My first flight on the brand new American Airlines 787-9 with Flagship Suites exceeded my expectations and represents the best way to travel between Los Angeles and Chicago.
My First Flight On AA Flagship Suites
As I detailed yesterday, I’m on a short journey to Germany to pick up my children from their summer holiday. My outbound journey includes flying from Los Angeles to London via Chicago on American Airlines, with both segments operated by a brand new Dreamliner with AA’s latest “Flagship Suites” onboard.
I had intended to get to the airport before dawn so I could lounge hop, but went to the gym instead and hit traffic driving to the airport. By the time I arrived, I had only a moment to stop at the Alaska Airlines lounge for coffee before walking over to the Tom Bradley International Terminal, where my flight would be departing from.
Boarding began 40 minutes prior to departure, and I boarded to find a very sleek and clean cabin. The colors work well, especially with the mood lighting on.
I was seated in 14A on this flight, the last row of business class. Checking out the seat, I noticed wireless charging (it did not work) as well as a USB-A, USB-C, and universal power port, all easily within reach.
The seat also has a storage cabinet with a mirror, reading light, cabin light (sconce), and overhead light. The doors have now been certified and can be closed after takeoff. There’s also a handy little shelf that flips down below the literature rack that is large enough for mixed nuts and a beverage–a very thoughtful touch.
I pre-ordered the grain bowl for lunch..I’ve come a long way from the days in which I would have always chosen the enchiladas or beef short ribs with macaroni & cheese. This was an excellent choice and I very much enjoyed the lunch…the mixed grains were nicely spiced with pickled onions, cauliflower, and chunks of sweet potato were served with salmon and a creamy green sauce. A very good lunch (with a choice of ice cream or fruit & cheese for dessert).
There’s certainly privacy when the doors are closed…and flight attendants are instructed not to bother guests if their door is closed.
I put the seat in lie-flat mode and took a little nap before landing…I’m a side sleeper and there was a good amount of space for my knees when I slept with my knees facing the fuselage (you can see the extra space in the picture below).
We landed ahead of schedule in Chicago, where I had a bit of time before my connecting flight to London.
It’s always fun to fly on a widebody jet on a domestic flight and despite the fierce competition and frequencies on the LAX-ORD route, AA3249 is the poshest way to travel right now. Enjoy this aircraft on the route for the duration of the summer…it comes off when the winter schedule goes live.
Next stop: London.
Are there a lot planes with these new interiors currently flying? On what routes?
And how does one tell if a given plane has the new interior (before getting on the plane, of course)?
By lookong at the seatmap before and after booking?
AA’s announcement for winter routes with the new suites is here: https://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2025/American-is-making-travel-cozier-this-winter-with-more-routes-featuring-Flagship-Suite-seats-NET-RTS-07/default.aspx
Also, you can tell if it’s the new suites if it says “flagship suites” or 78P when booking on AA. If you’re still unsure, when you look at the seatmap, it’s a Boeing 787-9 and there 14 rows of business class suites. You can also check out AA’s flyertalk forum where a lot of folks talk about updates on the routes and stuff, too.
What contrast in terms of class in responding to Mike’s questions. Props to you.
Indeed. Thanks. No need to be a dick. Simple question, simple answer:
“if it says “flagship suites” or 78P when booking on AA…if it’s a Boeing 787-9 and there 14 rows of business class suites”
Exactly the details I was looking for. Thank you.
Why use 20 words when 5 will do? What does class have to do with it anyway?
It won’t kill you to use 20 words and be polite to people. Also, not everyone on here is an avgeek/frequent flyer, so they won’t know which plane config has what type of seats just from the seat map.
Also, you’re just a troll who tries to act like a typical commenter but in reality, you just insult people who say an opinion that you disagree with from what I’ve seen the past few years on here. You think that trying to get the last word proves your point instead of apologizing, but in reality, you’re just proving the point that you’re just a miserable person. Bless your heart and have a good day.
Correct. People just love to be spoonfed everything these days.
The only troll here seems to be you. What exactly have you done to contribute to this discussion or any discussion? Also callong out people’s bigotry and hate speech isn’t disagreeing with people. Nothing I said was rude, “Mark”. No need to bless me, I already am blessed plenty.
Cue the Curb Your Enthusiasm theme song. Mark clearly called it and of course Aaron responds at 3 am all butt hurt
Well yes I live in a very ifferent time zone. 3am for you is not 3am for me. Also wasn’t butt hurt, just defending myself. But you keep doing you if it makes you feel better.
To be fair, when isn’t Aaron butthurt?
To be even more fair, when aren’t you obsessed with me and/or gay sex?
Says a lot when you normally fly with United. Pretty good, and enjoy your flight to London! -Also a United lover
Glad to hear there some of AA’s LAX-ORD flights are now on the new 787P with the new Flagship Business cabin. I somehow missed reading about that particular flight segment earlier in AA’s news announcements on which routes feature the new cabin.
“Posh” and AA on the same sentence seems a bit antinomic.
Yet, the global experience is hoborable.
Let’s hope they upgrade their infamous wine and Champagne list.
For Flagship status, that’s a rather small portion of salmon; disappointing; was that on real china or not ? so wish they would serve course by course, rather than all on a tray; finally, what was the width of the seat, as thats so important for comfort? 20″ or 21″ ? thanks.
Aerolopa says the seat is 21″. I was thinking that the salmon was perfectly sized for a multi-course meal. That, of course, makes it look small by USA standards.
Out of curiosity, any reason to prefer the AS lounge over the oneworld lounge operated by QF in TBIT?
QF serves barista-made coffee from Vittrola Coffee. Not sure if you prefer that or AS’ coffee.
My original plan was to have one flat white from each lounge, but I ran out of time. The Stumptown coffee in AS lounge is excellent, but I do prefer the Vittrola in QF/OW lounge.
What’s the deal with the mechanical issues they’ve been having on the 78Ps? Did they get that sorted out, or are you still seeing extensive delays in your experience with Award Expert?
Wait until tomorrow’s update. 😉
I too think the grain bowl is good! Unsung hero of AA’s catering program. Nice trip!
WOW!
LOVE AA 787-9. SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE DELTA A350.
MODERN, SLEEK AND COFORTABLE!
LOOKIN FWD TO MORE OF THE SAME ON AA.
I have the P model on one of my trans-Pacific AA flights this Winter and was able to snag the extra space bulkhead J seat (no extra cost now). Apparently, others have xaught on, as the extra roomy suites have not been snatched up yet.
Happy you had a nice flight-