The Guide to American Airlines Premium Economy

American Airlines, the first major U.S. airline to introduce a true premium economy product, now offers premium economy seating installed on all of the airline’s Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft for international flights. These seats are larger with a deeper recline, and premium economy passengers get to board the plan earlier.

The ticket option, a step down from the business class, is available on all long-distance international flights and flights to Hawaii and Alaska, offering an elevated travel experience compared to regular coach seating.

Yes, you can get your ticket refunded as a travel credit with American 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. Some flights that start in certain countries like Spain or Australia require a change fee.

» 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.

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.

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.

In addition to bigger seats, American Airlines premium economy passengers get an amenity kit, bedding and headphones on select international flights. There's also "chef-inspired dining" and complimentary beer, wine and spirits.

Premium economy sleep set

American Airlines provides passengers with an Ostrichpillow lumbar pillow and crepe weave blanket. 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 various brands 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 and earplugs.

Not every American Airlines premium economy route gets an amenity kit. American notes that amenity kits are only available on international and routes to Hawaii and Alaska.

» 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

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.