Economy
Economy class is going through a refresh as American begins to receive hundreds of new aircraft over the coming years. The task of refurbishing and standardising cabin interiors in the current fleet will also begin in earnest as American completes its merger with US Airways. American has a huge fleet with many different aircraft types and economy offerings may differ slightly depending on the aircraft. Most aircraft however offer an economy seat with a 31 inch seat pitch. Shorter people may find this seat pitch adequate but taller passengers may find the leg space lacking. American does offer Main Cabin Extra seats with an impressive 5 to 6 inches more leg room and these seats are available for an additional charge. An adjustable head rest and USB and laptop power points can also be found in most economy cabins.
Entertainment: On flights where individual video screens are not available for in-flight entertainment, American does offer Wi-Fi on most aircraft as well as power points for laptops and USB ports for tablets. This way, passengers may enjoy the entertainment loaded onto their personal devices.
Many aircraft feature seat-back video screens where passengers can view a wide range of on-demand in-flight entertainment such as movies, TV shows and short subject programming. Some aircraft still utilize the shared video screens that are located throughout the cabin for pre-selected entertainment. Headsets are complimentary on most flights.
Food and Beverage: International flights offer a choice of meal and complimentary beverage service. Domestic flights, including Hawaii and Alaska offer a limited menu with food and snacks for purchase and a complimentary beverage service. Alcohol is available at an additional charge.
Business
Business Class is available on select wide-body flights as well as on international Boeing 757s. Wide cloth and leather seats are featured in a separate cabin which is filled with all the amenities one would expect from a business class product. The seat itself is just the beginning. The comfortable arm-chair type recliner boasts a six-way adjustable head rest, generous recline with a whopping 60 inch pitch for leg room, lumbar support as well as what American calls “under-calf support”. Other business class features include a welcome drink, travel amenity kit and hot towel service.
Entertainment: Each seat come equipped with a personal video screen for on-demand entertainment. Bose noise cancelling headphones are also featured, offering clarity of sound and peaceful audio enjoyment. Power outlets for laptops and tablets are also available for continued enjoyment of personal electronic devices.
Food and Beverage: Business class is all about choice. Passengers not only have the choice of several delicious menu options, all served separately in courses, but can also choose when they prefer to dine. The in-flight menu consists of four main dish items and even what’s called a Quick Cuisine service for guests who require more time to work. Award winning international wines along with a full beverage and bar selections are also available.
First
International First is available on routes to Europe, Asia and Latin America. First offers ample room to work or relax and the new Flagship Suite even offers swivel seats allowing for passengers to dine or work with a companion or associate. Impeccable service standards create a welcoming and luxurious environment with plenty of choice. Seat features include lie-flat recline and adjustable lumbar and headrest support and a fluffy duvet and pillow. Laptop power point connections, individual satellite telephones, privacy dividers and ample storage space add to the comfortable setting.
Entertainment: A large video screen features the latest movies and entertainment with Bose noise cancelling headsets. Power points for laptops and portable electronic devices are also available.
Food and Beverage: Specially prepared meals and snacks are offered in the first class cabin and served in individual courses. Guests can choose when they would like to eat and if you don’t have time for separate course dining, then the Quick Cuisine option will allow you to dine and continue your work or get some rest.
Carry-on
Passengers are allowed one piece of hand luggage plus one personal item such as a laptop bag, backpack or similar. The overall dimensions must not exceed 114 cm or 45 inches.
Additional items allowed above this allowance are a book or newspaper, a coat and hat, or diaper bag for a ticketed child.
Checked
First and Business class passengers may check up to three bags free-of-charge. The maximum weight of each bag is 32kg or 70lbs. Economy passengers are charged a baggage fee for all bags checked domestically and are entitled to one 23kg bag free of charge to Europe and the U.K. and two 23kg bags to Japan and China.
Baggage allowances may be different for flights operated by recently merged US Airways.
Bulky Items
The baggage allowance for overweight and oversized items are charged at different rates depending on the passenger’s itinerary and final destination. Overweight charges apply when a piece exceeds 23kg or 50lbs. Oversized charges take effect when the item is greater than 62 inches or 158 cm.
Bags exceeding 45kg on domestic and Western Hemisphere travel will not be accepted for carriage. The maximum weight of any one item on Trans Atlantic and Trans Pacific flights is 70kg.
Infant Baggage
The standard baggage allowance as determined by ticketed class is offered for infants or children with a purchased seat. Infants without a purchased seat do not receive a carry-on or checked baggage allowance however the parent or accompanying adult is allowed one personal item such as a diaper bag, pram or car seat for hand luggage.
Restricted or Dangerous Goods
Restricted items in the cabin include gels and liquids over 100ml in size. This includes toothpaste and canned foods. Dangerous goods in checked bags such as flammable liquids, gasses and materials, explosives and fireworks or any other combustible items must be declared at time of check-in. Passengers who fail to declare dangerous goods risk heavy fines and imprisonment.
If in doubt, leave it out. Even if you accidentally take a dangerous good on board an aircraft you can be fined and penalised.
Three Ways to Check-in
American Airlines offers online web check-in and airport kiosk and ticket counter options.
Online: Flight check-in is available online beginning 24 hours and up to 90 minutes before departure. Online check-in may not be available to those countries which require a visa. To check-in online passengers must have their reservation number or record locator and the full name as it appears on the reservation. Passengers may select their boarding pass delivery preference or may simply print out a hard copy.
Kiosk: American Airlines provides kiosks at most of its airports including internationally. Passengers can either swipe their passport or credit card attached to the reservation to begin or type in the record locater. Passengers travelling with an infant or those with special needs are not able to use a kiosk for check-in and must do so at the ticket counter.
Counter: Check-in counters offer personal attention where passengers may drop off their bags and collect boarding passes. Passport and other travel documentation will be checked here.
International Check-in Guide
at home
Getting there
Be at the airport at least
120 minutes
prior to scheduled departure time
At the airport
A Salute to the Admirals Club
American offers 37 of its Admirals Club lounges around the world, plus an additional 19 US Airways operated lounges. Together with its Oneworld alliance members, hundreds of global lounges are available, including several in Australia through Oneworld alliance partner, Qantas. Offering a stylish and relaxing space in which to relax, Admirals Club lounges provide complimentary amenities such as drinks and alcoholic beverages, a selection of light snacks, Wi-Fi and more.
One day passes are available at Admirals Club locations and for annual members. Access is also given to AAdvantage elite members as well as Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members.
More AAdvantages When You Fly
The American AAdvantage program allows members to earn and redeem points on American, American Eagle and Oneworld alliance flights, including Qantas, Lan, Japan Airlines, British Airways, Malaysia, Cathay Pacific and more. Points may also be accrued and awards offered with car rental and hotel partners. AAdvantage members also have the option to purchase points in order to achieve the next status level or to prevent point expiry.
