Hiya from Chicago, as I simply flew American Airways’ model new Boeing 787-9 Flagship Suite enterprise class, on the 7hr50min flight from London (LHR) to Chicago (ORD), as a part of my fast evaluate journey. I used to be very a lot wanting ahead to this flight, as this represents American’s new lengthy haul enterprise class expertise.
Admittedly I largely knew what to anticipate, since I’ve flown this precise seat earlier than on different airways. Nevertheless, I’ve gotta say, I discovered the sum of the expertise to be excellent, as I notably appreciated the upgraded Wi-Fi and the superb service. For now, I’d argue that this units the usual for enterprise class amongst US carriers (although each Delta and United are planning new enterprise class merchandise).
Let me share my preliminary ideas on this flight, after which quickly I’ll have a full journey report…
American’s new Flagship Suite enterprise class seats are nice
American’s new Dreamliners (designated as Boeing 787-9Ps) don’t simply have new enterprise class seats, however in addition they have a lot much less dense layouts, with much more enterprise class seats. The jets have simply 244 seats, 51 of that are enterprise class seats.
Whereas the cabin finishes aren’t precisely how I’d select to design an plane, the cabin positively has much more persona and coloration than earlier than, and it regarded nicer in particular person than I used to be anticipating.
American’s new Flagship Suite enterprise class seats are based mostly on the Adient Ascent platform, which is a three way partnership with Boeing, as you’ll additionally discover this similar seating idea on the 787-9s of Qatar Airways and Hawaiian Airways (and shortly United Airways).
The seats are in a 1-2-1 configuration, and are in a full reverse herringbone structure (the Adient Ascent platform is exclusive, as a result of airways can elect to have herringbone or reverse herringbone seats within the middle part).
I don’t need to overhype these seats, as a result of in the end they take up the identical actual property as most present configurations. So basically simply consider this as a modern technology reverse herringbone product with a door at every seat, plus improved know-how.
I discover these seats to be fairly properly designed, when it comes to the place every part is positioned. In mattress mode, I additionally managed to get comfy — as a aspect sleeper, I discovered that sleeping within the course of the fuselage was finest, when it comes to the cutout for my knees.
The entrance rows in every of the 2 enterprise class cabins have the Flagship Suite Most well-liked seats, which American will ultimately begin promoting at an additional price. These are simply extra spacious, particularly across the toes, and now have additional storage.
I believe the one space of those seats the place American may’ve carried out higher is with the screens. In my view they could possibly be a bit larger, particularly within the bulkhead rows. That being mentioned, you’re in the end not seated removed from the screens, so it’s not like the larger screens are crucial. However nonetheless, that facet of the seat doesn’t really feel leading edge for 2025.
One optimistic facet of the product that may’t be overstated is the truth that these planes have particular person air nozzles. That’s a norm on US carriers, but it surely’s value stating, as I’d rank this within the prime 5 facilities I worth in enterprise class, but so many international carriers select to not supply these.
American’s 787s have upgraded tech & Wi-Fi, with a quirk
American’s new Boeing 787-9Ps have Viasat Wi-Fi, which is a large enchancment over the previous Wi-Fi system. A cross for the whole flight price $25, with limitless information, and the flexibility to change between units. I discovered that to be honest.
The speeds have been phenomenal, and I used to be capable of keep productive throughout the Atlantic. After the seats, I’d think about this to be the only largest enchancment about American’s new 787-9Ps.
Past that, these planes have up to date tech when it comes to USB-A, USB-C, and AC charging, plus wi-fi charging.
The brand new 787-9Ps additionally supply bluetooth audio, which is way appreciated (whereas one thing solely aviation geeks will discover, American wants to repair the way it refers back to the plane on its leisure monitor!!!).
In relation to leisure, American has an enormous number of on-demand programming, with motion pictures, TV reveals, audio, video games, and extra. Curiously, American appears to have launched a brand new interface for this method. I used to be shocked that I discovered it harder to make use of than the previous system, as I believed the group and navigation have been extra sophisticated.
American’s enterprise class meals & facilities are good
Catering in American enterprise class on this flight was strong, however nothing memorable. Lunch was served after takeoff, and began with heat combined nuts, olives, and so forth.
The starter consisted of sizzling smoked salmon with Thai rice noodles, greens, and lime, plus a romaine lettuce salad with carrot and beetroot.
For the principle course, I ordered the Indian lentil dal, which was completely first rate, in step with a Dealer Joe’s frozen Indian meal (that’s not shade, by the best way…)
For dessert, you actually can’t go fallacious with the sundae, proper?
Facilities have been fairly good as properly. Every enterprise class passenger obtained a pillow and blanket. Whereas I discovered this to be comfy, I’d like to see American replace its bedding to extra carefully match United, because it’s an space the place the service leads the business.
An space the place American leads the business is with its Bang & Olufsen headphones. American doesn’t even acquire these earlier than touchdown anymore, which is a minor however noticeable enchancment. These are maybe much less necessary than previously, provided that American now additionally has bluetooth audio.
Then there have been slippers, that are helpful for visiting the rest room…
Lastly, there was a fundamental amenity package, which was no matter. American has by no means carried out an amazing job with making its amenity kits very premium, and maybe it’s an space the airline may put money into. Personally, I don’t care that a lot about amenity kits, but it surely’s after all a premium branding alternative.
Service on this American enterprise class flight was stellar
The issue with flying any US airline is that service is persistently inconsistent. Typically you get an amazing crew, and generally you get a lackluster crew. On this flight I lucked out, as a result of the whole crew couldn’t have been higher.
What an absolute rockstar crew, with flight attendants who have been pleasant, personable, and attentive. I’ve heard that these 787-9Ps are a lot tougher for crews to work, given the up to date galley areas, plus the large variety of enterprise class seats. Regardless of that, this crew made all of it look simple.
I’ve nothing however good issues to say in regards to the crew on this flight. What’s attention-grabbing is that whereas American isn’t precisely regarded for its wonderful inflight service, my 4 most up-to-date lengthy haul flights on American have all had nice service. Have I simply been actually fortunate, or is there some tradition shift? Both approach, it makes an enormous distinction once you really feel like crew really do their jobs, and take satisfaction in what they do…
Satirically sufficient, the final lengthy haul flight on a US service the place I didn’t have nice service was Delta (not that the crew was dangerous, they simply weren’t nice).
Backside line
American’s lengthy awaited new Flagship Suite enterprise class is now in service, and I had the possibility to fly it on a transatlantic flight. That is a powerful product, with a number of nice enhancements. We’re speaking reverse herringbone seats with doorways, upgraded tech & Wi-Fi, and an all-around swanky cabin.
That is an thrilling new period for American, and once you mix the good arduous product, the quick Wi-Fi, and the air nozzles, I believe that ensures a pleasing lengthy haul expertise. The massive wild card is at all times meals and repair, although on this flight I lucked out with wonderful service and first rate meals.
Properly carried out, American, and I’m wanting ahead to seeing this expertise launched on extra lengthy haul flights!
What do you make of American’s new Flagship Suite enterprise class?
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