It seems that American Airlines is changing up its New York to LA route, with plans to operate widebody aircraft on this route.
This is being introduced under the pretence of the introduction of Premium Economy seating on this route. Thus, on this route, Business, Premium and Main Cabin (with Main Cabin Extra) will be offered.
As such, the First Class service that was offered before will be dropped, with the Airbus A321T dropped. This is before the Airbus A321XLRs are due to be delivered to American (which will feature a three-class cabin too).
Reading around, it looks like American Airlines will deploy a Boeing 777-200ER on this route
Customers who choose Premium Economy on American’s transcontinental route receive Priority check-in, security and boarding. Once on board, customers will find a personal amenity kit with premium skincare products and travel essentials. During the flight, customers can relax in wider seats with more legroom and comfortably rest with an Ostrichpillow lumbar pillow and crepe weave blanket. A hot meal is provided, as well as noise-cancelling headphones.
The Premium Economy Class seat is the Collins Aerospace MiQ seat.
It’s quite a nice seat for the mission length (I tried it between London and Chicago as Premium Economy was rolled out) and akin to a Domestic First Class recliner – but with an IFE screen in it at a tighter pitch (38″) in a 2-3-2 configuration.
For business class passengers, they’ll see either the Safran Concept D or Collins SuperDiamond seat for their seating. All provide direct aisle access – an improvement over the current seat where one has to climb over your seatmate if you’re seat.
Main Cabin will feature the Safran 5751 seats in the usual packed 3-4-3 formation.
Premium Economy service will be available on select flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) starting 5th October 2025. Tickets will go on sale on Monday, 28th July, via American Airlines’ usual sales channels.
Which flights?
We’ve held off on publishing, as it’s a major shift for American Airlines, given that they operate nine flights a day between JFK and Los Angeles.
Checking the fare engine, Premium Economy and the Boeing 777 offer on AA302 from JFK and A274 from LAX – one “return” flight a day.
AA302 from New York
AA274 from Los Angeles
Checking the seat map, it has 40 rows of seats, indicating a Boeing 777-200ER.
In Quotes
Heather Garboden, American Airlines’ Chief Customer Officer, said
“We are excited to provide customers the opportunity to experience our Premium Economy service on our premier domestic route,” said
. “With the domestic debut of Premium Economy, customers will enjoy a more comfortable seat, enhanced amenities and elevated dining with hot entree choices when traveling coast-to-coast.”
Wither A321T
I’ve got more than a soft spot for American Airlines A321T, as it’s the aircraft that has sent me between New York and San Francisco more than once, and normally in business class.
The last time I flew aboard them, I did note that whilst the aircraft was fine, there was very much “it’s got to soldier on for a little longer” feel to the aircraft.
It seems that American Airlines is getting ready to switch its service round, especially when the A321XLR enters service, as the A321Ts are set for a refit into the airline’s “Oasis” product (and trust me… that transcontinental isn’t a fun experience).
With one flight a day initially, it seems that American Airlines is dipping its toe into Premium Economy, as a taster for the upcoming aircraft.
We’ll have to see if they choose to uplift this further with additional widebody deployments.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond. Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.
Our Social Media pool has expanded. You can find us across most networks as @economybeyond on BlueSky, Threads, Mastodon and Instagram!
Also, remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.
Leave a Reply