Summary

• American Airlines offers two types of first-class cabins: standard domestic First and Flagship First, which offers a more exclusive experience.
• Flagship First passengers receive perks like private check-in, expedited security line access, and access to premium Flagship First lounges.
• Flagship First seats are spacious and comfortable, with amenities like swiveling seats, high-quality headphones, and special travel essentials.

Back in the day, when things were simpler, there was a clear distinction between first class, business class, and economy. And while the difference between economy and premium cabins still exists, the lines are fast blurring between business and first-class cabins.

A dedicated ‘true’ first class (one that exists in addition to a business class cabin on the same plane) is rapidly slipping out of trend, primarily because the latest business-class cabins on modern jetliners have become highly competitive. Still, some global carriers, including American Airlines, offer them on select aircraft. So what can you expect if you’ve booked an American first class ticket? Let’s find out.

1 Two kinds of first class on American Airlines

The carrier’s Flagship First differs from regular domestic First

When it comes to premium cabins, and first class in particular, American’s onboard product can vary depending upon the route you fly and the aircraft deployed on it. American offers two kinds of first-class cabins:

• First: Yes, that's what it's called – just ‘First.’ These are essentially domestic premium cabins that the airline markets as first class and can be found on domestic flights, except for some regional planes.
• Flagship First: These are what some might call ‘real’ first-class seats as they exist alongside a business class cabin on the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A321T (transcontinental) aircraft.

According to American Airlines’ website, the domestic First seats are available on flights across 50 US states, with eligible fare classes being J, D, I, C, and U on 2-cabin aircraft. Purists, however, might argue that these aren’t ‘real’ first-class seats as they could be compared to a business-class product of many other airlines.

Then there’s the Flagship First, which is actually a separate cabin from a business class on the same aircraft. These are more exclusive lie-flat seats that can be found on the carrier’s Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A321T planes.

The Flagship First – International is for popular long-haul routes operated by the 777-300ER to Europe, Australia, and Asia, among others, while the Flagship First – Transcontinental is operated by both the 777 and A321T between the following destinations:

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

2 Check-in experience

Flagship First customers get private check-in and access to an expedited security line

For Flagship First passengers, the exclusive treatment starts at the airport itself, with dedicated facilities at Chicago O'Hare (ORD), London Heathrow (LHR), Los Angeles (LAX), and Miami (MIA). New York (JFK) doesn’t have an exclusive Flagship First Check-In but has something similar, which it shares with British Airways.

This service can also be used by Flagship Business Plus passengers and those with elite status, such as American AAdvantage Concierge Key members. The entire check-in experience is quite pleasant and relaxed, and passengers can expect to be taken to the front of the security line.

In all, if you’re holding a Flagship First ticket, you can expect an exclusive check-in area, free check-in for two bags with priority tags, attentive and personalized assistance along with expedited security access.

Domestic First also comes with a speedy check-in, security, and boarding, but the Flagship First experience is definitely more elevated.

3 Flagship First lounge and dining

Premium and exclusive lounges that also offer fine-dining options

A Flagship First ticket holder will have access to Flagship First lounges, which are considered a step up from the American Admirals Clubs. Currently, Flagship First lounges are at airports in Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and Dallas Forth Worth.

While the lounges offer a premium experience such as personalized service, cocktail bar, premium seating, and even shower suites, there’s an additional service, called Flagship First Dining, at lounges in Dallas, Miami, and Los Angeles.

This is an elevated experience with a proper sit-down, restaurant-quality dining service, and the carrier says the dishes are made from locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also expect signature wines, craft beer, and hand-crafted cocktails.

Flagship First Dining is temporarily closed at LAX but can be experienced at Dallas/Fort Worth airport’s Terminal D daily from 12:00 to 22:00 and at Concourse D at Miami airport daily from 13:00 to 22:30.

4 First class seats

Seats on Flagship First differ from domestic First

On American’s 777s, the Flagship First cabin has eight lie-flat seats in two rows in a 1-2-1 configuration. If you’re a solo traveler, the window seat will ensure more privacy. But the middle seats also provide enough private space due to a privacy partition in between, which can be lowered if you’re traveling in a pair. The A321T offers seats in five rows of 1-1 configuration.

These seats are definitely bigger than those in business class, although most reviews point out that the overall value seems only marginally higher. The seats can swivel by as much as 90 degrees by the push of a button, and there’s an ottoman that can also be used as a buddy seat.

These seats also come with a tablet to control its functions, a USB outlet, and Bang & Olufsen headphones. Passengers can also expect travel essentials from design and lifestyle brands Shinola and D.S. & Durga, as well as pillows and blankets on transcontinental first class and additional amenities, such as pajamas, slippers, and mattress pads on international first class.

Domestic First on the carrier offers bigger seats than the main cabin (pictured below), but they do not convert into lie-flat beds. Still, the extra legroom can be quite comfortable for longer flights.

5 In-flight dining

Domestic First has a premium menu, but the Flagship First takes it a step further

While airplane food can be a hit or a miss, it is almost always exciting when the flight attendant comes by with the food cart. American charges a premium for its first-class cabins, so it tries to offer a more extensive menu for its high-paying customers.

According to the airline’s website, domestic First passengers will have options like mixed nuts, charcuterie plates, and short rib, as well as grain bowls and heart-healthy entrée salads. Of course, meal service can vary greatly depending on the duration of the flight.

Flagship First travelers have the luxury of choosing when they can eat their multi-course meals. American has partnered with award-winning chef Sam Choy to inspire its meals for this cabin, and the menus also feature exclusive dishes designed by elite chefs in partnership with the James Beard Foundation.

Also, the premium cabins are stocked with a variety of beers, wines, and spirits that go well with the inflight menu. The airline does offer a disclaimer that these are served on flights with full drink service and that the number of drinks served may be limited.

Have you traveled on American Airlines’ first class? What was your experience like? Please leave a comment below.