Raising the Bar

AA's Flagship Suite sets a new standard for the airline but a few improvements are still needed

- ENRIQUE PERRELLA

AS THE OLD saying goes, you only have one chance to make a first impression. American Airlines is counting on that with its new Flagship Suite aboard Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

After years of trailing its closest competitors in the premium cabin race, American has arrived with a product that feels confident, contemporary and thoughtfully executed. Sliding doors, refined materials and well-integrated technology all signal a deliberate shift in direction. The question is no longer whether American can compete, but whether the broader experience rises to meet a hard product that finally does.

Check-In

This journey began in Miami, where expectations were set on a Flagship ground experience. American does offer a dedicated Flagship check-in facility-quieter, more private and positioned as a premium entry point-but access appears to be selective.

Despite holding a long-haul Business class ticket via Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), I was directed to the priority lanes. The explanation was simple: Without Flagship Suite service departing from Miami, the facility was off-limits. The result was a wait stretching beyond 40 minutes-an underwhelming start for a product positioned at the top end of the airline's offering. A short positioning flight to DFW aboard an older Boeing 777-300ER-still fitted with the airline's previous-generation Business class-served as a useful reminder of where American is coming from.

At DFW, the Flagship lounge offered a more polished experience. A warm welcome and glass of Bollinger set the tone, though the reality of a full lounge followed.

CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE The new Flagship Suite; seamless connectivity; dinner option; Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Boarding & Cabin