check-in counter
 Priority baggage delivery

*Some first and business-class flights may have Flagship tickets available which offer the additional perks of access to the Flagship lounge, lie-down seats and a higher level of service

What are American Airlines' baggage fees?

In total, customers can bring 10 checked-in bags for transatlantic, transpacific or domestic flights or five checked-in bags for Central American, South American or Caribbean flights.
Chargeable bags become more expensive the more are checked in. Prices vary depending on the region.
 Bag 1 - $30-$40
 Bag 2 - $40 - $100
 Bag 3 - $150 - $200
 Bag 4 + - $200