American Airlines is a major international airline headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. Founded in 1926 as American Airways, it began operating passenger flights in 1936 and has since grown to become the largest airline in the world in terms of both the size of its fleet and the total number of passengers it carries. American Airlines has ten major hubs across the United States, including its main hub at Dallas/Fort Worth, and flies to almost 350 destinations across more fifty countries. As well as being the largest and most popular airline in the US, American Airlines is also the only airline based in the states that offers a long-haul first-class service, while the service offered in its business class cabins is among the best rated in North America.
June 12, 2022
American Airlines operates primarily out of its central hub - the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which was the second largest globally for passengers in 2021. An airline with a distinctly international feel, AA flies to around 350 locations in 50 countries. Despite their global approach, 269 of their destinations remain in the US, serviced by regional partner American Eagle. Each day their 6,700 flights carry 500,000 passengers.
The American Airlines AAdvantage programme was the first of its kind when it was established in 1981. Points or miles are earned by making purchases through American Airlines or their partners - which includes flights, car rentals, accommodation and cruises. These can then be redeemed on a range of similar products, as well as cabin upgrades and experience days. The sheer scale of options available with AAdvantage is its main appeal, with miles exchangeable for flights to over 1000 destinations. Generally speaking, redeeming points on airfare represents the best value for money.
Once you have enough points, you will start to unlock Elite Status. The first of these - AAdvantage Gold - starts at 30,000, with perks like free checked-in luggage, cabin upgrades and priority boarding growing as you move through the ranks.
When you fly with American Airlines, you can choose from six different types of seats. Every one of these comes with some free snacks and soft drinks as well as inflight entertainment
Basic Economy
Earn miles by flying
Same-day flight changes and standby
Priority privileges
1 carry-on
Last to board
Seats allocated at check-in
Main Cabin
Earn miles by flying
Same-day flight changes and standby
No change fees (with a fully flexible booking)
Same day flight change and standby
1 carry-on
Free seat selection
Main Cabin Extra
Upgrades from main cabin to main cabin extra are available from $20 and offer a little more luxury to the journey
Earn miles by flying
No change fees (with a fully flexible booking)
Same day flight change and standby
1 carry-on
Early boarding
Extra legroom
Premium Economy
Earn miles by flying
Same day flight change and standby
1 carry-on
Early boarding
Wider seats and more leg room than main cabin
Complimentary restaurant quality food and alcoholic beverages
Free Wi-Fi and power sockets
Speedy check-in
Business
Earn miles by flying
Same day flight change and standby
One carry-on + two to three checked-in bags
Early boarding
Wider seats + extra legroom
Complimentary restaurant quality food and beverages
Free Wi-Fi and power sockets
Speedy check-in
Lounge access before certain flights
Complimentary pillows and blankets
Dedicated check-in counter
Priority baggage delivery
First Class
Earn miles by flying
Same-day flight change and standby
One carry-on + two to three checked-in bags
First to board
Wider seats + extra legroom
Complimentary restaurant quality food and beverages
Free Wi-Fi and power sockets
Speedy check-in
Lounge access before certain flights
Complimentary pillows and blankets
Dedicated check-in counter
Priority baggage delivery
*Some first and business-class flights may have Flagship tickets available which offer the additional perks of access to the Flagship lounge, lie-down seats and a higher level of service
In total, customers can bring 10 checked-in bags for transatlantic, transpacific or domestic flights or five checked-in bags for Central American, South American or Caribbean flights.
Chargeable bags become more expensive the more are checked in. Prices vary depending on the region.
Bag 1 - $30-$40
Bag 2 - $40 - $100
Bag 3 - $150 - $200
Bag 4 + - $200
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