American Airlines unveiled upgraded premium seating on its Boeing 777-300ER fleet on September 2, with the first retrofitted aircraft beginning commercial service Wednesday from New York’s JFK airport to Buenos Aires, part of a broader industry push to capture higher-spending travelers.
The revamped aircraft will feature 144 premium seats, up from 116 under the current layout, raising the premium percentage to approximately 44% from 38%. The overhaul includes 70 Flagship Suite business-class seats with privacy doors, 44 Premium Economy seats, and 30 Main Cabin Extra seats.
The airline is also phasing out its Flagship First international first-class product on the 777-300ER, with the product no longer sold for travel beginning November 19. The current configuration has 52 business-class seats and eight Flagship First seats.
American is the only major U.S. network carrier still offering a separate international first-class cabin. Delta eliminated international first class in 1998, and United stopped selling it in 2018. American said in 2022 it would phase out the product because customers were not buying it.
For New York travelers, the changes mean more premium options on long-haul routes from JFK, where American’s 777-300ERs serve markets including London, Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Sydney. The first retrofitted jet will depart JFK on its maiden commercial flight Wednesday.
The retrofit reflects a widening divide in air travel, as wealthier customers keep spending while budget-conscious travelers pull back. Premium travelers generated nearly half of American’s ticketed revenue in the second quarter while accounting for about 30% of its seats.
The move is part of a wider industry trend. Southwest Airlines announced its first-ever airport lounges the same day, partnering with JPMorgan Chase on lounges in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville. Frontier is adding first-class-style seats, and JetBlue is expanding premium offerings with airport lounges.
American expects to complete upgrades of all 20 of its 777-300ERs sometime in 2027. The retrofit also increases total capacity to 330 passengers from 304, while standard economy seats will edge down to 186 from 188.
AAdvantage loyalty program members will have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi on the retrofitted aircraft, along with upgraded in-flight entertainment systems.
