Market Update: We break down the business implications, market impact, and expert insights related to Market Update: American Airlines Premium Economy: What to Know – Full Analysis.
American Airlines, the first major U.S. airline to introduce a true premium economy product, now offers premium economy seating installed on all of the airline’s Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft for international flights. These seats are larger with a deeper recline, and premium economy passengers get to board the plane earlier.
The ticket option, a step down from the business class, is available on all long-distance international flights and flights to Hawaii and Alaska, offering an elevated travel experience compared to regular coach seating.
Are American Airlines premium economy tickets refundable?
Yes, you can get your ticket refunded as a travel credit with American so long as you purchase at least two days before your planned travel. Note that all American tickets, including premium economy, are refundable within 24 hours of your original booking. Some flights that start in certain countries like Spain or Australia require a change fee.
American Airlines premium economy seats
American installed Collins Aerospace MiQ seats that are a bit wider (around 18.5-19 inches) than its economy seats (around 16-18 inches).
Premium seats also have around 38 inches of pitch compared to around 31-32 inches in economy. This allows for more legroom and a deeper recline.
If this seat looks familiar, it’s because American Airlines also uses this same seat type for domestic first class seating on its retrofitted domestic fleet.
American Airlines premium economy seats are better than these domestic first class seats in a couple of ways. The main advantage: Premium economy seats have an in-flight entertainment screen and remote — rather than just a tablet holder in domestic first class.
Also, all premium economy seats have either a footrest or a leg rest.
Seat configurations on American international flights
Depending on the aircraft type, American installed between 21 and 28 premium economy seats across three to four rows for this class of seating.
American 787 premium economy
American’s 787 premium economy class has seven seats per row arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration.
In American’s 777-200ER premium economy, American Airlines installed eight seats per row — two on each side along the window and four in the middle.
On either plane, couples will want to snag seats together near the windows, while families will likely prefer the middle seat options.
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Amenities and other perks
In addition to bigger seats, American Airlines premium economy passengers get an amenity kit, bedding and headphones on select international flights. There’s also “chef-inspired dining” and complimentary beer, wine and spirits.
Premium economy sleep set
American Airlines provides passengers with an Ostrichpillow lumbar pillow and crepe weave blanket. This sleep set isn’t as comprehensive as what you’ll find in business and first class; however, the lumbar pillow and “day blanket” are nice touches that you won’t get in economy.
Premium economy amenity kit
American Airlines partners with various brands to produce its amenity kits. In premium economy, the amenity kit includes items like socks, an eye mask, hand and body lotion, a dental kit and earplugs.
Not every American Airlines premium economy route gets an amenity kit. American notes that amenity kits are only available on international and routes to Hawaii and Alaska.
Other perks of American Airlines premium economy
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Headphones: Does American Airlines give headphones? Yes, in all classes; that said, American Airlines premium economy passengers on eligible routes get “noise-reducing headphones.”
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Priority check-in and boarding: American Airlines premium economy passengers can use the Priority check-in line and board during Group 4 priority boarding.
Book smart: Use American Airlines credit cards
Through its own co-branded cards and partnerships, AAdvantage offers flyers plenty of ways to earn and redeem miles for premium economy flights via credit card spending.
Cards for booking AA flights
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
on Citibank’s application
Rates & Fees
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
on Chase’s website
Rates & Fees
Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card
on Bank of America’s website
- $99, waived for the first 12 months
- $595
- $95
- $95
The more high-end the travel credit card, the more benefits you can enjoy, including airport lounge access or automatic elite status in certain programs. That said, a brand-specific airline card can net you benefits like waived baggage fees, which can have meaningful dollar value.
Is premium economy worth it on American Airlines?
Be aware that not all perks are included in every American Airlines premium economy ticket, and the availability is highly dependent on the flight route itself. It’s not uncommon to be served economy meals and few amenities on flights to Hawaii, Alaska and even some international routes, limiting the value of an American Airlines premium economy experience to a more spacious seat.
You’ll need to fly on eligible long-haul international routes to get the full premium dining experience and in-flight amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which aircraft have American Airlines premium economy?
American Airlines has premium economy installed on its entire fleet of Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft — including the 777-200ER, 777-300ER, 787-8 Dreamliner and 787-9 Dreamliner. That means that the majority of American’s international aircraft fleet offers premium economy seats.
When operating domestic and short-haul international routes, American often sells premium economy seats as part of the main cabin instead of as a true premium economy product. Just look for a small cabin of seats with fewer seats per row.
Can I upgrade to premium economy on American Airlines?
No, American Airlines doesn’t allow mileage upgrades into premium economy. Since its first introduction, American has teased that upgrades will be added “at a later date” but still hasn’t added them.
What does American Airlines premium economy look like?
American Airlines premium economy seats are virtually identical between aircraft. The only difference is the number of seats per row due to some aircraft being narrower than others. American Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft are arranged with eight seats per row (2-4-2) while Boeing 787 aircraft have just seven seats per row (2-3-2).
Does American Airlines premium economy earn more miles?
Not necessarily. You’ll earn the same number of AAdvantage miles (and Loyalty Points) whether you pay $800 for an economy ticket or $800 for a premium economy ticket. The only way you earn more miles through a premium economy ticket is by spending more.
Top photo courtesy of JT Genter.