American Airlines First Class Review: What’s Included?

American Airlines is the last major US airline to offer a true international first class product (on many US airlines, international first class has been replaced by business class). Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, this carrier provides benefits that are hard to beat. Thanks to their incredible lounges and spacious seats, American Airlines offers an excellent first-class experience both on the ground and in the air. But is this product worth the price?

For starters, it’s worth noting that there's a huge difference between American Airlines "first class" products. On domestic and short-haul international routes, American Airlines first class comes with more spacious and comfortable seats and, depending on the length of the flight, you may get a full meal, but that’s pretty much it. It does not include lounge access or lie-flat seats (on most aircrafts).

Flagship First, on the other hand, is a true first-class product offered on premium coast-to-coast flights and long-haul international routes. Flagship First provides an elevated experience, including Flagship First Dining, premium lounges, and additional inflight perks, making it the most luxurious option on American Airlines.

Key takeaways

• American Airlines offers domestic first class on short-haul international and domestic routes, providing extra space but fewer luxury perks.
• Flagship First is the most luxurious option on American Airlines. Available on long-haul international and transcontinental flights, it features lie-flat seats, multi-course dining, and premium lounge access.
• Flagship First is available on select transcontinental and international flights, primarily operated on the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A321T, ensuring direct aisle access for all first-class seats.
• Enjoy a luxury airport experience with priority check-in, Flagship Lounges, and exclusive Flagship First Dining. 
• First-class passengers get priority boarding, two free checked bags, and expedited handling.
• American Airlines is the last major US carrier to offer a true international first-class experience. Competitors like Delta and United have eliminated their first-class cabins on long-haul flights.
• Maximize savings on First Class tickets with a Going Elite membership. Receive real-time alerts on premium-class deals, including American Airlines first class, and fly in luxury for less.

Going experts’ American Airlines first class review & score

American Airlines first class delivers two very different experiences depending on the route. On domestic flights, the experience feels more like an upgraded economy seat—extra space, priority boarding, and slightly better service, but nothing particularly luxurious. Flagship First, available on select international and premium transcontinental routes, is where the real premium experience begins.

Flagship First makes a strong impression on long-haul flights, especially on the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A321T, where the lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, and upgraded dining options truly enhance the journey. Lounge access is another highlight, with Flagship Lounges offering high-quality food, premium drinks, and, at select locations, Flagship First Dining—a restaurant-style experience that adds an extra touch of exclusivity.

That being said, we think that not all first-class experiences on American Airlines feel premium. Domestic first class lacks lie-flat seats, making it a less compelling option for longer flights. Service can also be hit or miss, depending on the crew and specific route. While Flagship First brings comfort and exclusivity to long-haul travel, shorter routes don’t always justify the premium price tag.

Expert Score: 7.5/10

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What to know about American Airlines first class

What does first class get you on American Airlines?

What is the difference between American Airlines first class and other classes?

Flagship First vs. Flagship Business class

On its ultra-premium aircraft, American Airlines offers two types of premium cabins with lie-flat seats: Flagship Business class and Flagship First class. Flagship Business class gets you a lie-flat seat, chef-inspired meal, premium lounge access, an amenity kit, and more premium perks. American Airlines first-class perks include even better seats, meals, and a special dining area in certain lounges.

Flagship First vs. domestic first class

While they share the same name, there's a huge difference between Flagship First class and domestic first class. Flagship First class always provides a lie-flat seat, multi-course meals, premium lounge access (including Flagship First Dining), an amenity kit, etc.

Meanwhile, domestic first class generally is the slightly nicer seats you may be used to walking past on domestic flights. Booking these seats, which are certainly more roomy than economy, provides free booze and perhaps a meal, but it doesn't come with all of the incredible perks of Flagship First class.

Which American Airlines flights operate first class?

American Airlines currently offers Flagship First class on international routes and, for the moment, just five premium transcontinental routes:

• New York (JFK) – Los Angeles (LAX)
• New York (JFK) – San Francisco (SFO)
• New York (JFK) – Orange County (SNA)
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Boston (BOS)
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Miami (MIA)

However, not all flights on these routes have Flagship First. You'll need to be flying in first class on a Boeing 777-300ER or Airbus A321T aircraft to be in Flagship First class.

Which planes have Flagship First?

Just two aircraft in American Airlines' fleet have both a business and a first class cabin: Boeing 777-300ER and the specialized Airbus A321 Transcon (A321T). As the name might imply, the A321T operates transcontinental routes. Meanwhile, the 777-300ER operates both premium domestic routes and long-haul international routes.

On both aircraft, all first class seats have direct aisle access. On the A321T, all first-class passengers also get a window.

The American Airlines first class experience at the airport 

Does American Airlines first class get you into the lounge?

First-class passengers on domestic routes don’t automatically receive lounge access. However, they can enter Admirals Club lounges by purchasing a membership, using an eligible credit card, or flying internationally in any cabin with AAdvantage Platinum status or higher.

Those flying Flagship First on international and select transcontinental routes (such as JFK–LAX) do have access to Flagship Lounges. Additionally, Flagship First passengers on select international flights enjoy Flagship First Dining, an upscale restaurant-style experience available at select hubs.

American Airlines first class check-in

First-class passengers receive priority check-in, security screening, and boarding, making the pre-flight experience a breeze. At major hubs, there are dedicated Flagship First check-in areas with a private, concierge-like experience. Domestic first-class passengers also get priority security lines, but they do not have access to Flagship First check-in areas unless flying on an eligible international or transcontinental Flagship First route.

Baggage allowance

All first-class passengers receive two free checked bags with priority handling, which means their luggage is among the first to arrive at baggage claim. Each included bag can weigh up to 70 lbs (32 kg)—a significant upgrade from the standard 50 lbs (23 kg) economy allowance. Besides, Flagship First passengers on select international flights may receive additional baggage allowances depending on their elite status or AAdvantage membership.

The American Airlines first class experience in the air

Domestic first class benefits

The perks of American Airlines domestic first class include spacious seats, priority boarding, and complimentary meals on flights over 900 miles. Passengers also enjoy free alcoholic beverages, extra legroom, and dedicated flight attendant service. However, seats do not recline fully, and inflight entertainment varies depending on the aircraft.

International first class benefits

Flagship First brings a much more luxurious experience by providing lie-flat seats, comfortable bedding, and a multi-course dining experience curated by top chefs. Other included perks are premium wine pairings, noise-canceling Bose headphones, and amenity kits with designer skincare products. The service level of this category is comparable to international business class on leading global airlines but with extra exclusivity.

American Airlines first class seats

Domestic first-class seats are wider and more spacious than economy but do not lie flat. However, Flagship First seats on international flights recline into fully flat beds and include direct aisle access, enhanced privacy, and extra storage. On Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, Flagship First suites even feature adjustable dividers, adding an extra layer of privacy to your flight.

Benefits of flying American Airlines first class

There are many perks that make American Airlines first class a premium experience both at the airport and in-flight. Passengers enjoy a worry-free pre-flight with priority check-in, boarding, and security screening. Those traveling in Flagship First also gain access to exclusive lounges, including Flagship Lounges and Flagship First Dining.

American Airlines first class meals

Domestic first-class passengers can enjoy hot meals on flights over 900 miles, while shorter flights offer light snacks and beverages. In Flagship First, passengers get multi-course dining that includes appetizers, entrees, desserts, and curated wine pairings. Meals are designed by renowned chefs, and some routes feature regional specialties.

Alcohol in American Airlines first class

All first-class passengers receive complimentary alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits. Flagship First passengers have an expanded selection of premium wines and cocktails available, curated by Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey.

How to book American Airlines first class

How much does an American Airlines first class ticket cost? 

Prices for domestic first-class tickets typically range from $300 to $900 one-way (about $600–$1,800 roundtrip), depending on the route and demand. Flagship First international tickets can cost $3,000 to $8,000 roundtrip. Booking strategies (like joining Going’s travel membership trial) can help reduce costs significantly.

How to upgrade to first class on American Airlines for free

The best way to secure a free upgrade is through AAdvantage elite status (Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum). While complimentary upgrades are offered on domestic and short-haul international flights, availability is not guaranteed. Using systemwide upgrade certificates, earned through elite status, is another way to upgrade from business to first class on select routes.

How much does it cost to upgrade to first class on American Airlines? 

Upgrade costs vary but generally range from $100 to $500 for domestic flights and $500 to $2,000 for international flights. An alternative is to use miles to upgrade or bid for an upgrade through American Airlines’ upgrade request system.

How many miles to upgrade to American Airlines first class? 

Upgrade costs in AAdvantage miles depend on the route and fare class. While domestic flights typically start at 5,000 miles plus a cash co-pay, Flagship First upgrades on international flights may cost 25,000 to 50,000 miles or more.

How to bid for a seat upgrade on American Airlines 

Some passengers may receive an email offer to bid for an upgrade before departure. The bid system is great for travelers to name their price, but upgrades are not guaranteed and depend on seat availability.

How to save while traveling in American Airlines first class

Use AAdvantage and Oneworld status perks

Joining the AAdvantage loyalty program allows passengers to earn miles, access upgrades, and gain elite benefits like priority boarding. Those with Oneworld elite status can also access additional perks, such as lounge access and complimentary baggage.

Join Going and get notified about great deals

Finding a good deal on first-class tickets can be a challenge, but Going Elite makes it a breeze by sending real-time alerts as soon as premium cabin fares drop. Whether you’re looking for American Airlines First Class deals or other luxury flights, our Elite membership helps you secure discounted fares that aren’t typically available to the average traveler, like mistake fares of up to 90%.

By becoming an Elite member, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on first-class tickets, making a luxury travel experience much more accessible.

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