American Airlines adds 4 routes on its newest jets

Zach Griff

15 hours ago

ZACH GRIFF

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Want a ride on one of American Airlines’ two newest (and nicest) jets?

If so, you’re in luck.

The Fort Worth-based carrier is expanding the route map for both its Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-9P next year, adding four new premium-heavy flights across the country and the Atlantic. (The changes were first seen in Cirium schedules.)

Here’s everything you need to know.

American adds 2 new Airbus A321XLR routes

American will deploy its newest jet, the Airbus A321XLR, on two additional premium transcontinental routes next year.

First up, beginning May 7, American will start flying the A321XLR between New York and San Francisco.

The airline plans to operate up to four daily flights on this route, so travelers should double-check the aircraft type when booking.

Then, starting July 2, American will add the A321XLR to flights between Boston and Los Angeles, also with up to four daily frequencies.

American’s A321XLR features a three-cabin configuration with 20 Flagship Suite business-class pods, 12 premium economy recliners, and 123 economy seats.

Just 12 of those economy seats are designated as extra-legroom Main Cabin Extra.

The A321XLR features American’s most modernized cabins with 4K TVs, USB-C charging ports, Bluetooth connectivity, Viasat Wi-Fi, and other tech improvements at every seat.

American inaugurated the A321XLR on Dec. 18 with service between New York and Los Angeles.

Over time, the jet is expected to replace the airline’s existing A321T fleet while also unlocking longer-range flying to secondary European markets.

The carrier’s first transatlantic A321XLR route will be New York to Edinburgh on March 8.

For now, American continues to operate plenty of flights on the A321T, its current three-cabin premium transcontinental workhorse, though that configuration is slated for retirement in the coming months.

With 50 A321XLRs on order, expect the A321T fleet to be phased out quickly as new aircraft arrive.

American adds 2 new Boeing 787-9P routes

American’s other new premium aircraft, the Boeing 787-9P, has so far been reserved for the airline’s most important business markets.

And that’ll continue next year when the 789P starts flying from Los Angeles and New York to London.

Beginning March 27, American will launch once-daily Boeing 787-9P service between New York-JFK and London Heathrow. (Note that American is using this jet temporarily between JFK and LHR during the holidays, but that’s just a Christmas special.)

A day later, on March 28, the jet will debut on once-daily flights between Los Angeles and London.

Expanding 787-9P service to London makes sense. According to American, London has more premium demand than any other destination in its network.

The 787-9P features 43 Flagship Suites business-class seats, plus eight extra-spacious Flagship Suite Preferred pods.

The aircraft also includes 32 premium economy seats, 18 Main Cabin Extra seats, and 143 standard economy seats.

When American first unveiled the 787-9P, executives said the jet would play a prominent role on London routes. This mirrors what competitors have done for years.

United, for example, deploys its specially configured “high J” Boeing 767-300ER with 46 Polaris pods on many London routes.

The new JFK and LAX service joins already scheduled 787-9P flights to London next summer from Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Philadelphia.

Zach Griff Author

Zach Griff is a travel expert who’s covered airlines, loyalty programs, credit cards, and travel tech for nearly a decade. He’s visited 60+ countries and regularly shares his insights across Instagram, TikTok and X — and at From the Tray Table.