Luxurious Comfort: American’s 787 Business Class
Hello from Chicago! I just hopped off American Airlines’ brand new Boeing 787-9, indulging myself in their Flagship Suite business class on a swift 7-hour-50-minute journey from London to the Windy City. This trip was supposed to be a part of a whirlwind review expedition, but oh boy, did it turn into a revelation! Despite having a pretty good idea of what to expect—thanks to my previous jaunts in similar seats on other airlines—the whole package here was downright stellar. The upgraded Wi-Fi and spectacular service deserve their own chapter. Right now, I’d say this is the business class to beat among US airlines, even with Delta and United cooking up fresh offerings of their own.
Initial impressions? Let’s dig in. A full trip report is on the horizon, but here’s the teaser.
American’s New Flagship Suite: Business Class Bliss
Right, so here’s the big news. American has rolled out Dreamliners, and we’re talking Boeing 787-9Ps, folks. The fresh business class seats come with a significantly more breathable layout. Picture this: just 244 seats in total, out of which a hearty 51 belong to business class. I’ll say this, while the cabin colors wouldn’t be my top choice, they did deliver a pleasant surprise in person. Turns out, it’s got a certain charm.
The new Flagship Suite seats? They’re based on the Adient Ascent platform, crafted alongside Boeing. If you’ve flown Qatar Airways or Hawaiian Airlines, you’ll notice a familiar flair here. The seats stretch out in a 1-2-1 configuration in what’s lovingly known as a reverse herringbone layout. And if you’re curious about the center section, the airlines can customize the herringbone experience to suit their vibe.
Now, let’s not get carried away. These seats utilize the same space as most existing setups, so think latest-gen reverse herringbone—except now with a privacy door, coupled with smoother tech.
Sinking into these seats, I found the layout to work like a charm, especially when it’s time to nap. For the side sleepers out there, nestle with the fuselage, and your knees will thank you.
Highlighting the front rows of each biz class cabin, meet the Flagship Suite Preferred seats. There’s more wiggle room for your legs and extra storage. American plans to offer these at a premium in the future.
One area of improvement could be the screen size. They could afford to be bigger, but from a comfortable viewing distance, does size really matter? Still, it does leave the seats feeling a tad less cutting edge for 2025.
And oh, bless those individual air nozzles! It’s a US airline staple, and let me just pack that into my top five business class perks. Yet, many international carriers seem to give this feature a pass. Why? Beats me!
Boosted Tech & Wi-Fi on American’s 787s: With a Twist
What’s flying these birds is a game changer for tech-savvy folks. The Viasat Wi-Fi went from huffing and puffing to Olympic sprinter capabilities. For a cool $25, you enjoy unlimited data and device switching. Fair game, I’d say!
The speed was a revelation, and productivity soared alongside the clouds. Besides the seats, this tech leap is heartily welcomed.
The tech upgrade doesn’t stop there—roll out USB-A, USB-C, and AC charging alongside wireless options. Bluetooth audio? Check! Here’s a shout-out to the geeks nodding in agreement.
The entertainment zone’s decked out with an extensive library of movies, shows, and more. But hold up—not everything’s rosy. American served up a new interface for this system that seemed a bit clunkier than the old one. Navigation got me in a tizzy.
The Food & Amenities: American Gets It Right
The in-flight catering left me impressed. While I wouldn’t pen an ode to it, lunch post-takeoff got things rolling. Warm nuts, olives… Right. The starter showcased hot smoked salmon with Thai-inspired noodles, a veggie medley, and a tangy lime kick alongside a vibrant salad. Noteworthy enough, wouldn’t you say?
For the main event, I dabbled with the Indian lentil dal. Think Trader Joe’s frozen meal-worthy, and that’s meant as a compliment!
And for dessert, there’s always room for a sundae, don’t you think?
Amenities were spot-on. Everyone got a pillow and blanket, though a bedding upgrade could push them closer to United’s industry-best offerings.
American has nailed the headphone game. They now leave Bang & Olufsen sets out until landing—a simple yet winning tweak. Add in slippers, handy for the loo trips, and a basic amenity kit. While not groundbreaking, it walks the premium line well.
Stellar Service on Board
Behold, the Achilles’ heel of US airlines: service consistency. But color me surprised, this flight’s crew smashed it out of the park. Friendly, warm, and attentive—proving that a little goodwill goes a long way.
Despite updated galley challenges and an ocean of business seats to serve, the crew made it look easy. My past American experiences? Equally fabulous. Could luck favor me, or is American on to something with a quieter cultural revolution?
For a dose of irony, the last not-so-great service I experienced was indeed with Delta. No hate, just news.
Bottom Line
The long-awaited debut of American’s Flagship Suite business class has hit the skies, upping the ante with plush seats, improved tech, and a vibe that’s nothing short of classy.
The stars align with this launch—throw in Wi-Fi, air nozzles, and fab service, and it’s a formula for a top-notch long haul trek. Service and chow? Got lucky with top-notchness this round.
American, you’ve set a new bar. Here’s to more journeys like this on future flights; count me in!
Your thoughts on American’s fresh Flagship Suite business class? Or while pondering, perhaps plan a refreshing visit to the Val Seny ski resort.