American Airlines to Discontinue First-Class Seating on International Routes

On October 20, American Airlines revealed its plans to eliminate first-class seating on all international flights, transitioning to more business-class options.

This strategy was outlined by American's Chief Commercial Officer, Vasu Raja, during an investor conference call.

“First class will no longer be offered at American Airlines simply because our customers are not purchasing it,” he stated. “Business-class seating has seen significant improvements. By eliminating first class, we can offer more business-class seats, which align with our customers' preferences and willingness to pay.”

Raja specifically addressed flights leaving the United States—first class will still be available on domestic flights, although those seats do not feature lie-flat options.

Last month, American Airlines unveiled details about its revamped business class, known as the Flagship Suite Seats, set to debut on international flights in 2024. These seats come with privacy doors, the ability to convert into a chaise lounge or a lie-flat bed, and double the personal storage space.

The airline also plans to expand its Premium Economy seating on international flights, offering six extra inches of legroom, a deeper recline compared to standard Economy, and complimentary alcoholic beverages along with an amenity kit containing items like socks, an eye mask, and lotion.

In a press release, American Airlines announced its goal to increase the number of business and premium seats by “more than 45 percent by 2026.”

American's new Boeing 787-9 aircraft will feature 51 Flagship Suite seats and 32 Premium Economy seats, while its Airbus A321XLR aircraft will include 20 Flagship Suite seats and 12 Premium Economy seats. Additionally, the airline plans to retrofit its Boeing 777-300ERs with the new Suites in 2024.

American is not the first airline to replace first-class offerings on international flights with additional business class options. Among its “Big Three” competitors, it is the last to make this move; Delta eliminated international first class in 1998, and United followed suit in 2016.

This announcement is part of American's latest premium enhancements. The Fort Worth-based airline is also set to unveil a new series of reimagined Admirals Club Lounges, with the first opening this month at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Additional redesigned lounges are planned for Newark Liberty International Airport, Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, and Denver International Airport, although a specific timeline for their openings has not yet been provided.