American Airlines Flagship First Class Guide

If you're planning to fly with American Airlines on a long-haul journey, you may want to consider booking an American Airlines Flagship First class ticket. This premium travel experience is available on longer transcontinental flights and many international flights. Here's what you can expect as an American Airlines Flagship First passenger.

American Airlines Flagship First class tickets are available on select transcontinental and international flights. This experience is unlike the first class experience you might get when flying domestic on a shorter route.

Flagship First passengers get the most exclusive and personalized amenities and services. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the air and appreciate a luxury travel experience, Flagship First class might be for you.

You can book American Airlines Flagship First class tickets for the following transcontinental routes:

• Los Angeles – New York-JFK.

• San Francisco – New York-JFK.

• New York-JFK – Orange County.

• Los Angeles – Boston.

• Los Angeles – Miami.

However, Flagship First class tickets are available only for routes that fly on Boeing 777-300 and A321T aircraft.

You can also book American Airlines Flagship First class tickets on select international flights between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Europe and South America.

Flagship First class international tickets are available only on Boeing 777-300 aircraft. If you're traveling on the above routes on a different plane, you won't be able to book this ticket type.

If you can’t find a Flagship First class ticket on your international flight, you might want to consider a Flagship Business class ticket to still experience lie-flat seating and other premium Flagship benefits.

» Learn more: The best first class airline in the U.S.

Unlike other ticket classes, Flagship First ticketed passengers get access to exclusive premium amenities and top-quality service. With a Flagship First class ticket in hand, you’ll start to receive benefits as soon as you arrive at the airport.

Priority lines

All Flagship First class passengers can take advantage of perks like priority check-in, security and boarding.

Additionally, travelers can experience Flagship First check-in in select cities. This exclusive experience includes a private check-in area and expedited security access.

The Flagship First check-in experience is available at the following airports:

• Chicago-O'Hare at Terminal 3.

• London-Heathrow at Terminal 5.

• Los Angeles at Terminal 4.

• Miami at the North Terminal.

• New York-JFK at Departure Level.

Airport lounge access

American Airlines Flagship First class passengers also receive complimentary airport lounge access. This includes Admirals Club lounges and the premium-level Flagship Lounges where available.

Admirals Club lounges are plentiful, with nearly 50 total locations available in airports throughout the U.S. and abroad. Here you can enjoy free drinks and snacks as you relax and await the boarding process.

For an upgraded airport lounge experience, you'll want to head to one of the Flagship Lounges. They feature sit-down dining with chef-inspired meals, a premium wine table, a specialty cocktail bar and shower suites.

But Flagship Lounge locations are limited and are available only in the following hub cities:

• Chicago-O’Hare at Terminal 3.

• Dallas-Fort Worth at Terminal D.

• Los Angeles at Terminal 4.

• Miami at Concourse D.

• New York-JFK at Terminal 8.

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The Flagship First class travel experience gets even better once onboard.

Flagship First seats

Every American Airlines Flagship First class ticket comes with a flagship suite seat that is fully lie-flat with direct aisle access. Seat width ranges from 21 to 21.5 inches and varies by plane. Additionally, every Flagship First seat features a seatback screen for your entertainment.

In-flight comforts and amenities

As a Flagship First flyer, you’ll get extra amenities and comforts. These include a Shinola and D.S. & Durga amenity kit, Casper sleep set with pillows and blankets, and Bang & Olufsen headphones.

In-flight entertainment

While in the air, you’ll have access to free entertainment, including movies, TV shows, music and games on your seatback screen. You’ll also have access to USB ports and power outlets for added convenience.

Flagship First class passengers traveling on a Boeing 777 aircraft can also watch free live TV. In-flight Wi-Fi is available on all Flagship First flights for an additional fee.

Premium dining

You can expect an upgraded dining experience featuring a multicourse meal with exclusive wines.

American Airlines is the official partner of the James Beard Foundation, so many of the dishes found on the Flagship First class menu were created by elite chefs. Menu offerings are customized to your travel. You can also enjoy complimentary beer, wine and spirits throughout the meal service.

You have the option to preselect meals beginning 30 days and up to 24 hours before departure. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated. If you don't preselect your meals, you'll be able to choose from a preset menu found onboard.

Arrival

You'll want to visit the Arrivals Lounge at London-Heathrow if you're flying into London. This lounge is the perfect place to recharge after a long flight. You can experience amenities such as a full breakfast or lunch buffet, spa showers, valet ironing services, and coffee and Champagne bars.

Elite status

You’ll earn bonus elite qualifying miles when you book an American Airlines Flagship First class ticket. This means you could get closer to achieving elite status.

To enjoy the Flagship First experience, you can purchase a Flagship First class ticket with cash or book a ticket with AAdvantage miles.

AAdvantage loyalty members can also use their miles to upgrade to an American Airlines Flagship First class ticket. Keep in mind that some upgrades using miles require an additional cash co-pay. So this option may not be the best use of miles or provide the best value.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of American Airlines’ loyalty program

An American Airlines Flagship First class ticket promises an exclusive, upgraded travel experience. You'll be treated with extra attention throughout your journey, and the enhanced amenities will make traveling a lot more comfortable.

Photo courtesy of American Airlines.