AA Ups the Transcontinental Ante

American Airlines has rewritten the rulebook on Transcontinental travel with the arrival of its new three-class Airbus A321T service between the East and West Coasts.

Typically flying Transcontinental in the US, even in domestic first class, has been an adequate experience at best. Carriers have long looked to high-profile international routes for their investment, leaving little in the way of innovation on those long cross-country runs. That is until now.

American Airlines’ newest premium travel experience is direct services between San Francisco International or LAX and New York’s JFK or Boston’s Logan International, using a new three-class Airbus A321T aircraft that will change the way we look at coast-to-coast travel.

Perfectly suited for business travellers, the new A321T boasts both Flagship First (above) and Flagship Business cabins, introducing the airline’s international-level luxury to its domestic network. While the Flagship First cabin boasts a 1-1 configuration akin to a private jet, both cabins offer fully lie-flat seats and menus curated by chef-partner Sam Choy, as well as a selection of premium wines, signature amenity kits and large personal entertainment monitors.

Both Flagship First (essentially the airline’s long-haul 777-300 Flagship Business product) and Flagship Business also benefit from the airline’s new collaboration with sleep gurus Casper, who provide lumbar support pillows, duvets, and thick mattress pads to ensure a great sleep at 38,000ft.

American Airlines A321T

However, the experience isn’t limited to the air. Customers in Boston travelling in Flagship First or Flagship Business (above) will also have access to Logan’s newly-renovated Admirals Club, part of American’s consolidation move to Terminal B.

At LAX, customers flying in Flagship First have exclusive access to the carrier’s Flagship First Check-In — a private, dedicated VIP check-in facility — the Flagship Lounge, and the invitation-only Flagship First Dining in Terminal 4, where travellers will encounter an elevated sit-down dining experience, with regionally-inspired dishes, locally-sourced ingredients, and some of Cali’s best martinis.

Not to be outdone, Flagship Business customers will enjoy access to the new Flagship Lounge at LAX with a range of options, including made-to-order dining, wine pairing, and a build-your-own-cocktail station.

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Staff Writer

The Art of Business Travel is Asia-Pacific's leading portal for corporate travel news and views. We cover everything from airline routes and airport developments, to new hotels, meeting venues, loyalty schemes, and entertaining.