American Airlines Flagship Suite Launches in June—Here’s What to Expect
First flights with the airline's sliding-door suites begin June 5 as the airline joins the race to redefine premium travel.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
After nearly two years of delays, American Airlines is finally rolling out its long-promised Flagship Suite—a sliding-door business class seat designed to compete with Delta‘s Delta One Suites, JetBlue Mint, and others in an increasingly competitive premium market.
These swanky suites debut June 5 aboard American’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, starting with domestic flights between Chicago (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX) and then overseas from Chicago to London Heathrow (LHR).
Photo: American Airlines, Boeing 787-9. Courtesy of Hieu Nguyen / Unsplash
The airline originally announced the Flagship Suite concept in September 2022, touting it as a replacement for its international First Class. But like many carriers, American faced unexpected delays due to supply chain bottlenecks, regulatory challenges, and manufacturing setbacks.
“Every aspect of our new 787-9 is designed to feel premium in nature,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer. “Whether flying for business or pleasure, having the opportunity to explore other parts of the world should be an exciting and memorable experience that begins the moment you book your flight.”
Where to Fly the New Suites
American is launching the Flagship Suite service on select high-profile international and transcontinental routes. Here’s where and when travelers can experience the new seats:
From To Launches
Chicago (ORD) London (LHR) 5-Jun
Philadelphia (PHL) London (LHR) 6-Aug
Philadelphia (PHL) Zurich (ZRH) 3-Sep
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Brisbane (BNE) 26-Oct
What to Expect Onboard
American’s 787-9 aircraft will feature 51 Flagship Suites, each equipped with a privacy door, a lie-flat bed, a wireless charging pad, ample storage space, and a chaise lounge-style seat with an adjustable headrest.
Passengers flying in this cabin will enjoy multi-course meals paired with wines, premium amenity kits, and a duvet along with a dual-sided pillow—one side with cool-touch fabric and the other with traditional fabric.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
Customers seated in these suites will also benefit from priority check-in, security, boarding, baggage handling, and access to American’s Flagship Lounges.
Additionally, the aircraft will have 32 Premium Economy seats, which feature winged headrests for added privacy.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
The entryway of the aircraft features an illuminated panel with American’s Flight Symbol—designed to visually anchor the premium experience from the moment passengers board.
Why This Rollout Matters
American Airlines is entering a competitive and rapidly changing premium market. According to Victor Hale, an aviation analyst at AInvest, “Delta’s Delta One Suites and JetBlue’s Mint cabins already dominate transatlantic routes, while United is rumored to introduce sliding-door suites by 2026.”
United’s possible entry with closed-door suites raises the stakes in the competition for the best business class product among the three major U.S. airlines. Currently, the Delta One Suite continues to win awards and satisfy passengers with its spacious, modern, and comfortable design.
Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
Starting next month, United will begin accepting deliveries of new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which will feature 64 business class seats, prioritizing Business and Premium Economy seating.
In light of this, American is expediting its entry into high-demand routes. Hale noted, “To stand out, American is focusing on popular routes like Philadelphia-Zurich and Dallas-Brisbane, leveraging its extensive network. The airline’s decision to phase out first class by late 2025 or early 2026—replacing those seats with additional business class capacity—could attract travelers seeking privacy without the higher price tag of first-class tickets.”
Photo: American Airlines, Boeing 777-300ER. Courtesy of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
However, execution remains a challenge. Hale mentioned, “Retrofitting 20 777-300ERs will take two years, delaying full fleet deployment until 2027.” Additionally, the FAA’s scrutiny of the Airbus A321XLR’s premium cabin design has added more uncertainty. Supply chain issues, particularly in seat manufacturing, could further disrupt timelines.
More Premium Seats Across the Fleet
American is investing heavily in its future premium product. It has already welcomed two 787-9 aircraft to its Dallas-Fort Worth hub and expects to receive 30 in total by 2029. This growth will increase its lie-flat and Premium Economy seat count by 50 percent by the end of the decade.
The Flagship Suite will eventually be available on all newly delivered Boeing 787-9s, new Airbus A321XLRs, and retrofitted Boeing 777-300ERs.
Photo: Courtesy of Tobias Gudat
The first A321XLR, which was spotted in Hamburg on its pre-delivery test flights, should join the airline in mid-2025 for an entry into service towards the third quarter of this year.
The airline also plans to eliminate international first class across much of its fleet, further consolidating its premium offerings around the new suite experience.
The Bottom Line
After delays, redesigns, and growing pressure from competitors, American Airlines’ Flagship Suite is finally taking off. For travelers who value comfort, privacy, and a polished onboard experience, this summer marks a fresh opportunity to explore the skies in elevated style.
Will American’s new product live up to the hype? Stay tuned to Business Traveler as we’ll be covering the inaugural Flagship Suite flight from Chicago to Los Angeles on June 5.
