We are getting a good idea of what premium transcontinental flights could look like at American Airlines in the future, even though this is only a rumor at the moment.

The basics of American’s A321T fleet

Premium transcontinental routes include from New York to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Orange County.

The planes are among the most comfortable ways to fly in the US. Four seating options are included, and they have just 102 seats.

  • There are 10 first class fully flat reverse herringbone seats with direct aisle access, in a 1-1 configuration
  • There are 20 business class fully flat seats, in a 2-2 configuration
  • There are 72 economy seats, with 36 of those seats being Main Cabin Extra, featuring extra legroom; all economy seats have personal televisions, unlike the rest of American’s domestic fleet
American’s A321T first class seats
American’s A321T business class seats

American to replace A321Ts with A321XLRs

There is a rumor that American intends to eliminate its A321T subfleet by the year 2024. I think this is subject to change, but here's what that would mean.

  • A321Ts would be configured in the standard A321 layout, featuring 190 seats, and would be taken off premium transcon routes; these planes are an average of “only” nine years old, so have quite a bit of life left in them
  • American has 50 Airbus A321XLRs on order, which will be delivered starting in 2024; these planes would eventually be flown on premium transcontinental routes, in addition to planned transatlantic service
  • American’s A321XLRs are expected to feature business class, premium economy, and economy, so that would mark the end of American offering three-cabin first class on transcons; however, odds are that American’s new A321XLR business class will be at least as good as the current A321T first class

Well, I had it wrong -then- but I'll push in further this time; I say that the A321T will start to exit premium transcon service right as 321XLR starts arriving, so currently, 2024.

Plays well with Robert Isom's desire to minimize subfleets, and, well, those 321Ts gettin tired

— 🇺🇦 JonNYC 🇺🇦 (@xJonNYC) August 17, 2022

It makes sense for the majority of the time. On the other hand, A321XLRs have a lot more range than standard A321s and can operate transcon routes without issues.

There is something to be said for having fewer subfleets in American's fleet. Planes could be used on both flights. Delta and United mostly offer direct aisle access business class on these routes, which makes American's premium transcon business class less competitive.

What does that mean for the future of American first class?

There is only one US airline that offers a premium first class.

  • American’s Boeing 777-300ERs have eight first class seats
  • American’s A321Ts have 10 first class seats

Since the merger of American Airlines and US Airways, the US Airways management team has been skeptical of first class.

American’s 777-300ER first class cabin

I feel like first class is going to be eliminated on A321Ts as well. New business class seats are rumored to be introduced on some upcoming deliveries. I think first class will be eliminated at the same time as these are installed on existing planes.

American's excellent Flagship First Dining facilities would be missed by many people. I wouldn't count on that happening. Flagship Lounges are where they are located. The recent introduction of American Flagship Business Plus fares, which include Flagship First Dining, is likely to change the way these are monetized by American.

What happens to Flagship First Dining if A321Ts are eliminated?

We are beginning to see what the future of American's premium transcontinental flights could look like. The A321XLRs will be used fortranscontinental flights when American takes delivery of them in 2024. American will change A321Ts into the standard domestic configuration if that is the case.

It would be good news for passengers that American would have a better product on premium transcontinental routes. Business class products are likely to be better than first class products.

This would spell the end of first class at American Airlines, as I can't imagine the airline keeping first class just on its sub fleet of schoos. American has been heading that way for a long time, with little difference between the first and business class soft products.

What do you think about these rumors?

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