The Guide to American Airlines Premium Economy

In May 2017, American Airlines became the first major U.S. airline to introduce a true premium economy product. Now, you'll find American Airlines premium economy seating installed on all of the airline’s Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft for international flights.

If you're new to premium economy on American Airlines, you may wonder how premium economy differs from standard economy.

Let's take a look at the airline's premium economy seats, meals and amenities, plus some frequently asked questions about how American Airlines premium economy works.

American Airlines' Premium Economy offers an elevated travel experience compared to regular coach seating.

The ticket option is available on select long-distance international flights, flights to Hawaii and Alaska, and on some longer domestic routes.

The seats are larger, there is a deeper recline, you'll get to board the plan earlier.

Premium economy is still a step down from the business class experience. It offers passengers a more comfortable flight at a cheaper price point.

Are American Airlines premium economy tickets refundable? Yes, so long as you purchase at least two days before your planned travel. Note that all American tickets, including premium economy, are refundable within 24 hours of your original booking.

» Learn more: How to get an American Airlines refund

One of the primary benefits of booking American Airlines premium economy is getting a bigger and wider seat than you would in economy.

How big are American Airlines seats in its premium economy product? American installed Collins Aerospace MiQ seats that are a bit wider (around 18.5-19 inches) than its economy seats (around 16-18 inches).

Premium seats also have around 38 inches of pitch compared to around 31-32 inches in economy. This allows for more legroom and a deeper recline.

So, what does premium economy look like on American Airlines?

If this seat looks familiar, it's because American Airlines also uses this same seat type for domestic first class seating on its retrofitted domestic fleet.

American Airlines premium economy seats are better than these domestic first class seats in a couple of ways. The main advantage: Premium economy seats have an in-flight entertainment screen and remote — rather than just a tablet holder in domestic first class.

Also, all premium economy seats have either a footrest or a leg rest.

» Learn more: Credit cards that earn American AAdvantage miles

Depending on the aircraft type, American installed between 21 and 28 premium economy seats across three to four rows for this class of seating.

American 787 premium economy

American's 787 premium economy class has seven seats per row arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration.

Boeing 777

In American's 777-200ER premium economy, American Airlines installed eight seats per row — two on each side along the window and four in the middle.

On either plane, couples will want to snag seats together near the windows, while families will likely prefer the middle seat options.

American Airlines premium economy includes "chef-inspired dining" and complimentary beer, wine and spirits. On long-haul international flights, American will serve multi-course meals with real metal silverware on top of white tablecloths.

Add in its solid drink menu and an American Airlines premium economy ticket can rival what you get in business class on some airlines.

For example, the premium economy meal on a recent flight from Dallas to Bogota didn't seem particularly "chef-inspired."

In addition to bigger seats, American Airlines premium economy passengers get a Casper sleep set, an amenity kit and headphones on select international flights.

Premium economy sleep set

American Airlines provides a Casper sleep set for premium economy passengers. This sleep set isn't as comprehensive as what you'll find in business and first class; however, the lumbar pillow and "day blanket" are nice touches that you won't get in economy.

Premium economy amenity kit

American Airlines partners with Shinola and D.S. & Durga to produce its amenity kits. In premium economy, the amenity kit includes items like socks, an eye mask, hand and body lotion, a dental kit, earplugs and a pen.

Not every American Airlines premium economy route gets an amenity kit. American notes that amenity kits are only available on international flights — meaning premium economy routes to Hawaii and Alaska don't qualify.

In addition, American Airlines premium economy passengers on certain short-haul international routes don't receive an amenity kit.

» Learn more: Your guide to the American Airlines AAdvantage program

Other perks of American Airlines premium economy

• Headphones: Does American Airlines give headphones? Yes, in all classes; that said, American Airlines premium economy passengers on eligible routes get "noise-reducing headphones."

• Priority check-in and boarding: American Airlines premium economy passengers can use the Priority check-in line and board during Group 4 priority boarding.

» Learn more: How to choose an American Airlines credit card

Through its own co-branded cards and partnerships, AAdvantage offers flyers plenty of ways to earn and redeem miles for premium economy flights via credit card spending.

More brand-agnostic flyers might choose a card with transferable points to get access to additional travel rewards bookings outside of American Airlines and its transfer partners.

If you seek more flexibility in redeeming miles for award flights, consider applying for a more general travel credit card instead. A more general travel credit card differs from an airline card in that you can book flights with multiple carriers, rather than reaping the benefits of staying loyal to a single brand.

» Learn more: Is an American Airlines credit card worth it?

The more high-end the travel credit card, the more benefits you can enjoy, including airport lounge access or automatic elite status in certain programs. That said, a brand-specific airline card can net you benefits like waived baggage fees, which can have meaningful dollar value.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards

Over the past few years, many airlines — including American Airlines — have narrowed seats in economy while installing true premium economy seats. By offering premium economy, American, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines all now offer a way to fly that's better than economy but not nearly as expensive as business class.

Be aware that not all perks are included in every American Airlines premium economy ticket, and the availability is highly dependent on the flight route itself. It's not uncommon to be served economy meals and few amenities on flights to Hawaii, Alaska and even some international routes, limiting the value of an American Airlines premium economy experience to a more spacious seat.

You'll need to fly on eligible long-haul international routes to get the full premium dining experience and in-flight amenities.

Top photo courtesy of JT Genter.