Inside American Airlines’ latest Boeing 787s with Flagship Suites

American Airlines is ramping up Transpacific competition with its latest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, now fitted with next-generation Flagship Suite seats at the front.

The new jets mark a significant leap for the U.S carrier, bringing a refreshed look across from the premium Flagship Suites to the more spacious Main Cabin.

I had the chance to step on board for a tour ahead of their Brisbane-Dallas debut. Here’s a look at what travellers can expect.

American Airlines Boeing 787 Flagship Suites

The highlight of American Airlines’ new Dreamliner is the Flagship Suite, the carrier’s first fully enclosed Business Class suite with a door. Based on the Adient Aerospace Ascent platform, the Flagship Suites feature:

• 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access
• Fully lie-flat bed with improved privacy doors
• Large 17″ 4K touchscreen, wireless charging, multiple power outlets and Bluetooth audio pairing
• Customisable mood lighting and seat controls
• Sliding storage compartments and personal wardrobe space

The Flagship Suites design feels clean and contemporary, with leather finishes and subtle lighting accents styled by Seattle-based firm, Teague.

Read my review of the older Business Class seat from Los Angeles to Sydney →

Flagship Suites Preferred

These new seats debuted on the Boeing 787-9 and will later roll out to refitted Boeing 777-300ERs, replacing the current reverse-herringbone layout. As part of the revamp, First Class on the 777s is bowing out, making way for a larger Flagship Suites cabin instead. But there’s still a better-than-Business-Class option available.

Eight suites are designated as Flagship Suites Preferred. These offer more overall space – American Airlines says it has 20% more bed space and over 40% more overall area – and will eventually be offered as a premium seat selection upgrade. Clad in black rather than the wood trim, you’ll find four Preferred suites in the front row of each Business Class section.

American Airlines will also offer ‘soft product’ upgrades to Flagship Suites Preferred, including better amenity kits and First Class bedding. No word yet on whether an upgraded ground experience will be included in the package.

Right now, Flagship Preferred seats are free to select.

American Airlines Boeing 787 Premium Economy

American’s Premium Economy cabin has also been reimagined for longer flights, offering a more refined experience between Business and Economy. Those features include:

• A standard 2-3-2 configuration, but now with winged headrests
• Upgraded 13″ 4K seatback screens with Bluetooth audio pairing
• Noise-reducing headsets and larger tray tables
• Adjustable footrests, leg rests, and AC/USB-C power ports

It’s a noticeable improvement over previous-generation seats, ideal for travellers who want extra comfort without the Business Class price tag. Although if you’re using Qantas Points, there’s not much difference in price between Premium Economy and Business Class.

As with most Premium Economy seats that I’ve come across, the front row is the place to be. Behind, it may become a bit more squishy when the seat in front reclines.

Read my review of the older Premium Economy seat from Sydney to Los Angeles →

American Airlines Boeing 787 Main Cabin

At the back of the Dreamliner, American’s standard Main Cabin seats now enjoy a few incremental upgrades, despite remaining in a typical 3-3-3 layout. Newer features include:

• 12“ seatback entertainment screens with Bluetooth audio pairing
• Addition of USB-C charging as well as AC and USB-A outlets

Even in Economy, the 787 interior feels noticeably fresher with softer cabin tones and better lighting that complements the Dreamliner’s naturally higher humidity and lower cabin altitude.

Main Cabin Extra

There are also 18 seats designated as Main Cabin Extra, offering a lot more space around the knees. Found at the front of each Economy cabin, you can expect significantly more legroom compared to normal.

On domestic American Airlines flights, Main Cabin Extra also comes with free drinks. However, there are no other soft product differences on international flights that offer full service, including all Transpacific routes.

Summing up

These new 787s are already entering service on key long-haul routes. Brisbane-Dallas Fort Worth is the first Australian route to enjoy the updated Flagship Suites in Business Class.

For travellers departing Australia, this rollout means a more competitive premium experience from American Airlines, which you can book with Qantas Points and with other partner program points. Qantas is the most expensive of the three we’ve compared, so Asia Miles might be a good middle ground if you have flexible points.

Dallas-Brisbane on AA	Economy	Premium Economy	Business
Qantas Points	48,200 pts + US$186	97,600 pts + US$186	130,100 pts + US$186
Asia Miles	47,000 miles + US$58	80,000 miles + US$58	115,000 miles + US$58
AAdvantage Miles	35,000 miles+ US$28	45,000 miles+ US$28	85,000 miles+ US$28

AAdvantage miles are relatively hard to come by in Australia, but they unlock the lowest reward rates and have no extra carrier charges to pay.

Photography by Brandon Loo, who travelled at Point Hacks’ expense.