American Airlines - Premium Economy: New York to Madrid

Cabin Class: Premium Economy

Route: New York to Madrid   

Meal: Special - Vegan (VGML) 

Aircraft: Boeing 777-200ER

It’s been a few years since first trialing American Airlines’ version of Premium Economy. This mini cabin between Business and Economy, a segment that’s grown in popularity in the last several years (though to be fair, it’s been 32 years since its debut on Virgin Atlantic), has become commonplace on most long haul carriers. In fact, those who’ve historically shied away from it are jumping onboard, capitalizing on its lucrative revenue generation. For instance, we’ve recently seen the likes of Emirates introduce—and arguably perfect it; and continue to roll it out to its fleet, while others follow suit, bolstering their respective offerings.

Recently we had the opportunity to pop back on American, from New York to Madrid, to see if we could spot any material updates. After all, they were the first US-based carrier to introduce the product in 2017. All told, things largely remain the same (which isn’t a bad thing per se). Some of our observations:

🧳: The Cabin: We were delighted to see a refreshed cabin featuring a modern, updated space complete with mood lighting, refurbished seat coverings, updated amenity kits, etc.
🧳: In-flight Entertainment (IFE): Though still functional and easy to navigate with more than plenty of options to keep one entertained, the apparatus itself and interface could use a refresh. It’s starting to show its age. This is an offering wide observation, so not necessarily only applicable to this cabin.
🧳: WiFi Connectivity: This is an area American could use a strategy change - the hefty $35 flight duration charge, with no access to complimentary messaging, is increasingly becoming an archaic notion.
🧳: Food and Beverage: A couple choices for Premium Economy, plus plentiful alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverage selections. The pre-ordered special meal (Vegan) was surprisingly good and a welcome departure from what can sometimes be uninspiring selections.

Overall, a mostly pleasant ride with some less competitive offerings though a pretty solid ride for the transatlantic hop.

Coast-to-Coast on American Airlines’ A321T

Welcome drink served on AA’s flagship service from JFK to SNA

Cabin Class: Flagship Business Outbound; Main Cabin Extra (more legroom economy) Inbound

Route: New York to Orange County, CA. Return.

Aircraft: Airbus A321T 

These unique transcontinental (signifying the ‘T’ designation in the aircraft type) configurations in the American Airlines fleet will soon be a thing of the past. The stretched narrow bodies are configured with a 3-class layout, First: lie-flat suites akin to what one would find on the airline’s international Flagship Business class, Business (pictured): arranged in a 2-by-2 configuration, also with lie-flat beds though not in single suite form (as in the former, First), and Economy (including Main Cabin Extra, the more legroom seats towards the front of this cabin). You’ll find these solely on coast to coast flights usually flying from NY - JFK to LAX/SFO/SNA and Boston & Miami to LAX. 

Why I’ve enjoyed flying these planes: Being a premium-heavy configuration it means they’re far fewer passengers onboard so boarding’s quite swift no matter what cabin you’re in, and service tends to be more attentive, oftentimes. Light fare (as opposed to the terribly uninspiring pretzels) is also offered in Economy - as of this writing - and of course full course meals are served in First and Business. 

What’s changing? American is debuting new ‘Flagship Suite’s on new, upcoming aircraft. These will essentially eliminate First, as we know it, combining both classes, First and Business, into a single premium experience. On the one hand, logically it makes sense, as often the feedback’s been there isn’t that much of a distinction between the customer experience in First vs. Business—oftentimes folks in the former cabin getting the shorter end of the stick in my opinion. So, yes, a unified experience would make sense. Plus it’s the only one of the ‘Big 3’ to still offer an arguably differentiated First cabin. 

Bottomline: Somewhat of a bummer to see the elimination of a true First cabin but excited to see what the unified ‘Flagship Suite’ experience brings. 

Wheels-up, Up Front

Dinner Service Aboard British Airways Club World (Business Class)

Let’s face it, provided the means, one would be hard-pressed to find a reason to elect to fly in the back cabin vs. upfront where it’s much roomier with added luxuries and creature comforts.
With fully-flat beds in (in some cases) fully enclosed suites, gourmet chef-inspired meals, premium beverages, lounge access and so on, it’s no wonder these come w/ hefty price tags.
The savvy traveler however can oftentimes workout how to circumvent some of these hefty costs via leveraging alternative currencies (credit card points), to secure upgrades or pay for the entire trip outright (another topic entirely), so it certainly isn’t beyond reach.

Over the years we’ve had the opportunity to try some of these premium cabins - some we’ve enjoyed more than others (they certainly aren’t all created equal, so be mindful). To inspire a future trip, we’ve featured a handful here including Emirates, Etihad, British Airways, Swiss & Iberia.

Iberia Business Class: New York - JFK to Madrid Barajas - MAD

What’s it like to fly @iberia Business Class transatlantic? Overall, a decent option. No particular standouts and on the other hand not necessarily at the bottom of the pack either.

The hard product: This particular flight was operated with their flagship A350-900 aircraft (note, the other option would typically be the older A330), so it was a quieter and generally more comfortable ride, owing to nextgen technology on these aircraft series.

The soft product: While ironically I’ve had much better, more personable service on previous flights, in Economy, the crew on this flight seemed mostly disinterested—performing their duties adequately though somewhat remotely.
In the same vein, meal and beverage offerings were mostly fine though nothing terribly earth shattering. Once again, ironically, I’ve had just as good in the back of the plane.

Overall, a decent option especially if priced right. At times discounted upgrades are offered close to departure. It could be well worth it if for nothing else at least, the chance to have a sleeper suite.