American Airlines Shifts Gears: Goodbye First Class, Hello Flagship Suites

American Airlines is making big changes to its premium cabins. They are saying goodbye to their international first class, known as Flagship First, and introducing a new business class called Flagship Suites. This move is part of a larger trend in the airline industry. Many airlines are focusing more on enhancing their business class offerings instead of maintaining first class. The new Flagship Suites will be available on various aircraft, including the Boeing 787-9, Airbus A321XLR, 777-300ER, and later, the 777-200ER. These seats are designed to provide more privacy and comfort. They feature a privacy door, which is becoming a standard expectation for business class on major airlines. Flagship First was previously offered on the Boeing 777-300ER and the Airbus A321-200. The A321-200 was used for premium transcontinental routes. However, American Airlines will be reconfiguring these aircraft. The 777-300ERs will have no first class and more business class. The A321-200s will be replaced by the A321XLR for transcontinental routes.The Flagship First seats on the 777-300ER were unique. They could swivel up to 90 degrees, creating a proper working area for passengers. However, this feature was not enough to keep first class viable. The main difference between Flagship First and business class was the soft product, which includes improved service, amenities, and catering. With the introduction of Flagship Suites, American Airlines is also introducing Flagship Preferred. This is a new 'business class plus' product that is a more direct successor to its first class. Flagship Preferred uses the dead space in front of every bulkhead seat. It offers more space for passengers, a larger footwell, a large counter area, higher walls, and a larger screen. Passengers in Flagship Preferred receive upgraded amenities and ground service comparable to that of Flagship First. American Airlines is not the only airline making these changes. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are also enhancing their business class offerings. Delta was the first to introduce privacy doors with its DeltaOne Suites on the Airbus A350 and A330neo in 2017. United Airlines plans to introduce similar features on its new Boeing 787s in 2026.