American Airlines plans to introduce Premium Economy class on select transcontinental flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK), providing travelers a compromise between Flagship business class and economy class.
American Airlines Adds 777s, Premium Economy On LAX–JFK Route
American Airlines offers premium economy seating, a distinct class featuring enhanced legroom, improved food and beverage options, and dedicated amenities, on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and select Boeing 777 aircraft.
Until now, it has not sold premium economy as a separate cabin on transcontinental flights. Instead, AAdvantage elites and passengers willing to pay an upcharge could choose these seats at the time of booking. Onboard service was no different than in economy class.
American Airlines will soon begin selling Premium Economy as a separate cabin on LAX-JFK routes, for flights on or after October 5, 2025, a date that makes sense as widebody aircraft become available with the suspension of summer European routes.
AA will utilize a Boeing 777-200ER on select LAX–JFK frequencies, though the schedule still shows Airbus A321T aircraft that do not have a premium economy cabin. I expect 1-2 777 flights per day, with the rest still utilizing the A321T.
It’s noteworthy that the A321Ts will soon undergo retrofits and gradually be phased out of service on premium transcontinental routes.
What Travelers Can Expect
Premium Economy on American’s 777-200 aircraft includes:
- A 2-4-2 seating layout, with approximately 38 inches of pitch, adjustable footrests, and larger tray tables
- Individual in-seat entertainment screens with power outlets and USB-C ports
- Enhanced meal and beverage service compared to standard economy
- Priority boarding and check-in privileges
- Amenity kits, noise-reducing headphones, and additional checked baggage allowance
AA promises transcontinental flights will include the same amenities as on international flights:
Customers can indulge in complimentary drinks while savoring a hot meal with salad and dessert served on chinaware. Customers can easily charge electronic devices with in-seat power and watch on-demand entertainment on larger monitors with noise-reducing headphones.
American’s introduction of Premium Economy on this major transcontinental route is not groundbreaking (Delta and United already sell this cabin as a separate class of service), but it reflects an important revenue source for AA…this cabin has been well-monetized by Delta and United and there is no reason to think AA will also not have success selling this cabin.
CONCLUSION
American Airlines will soon offer Premium Economy seating on 777 flights between Los Angeles and New York JFK. The move will provide passengers with a valuable additional option and better compete with Delta and United. AA has made a lot of positive changes lately and this is one of them…I see this as a wise move.
Took them long enough, no?
Flying on a daytime US domestic flight, I would never pay extra for premium economy unless I was too fat. I might pay for extra legroom if I became too tall. If a client or company were paying, I would accept any higher class seat.
I try to avoid red eye flights. If I were on a red eye, I would consider increased recline or even flat bed.
Airlines probably know this or should know this common opinion.
(For red eye flights over the Pacific or Atlantic, the equation is different. I have purchased first, business, and economy seats and have redeemed awards on those plus premium economy and economy with extra legroom).
Next step, phase out the word “Economy” from Premium Economy and jack up the price. I don’t care at all about all the luxury-lifestyle BS like branded amenity kits, garnie plating of low-quality institutionally produced catering, or a flight attended that uses formal titles to address me like its 1932. I know that impresses some, and gives a sense of self-esteem to others, but I’m not going to pay for nonsense. All domestic economy is really missing is about 2-3 inches of leg room to be sufficiently comfortable.
I flew recently on the LAX-JFK route on the A321. What exactly is the difference? Other than they called business class/first class and premium economy/business class, it was the same product as on a 787 or 777. There was nothing special about the flagship first service especially on my flight. And you definitely do not want to have a New York based flight attendant who was on call for a 6am flight serving you. LA based crews are definitely nicer than their NY based counterparts.
If AA charges for business class up front rather than first and PE instead of business then this might actually work out for consumers for once.
now, if only they can upgrade the meal service in premium economy on their Hawaiian flights. Bod dog economy service. Only difference is the seat
Any update on the SFO-JFK flights? Still 321T?