American Adds Premium Economy on JFK-LAX Transcontinental Route

Updated: July 25, 2025, 11:09am CDT

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Premium Economy Will Be Available on ‘Select Flights’
Final Thoughts

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Customers flying on American Airlines’ transcontinental route between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) will soon have a more comfortable option. The airline announced on July 25 that it would add premium economy service on the route this fall.

“We are excited to provide customers the opportunity to experience our Premium Economy service on our premier domestic route,” said Heather Garboden, American’s chief customer officer. “With the domestic debut of Premium Economy, customers will enjoy a more comfortable seat, enhanced amenities and elevated dining with hot entree choices when traveling coast-to-coast.”

Here’s what you need to know.

Premium Economy Will Be Available on ‘Select Flights’

American Airlines will introduce premium economy service on its transcontinental route from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) starting October 5, 2025. Doing so will require changing aircraft from the one AA currently uses — the Airbus A321T — to something with premium economy, like a Boeing 777 or 787.

On the ground, premium economy passengers will enjoy priority check-in, security, and boarding. In the air, passengers will receive a hot meal with salad and dessert (served on china) and complimentary drinks.

At their seats, passengers will receive an amenity kit, a lumbar pillow, a blanket, and on-demand entertainment on larger monitors, accompanied by noise-reducing headphones.

American Airlines 777 Premium Economy — On some routes, you may be able to receive a complimentary upgrade to Premium Economy. Speak with a gate agent to do this. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

American says the service will be available on “select flights” on the New York-Los Angeles route. Flights will be available to book starting on July 28, 2025.

American will join the other “Big 3” carriers, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, in offering premium economy service on the route.

Delta flies multiple times daily between the 2 cities on the Boeing 767, offering its Premium Select product. Delta Premium Select is arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration with just 18 seats in its own cabin. United flies premium economy (which it calls Economy Plus) in a 3-4-3 configuration from Newark (EWR).

Bottom Line:

American primarily flies the Airbus A321T, which features Flagship First, Flagship Business, Main Cabin Extra, and Main Cabin on the JFK-LAX route. However, those planes are set to lose first class soon. The airline wasn’t specific about which flights will get the Boeing 777s that feature premium economy — something the A321T doesn’t have.

Final Thoughts

American will introduce premium economy on its popular JFK-LAX transcontinental route this fall. While late to the game, given that Delta and United already offer transcontinental premium economy, this is fantastic news for American loyalists who will be able to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles on premium economy flights.

In announcing the addition of premium economy, AA didn’t directly state that it will be changing aircraft to make this happen. However, since the planes currently used on the JFK-LAX route don’t have premium economy, we know this change is a necessity. It will also lead to more seats being available on the route, due to the larger planes that will start flying in October.