American’s Premium 787: A Disappointing Step Forward
Okay folks, sit back and fix your gaze on the latest revelations from American Airlines’ corporate clubhouse. They’ve recently taken delivery of spanking new Boeing 787s, and while you might expect excitement, let’s just say the situation’s more lukewarm. These new Dreamliners are meant to be an upgrade, featuring snazzy business class suites with doors and a shiny new “business class plus” in lieu of first class. Sounds grand, right? But does reality match the hype? Spoiler: Not quite.
The First Glimpse of American’s 787 Interiors
Ah, the anticipation! The buzz about @xJonNYC—you know, the usual suspects—spotting the first pictures of American’s revamped Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner cabins might have had you on the edge of your airplane seat. With only 244 passenger spots, the breakdown is 51 in business, 32 in premium economy, and 161 in the good ol’ economy. So far, so familiar.
The cabins deck new seats and finishes, promising a touch of modernity. But here’s a head-scratcher: do these promise anything beyond a sigh of “meh”? Let’s peruse the cabin shots your favorite internet sleuths have unearthed, shall we?
Is It Just Me, or Were We Expecting More?
Now don’t get me wrong. As a frequent flyer out of Miami, American and I share many embattled miles. I’d love nothing more than to pat the back of AA’s design team, but alas, disappointment rears its surprisingly lackluster head. Our first peek doesn’t exactly scream cutting-edge luxury, despite being heralded as the new winged frontier of long-haul prestige.
Consider, if you will, the Flagship Suite Preferred seats up front. Is it just me, or do the screens appear somewhat diminutive, maybe even laughably so? One might argue these pint-sized monitors are a follicle-thin strand above subpar. Riddle me this: in a world rapidly embracing ultra-high-def immersiveness, where do these relics fit?
While renderings might have portrayed the business section as the epitome of elegance, photos bear witness to a less favorable truth. Dare I say, sterile and budget are two words that come to mind. There’s a kaleidoscope of colors vying for attention—and failing. Does this feel cohesive or messier than a toddler with a crayon?
The Oddities of Premium Economy
Lend me a hand here—how on earth are those premium economy leg rests supposed to function? To the average person not clocking in at Hobbit height, their ergonomic utility seems, well, defective. If you’re over four feet, how does this contraption serve you in any comfortable capacity?
Bottom Line
American recently graced us with their first Boeing 787-9 boasting novel interiors, setting the stage for their future design aesthetic. What began as sleek renderings seemingly concluded in some rather underwhelming deliveries. I’ve seen sturdier-looking entertainment systems in my morning cereal boxes, and honestly, the color scheme feels like a mismatched dorm room.
What’s your take on this inaugural peek at American’s new 787? Are you enthralled or just a tad disappointed, like yours truly?