American Airlines to Launch Flagship Suites with Sliding Doors, Ending Traditional First Class

American Airlines is poised to enter a new era of premium air travel, rolling out all-new Flagship Suites with sliding privacy doors on select international flights starting this June. The introduction of the luxury cabins signals the end of traditional long-haul first class on many of its aircraft, as the carrier consolidates its premium offerings to attract high-spending international travelers.

The move reflects a growing industry trend toward personalized luxury experiences at 30,000 feet, where privacy, comfort, and exclusive amenities are becoming essential tools in the competition for elite passengers.

New Era of Premium Flying Begins June 5

American’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will be the first aircraft to feature the new suites, debuting on June 5 on routes between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and London Heathrow. Additional rollouts are scheduled for:

• Philadelphia to London on August 6

• Philadelphia to Zurich on September 3

• Dallas Fort Worth to Brisbane, Australia on October 26

The upgraded 787-9 layout will include 51 Flagship Suites, replacing the existing 30-seat business class. The remainder of the cabin features 21 premium economy seats, 34 extra-legroom economy seats, and 200 standard economy seats.

A roundtrip in the new Flagship business class between Philadelphia and London, departing August 11 and returning August 18, is currently priced at $5,342, according to American’s booking site.

Privacy Doors Become the Industry Standard

American Airlines first revealed plans for its new suites in September 2022, but the rollout was delayed until mid-2025 due to supply chain setbacks. With demand rising for high-end seating, aircraft manufacturers and cabin suppliers have struggled to meet production timelines.

The suites include fully lie-flat seats with sliding privacy doors, following a trend popularized by Delta’s Delta One, JetBlue’s Mint Suites, and more recently Latam Airlines, which introduced similar business-class configurations as part of a $360 million fleet upgrade.

United Airlines, meanwhile, is rumored to be working on a premium cabin refresh that may also feature sliding doors, although the airline has not confirmed those plans.

End of International First Class for American

As part of its cabin revamp, American Airlines will phase out international first class on most of its aircraft. In its place will be a single, expanded Flagship premium cabin, allowing the airline to streamline service offerings while enhancing product quality.

Older Boeing 777-300ERs will undergo retrofitting, while upcoming Airbus A321XLR aircraft will feature a more compact version of the new layout. The shift aligns American more closely with competitors who have eliminated first class in favor of superior business-class experiences.

Wi-Fi and Amenities Also Get a Boost

In addition to the upgraded seating, American is working to improve in-flight services across its fleet. The airline plans to offer free Wi-Fi for loyalty program members, aligning with similar perks already provided by Delta Air Lines and soon to be launched by United.

The full redesign is part of a broader strategy to position American Airlines as a premium international carrier, shedding the vestiges of traditional first-class service for more practical, profitable, and luxurious alternatives.