American Airlines first class vs business class – Comparison

Flying out of the UK with American Airlines? If it’s a special occasion like a honeymoon or anniversary, or you simply want to travel in style, you might be thinking of upgrading to business or first class.

In this essential guide, we’ll be comparing American Airlines business class and first class side-by-side.

This includes things like cost, meals, in-flight service, lounge experiences, seatings and other perks. So, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting when you splash out on an upgrade.

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What’s the difference between first class and business class on American Airlines?

The first thing you should know is that first class isn’t available on all international flights with American Airlines. There are also a couple of different types of first and business class fares with the airline:

• Flagship First - only available on Boeing 777-300 aircraft for long-distance international flights
• Flagship Business - only available on selected aircraft with lie-flat seats for long-distance international flights
• First - available for domestic flights within the US
• Business - available for shorter distance international flights.

For the purposes of this guide, we’ll focus on Flagship options available for international trips for UK passengers.

So, let’s start off with an overview of what you get with each fare class with American Airlines:

	Flagship First class	Flagship Business class
Cost	£10,593 for London to New York (one way)¹	£8,134 for London to New York (one way)¹
Seating/suite experience	- Seat selection - Lie flat seats with aisle access - Chenille lumbar memory foam pillow - Cool-touch dual-sided pillow - Nest Bedding mattress pad	- Seat selection - Lie-flat seats - Premium bedding - Cool-touch dual-sided pillow
Food and drink	- Multi-course meal paired with award-winning wines - Choose meal before you fly - Complimentary drinks	- Multi-course meal paired with award-winning wines - Choose meal before you fly - Complimentary drinks
Baggage allowance	- 3 free checked bags up to 32kg²	- 2-3 free checked bags up to 32kg (depending on ticket)
Lounge access	Yes	Yes
Airport and boarding experience	Priority check-in, speedy security and boarding	Priority check-in, speedy security and boarding
Onboard amenities	- Free entertainment - Wi-Fi (chargeable) - Power outlets	- Free entertainment - Wi-Fi (chargeable) - Power outlets
Extras	- Free amenity kit including toiletries - Nest Bedding slippers and pajamas - Bang & Olufsen headphones	- Free amenity kit including toiletries - Nest Bedding slippers - Bang & Olufsen headphones

American Airlines first class vs. business class price

Before we dive into in-flight services, seating and perks, let’s take a look at how much it costs to choose first class or business class with American Airlines.

Of course, the exact price will depend on your exact dates and destination, as well as whether you book a one-way or return flight.

But to give you an idea of the difference in cost between the classes, here are a couple of examples of short and long-haul flights with the airline. Both are one-way only, and flying on 1st April 2025:

• Long-haul flight (international) from London Heathrow to New York JFK - £8,134 for Flagship Business class and £10,593 for Flagship First class.¹
• Short-haul flight (domestic) from New York LaGuardia to Chicago O'Hare - £195 for first class (business class unavailable).³

If you need to make a change to your booking, all first class and some business class ticket types offer free changes. But if you need to cancel your American Airlines flight, read this.

💡 Read more: How much does it cost to hire a private jet in the UK

When to choose first class over business class

Flagship First class with American Airlines is an ultra luxury experience, offering fine dining, virtually unlimited drinks and snacks, and premium customer service.

So, it’s the perfect choice for a honeymoon trip or other special occasion. It can also make long-haul flights much more comfortable.

If you want a taste of comfort and luxury at a slightly cheaper price, you might want to opt for business class. It’s also ideal for travellers who want to get some work done, with power outlets, workspace and Wi-Fi on some aircraft.

Anyone can book either class though, even if you’re not travelling for business and you simply want more comfort and luxury than economy class.

Seating and suite experience

On long-haul flights in particular, seating will be crucial to ensure you have a comfortable experience. Let’s take a look at seating and suite options with both American Airlines classes.

First class seating on American Airlines

Flagship First class passengers on American Airlines flights enjoy the most space, privacy and comfort compared to any other fare class.

You’ll get a comfortable fully lie-flat bed with aisle access, along with premium bedding including:

• A chenille lumbar memory foam pillow
• A cool-touch dual-sided pillow
• A Nest Bedding mattress pad.

You’ll also have an entertainment screen and plenty of power outlets.

Business class seating on American Airlines

Flagship Business class passengers also get comfortable lie-flat beds, along with a cool-touch dual-sided pillow and premium bedding (although not quite as plush as first class).

If you want to get some work done, power outlets and Wi-Fi are both available, although the latter is chargeable.

In-flight service and amenities on American Airlines

First class in-flight service

If you travel Flagship First class with American Airlines, you’ll benefit from:⁴

• Complimentary multi-course meal paired with award-winning wines - you can also choose your meal in advance of your flight
• Complimentary hot, cold and alcoholic drinks
• Free in-flight entertainment including movies, TV shows, music and games, plus Bang & Olufsen headphones. There’s even live TV on some aircraft
• Free Amenity kit featuring travel essentials, beauty and skincare products
• Bedding, slippers and pajamas from Nest Bedding
• On-board Wi-Fi (chargeable).

Business class in-flight service

Flagship Business class passengers with American Airlines can expect the following as part of the in-flight service:⁵

• Complimentary multi-course meal paired with award-winning wines - you can also choose your meal in advance of your flight
• Complimentary hot, cold and alcoholic drinks
• Free in-flight entertainment including movies, TV shows, music and games, plus Bang & Olufsen headphones. There’s even live TV on some aircraft
• Free Amenity kit featuring travel essentials, beauty and skincare products
• Slippers from Nest Bedding
• On-board Wi-Fi (chargeable).

First and business class food and drinks on American Airlines – how do the meals compare?

Both American Airlines fare types offer premium dining. You’ll get multiple courses, and the option to reserve your meal in advance. There’s also complimentary drinks and a full bar service.

As for the menu, dishes are inspired by American Airlines destinations - so it depends where you’re travelling to and from.

Lounge access – what do you get?

First class lounges for American Airlines

All Flagship first class tickets with American Airlines include lounge access as standard - this includes Flagship Lounges, International First Class Lounges and Admirals Club Lounges.

However, lounge availability and facilities depend which airport(s) you’re travelling to and from.

For example, at LAX airport there’s an American Airlines Flagship Lounge for both first class and business class passengers. It features a speciality cocktail bar, shower suites, premium wine table and personalised service. You can also access the Flagship First Dining experience.

Over at London Heathrow meanwhile, you'll be able to relax before your flight in the American Airlines Admirals Club. It offers free food and drinks, Wi-Fi, showers and a full-service bar.

Business class lounges for American Airlines

As with Flagship First, lounge facilities for American Airlines Flagship Business class vary depending on the airport(s) you’ll be travelling through.

You can access the same facilities as first class passengers at airports like London Heathrow, Miami and LAX.

Airport and boarding experience with American Airlines – fast-track perks for business and first class

Both first and business class passengers with American Airlines benefit from premium privileges at the airport. This includes priority check-in, fast-track security and speedy boarding.

Baggage allowance for first class and business class with American Airlines

Lastly, let’s take a look at checked bag allowances with both fare types:²

• Flagship Business class - 2 free checked bags up to 32kg (3 with a Business Plus ticket)
• Flagship First class - 3 free checked bags up to 32kg.

Conclusion: is it worth upgrading to business or first class on American Airlines?

There isn’t a huge amount of difference between business and first class with American Airlines, except for the price.

However, you may find that first class offers more luxury, space, comfort, perks and personalised service. You get extra comfy bedding, a few more freebies and an extra free checked bag.

If you need to work during your flight, business class may be the right choice. You’ll get a comfortable lie-flat seat, space to work and many of the same in-flight perks you get with first class. However, Wi-Fi is chargeable.

Hopefully after reading this guide, you’ll have all the info you need to compare the two and choose the right option for you. You may even be able to score an upgrade if you’re a regular AA customer and earn airmiles in its AAdvantage frequent flyer programme.

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Sources used:

1. American Airlines- Choose flights - London, United Kingdom to New York, NY
2. American Airlines - Checked baggage policy
3. American Airlines - Choose flights - New York, NY to Chicago, IL
4. American Airlines - Flagship First International
5. American Airlines - Flagship Business International

Sources last checked on date: 17-Feb-2024