American Airlines announced today that it is introducing Premium Economy seating on its flights between New York and Los Angeles. This comes as the Fort Worth, Texas based carrier looks to become more premium but, there’s an underlying development here.
American Introduces Premium Economy on a Key Transcontinental Route
American Airlines is introducing Premium Economy on its transcontinental flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Flights on Premium Economy equipped aircraft are expected to begin on October 5, 2025 with tickets going on sale as of July 28, 2025.
Customers who choose Premium Economy on this route will receive Priority check-in, security and boarding. Once on board, customers will find a personal amenity kit with skincare products and travel essentials. During the flight, customers can relax in wider seats, similar to the domestic First Class seats you’ll find on narrowbody aircraft. Customers will also have extra legroom as well as a pillow and blanket at their seat.
In flight, customers seated in the Premium Economy cabin can enjoy complimentary drinks and a hot meal with salad and dessert served on chinaware. Each seat is equipped with in-seat power and seatback in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens.
Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer, said this about the introduction of Premium Economy on the route:
“We are excited to provide customers the opportunity to experience our Premium Economy service on our premier domestic route. 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.”
This is being billed as an upgrade for passengers but, it comes at a cost.
American is Phasing Out the A321T
Currently on the Los Angeles-New York route, American operates a special subfleet of Airbus A321 aircraft, known as the A321T (with the T standing for transcontinental). These aircraft are outfitted with 10 lie-flat seats in First Class, arranged in a 1-1 configuration, 20 lie-flat seats in Business Class, arranged in a 2-2 configuration, 36 Main Cabin Extra legroom seats, and 36 Economy seats.
The addition of Premium Economy on the route is due to the fact that American is beginning to remove its A321T’s from service. These planes will be converted into American’s standard A321 configuration and Boeing 777-200s will be used on the route going forward.
The 777-200 is a major capacity upgrade on the route as it is outfitted with 273 seats. The A321T on the other hand has only 102 seats. Though the ratio of premium cabin to regular seats is lower, the 777-300 has more premium seats available overall. American’s 777-200s are equipped with 37 lie-flat Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 212 Economy seats.
American is Shifting its Premium Strategy
American is the last of the big three U.S. carriers to offer a true International First Class product, known as Flagship First. Flagship First can only be found on the carrier’s Boeing 777-300ERs and Airbus A321Ts. American is working to remove Flagship First from all of its aircraft and is instead focusing on an upgraded Business Class product.
This product was officially unveiled earlier this year on the premium-heavy Boeing 787-9P and will soon be introduced on select Boeing 777s and Airbus A321XLRs.
Eventually, American will use the A321XLR on its premium transcontinental routes. Those aircraft will also feature Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy seats, which will allow the airline to seamlessly integrate the A321XLRs alongside the Boeing 777s as they enter the fleet.
While the move from the A321T to the Boeing 777-200 may seem like a downgrade to some in the short run, with the loss of Flagship First dining, it’s paving the way for the new premium strategy being introduced by the carrier and should offer more lie-flay premium seats for passengers in the meantime.
While I’ve always wanted to fly on the A321T, living in the middle of the country means I’ve never had the chance. If the opportunity presented itself I’d take it but, I’m more excited to try the A321XLR when it enters service.
Summary
American Airlines has announced that it will begin selling Premium Economy on the Los Angeles-New York route. The more interesting development is that this marks the beginning of the end for the Airbus A321T as it is being replaced by the Boeing 777-200. This change is temporary as American awaits delivery of its new Airbus A321XLRs.