Does American Airlines offer first class?

Yes, American Airlines offers first class, though its first class on international flights is vastly different than what it it offers on flights within the U.S. Domestic first class includes extra space and amenities but is not the same as long-haul first class or long-haul business class with lie-flat beds in those cabins.

What does first class get you on American Airlines?

In domestic first class with American Airlines, you’ll get wider seats, more legroom, and more comfort. Flights also include a meal if they’re longer than 900 miles. Passengers in first class also get priority boarding and extra checked baggage allowance. If you’re flying long-haul first class, branded as Flagship First, you’ll find much more, including elevated dining experiences and a lie-flat bed.

What is the difference between first class and business class on American Airlines?

American Airlines offers 2 products marketed as first class. Domestic first class has extra space and more comfortable seats, but these don’t turn into a bed. You’ll find domestic first class on shorter routes within the U.S. American brands its long-haul first class and business class with “Flagship” in the name. Here, you’ll find lie-flat beds, elevated dining experiences, and more amenities. First class offers an elevated experience with nicer amenities and more space than business class.

Does flying first class with American get you into lounges?

Access to American Airlines’ lounges isn’t automatic if you’re flying domestic first class on routes within the U.S. Unless you’re on premium routes branded as Flagship (which are longer routes with lie-flat seats in the premium cabins), you won’t have lounge access as a first class passenger with American. You’ll need to pay for a visit or hold an Admirals Club membership to get inside.

4 Surprises From Flying American Airlines Domestic First Class for the First Time

Updated: January 2, 2025, 8:00am CST

Edited by:

Jump to Section

How I Got Upgraded
1. The Cabin Condition Was Excellent
2. Lounge Access Wasn’t Included
3. There Was No Meal Service
4. I Didn’t Have the First Boarding Group
Would I Buy a Ticket for American Airlines Domestic First Class?
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Domestic first class in the U.S. is very different from international first class flights, known for their lie-flat seats and Champagne. However, it’s still usually a pleasant upgrade from economy.

On a recent flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), I was upgraded to first class. I’d never flown first class domestically with American Airlines before, and several aspects of the trip surprised me.

The quality seats were a pleasant element, but I was more surprised by what wasn’t included with my flight, such as lounge access or a meal — or even the fact I wasn’t in the first boarding group.

After flying American Airlines first class for the first time, would I pay for it in the future? Let’s look at the experience.

How I Got Upgraded

During check-in for a recent American Airlines flight, I was upgraded from economy to first class, thanks to my AAdvantage Platinum Pro elite status. I’d never flown first class with American before, so I was excited for the novelty of the experience.

Before we jump in, yes, I changed my mind after a previous story. I had said I wasn’t interested in the instant American Airlines elite status offer I received because I didn’t have much travel with AA or its partners coming up. Plans changed, and I wound up on several flights where I could enjoy the elite perks of that offer. The possibility of an upgrade on this flight was among the elements that changed my mind.

Hot Tip:

Wondering how to get upgraded on an American Airlines flight? Our guide can tell you more, but I was upgraded during check-in, thanks to my Platinum Pro status, which I got from the recent Instant Status Pass offer for Hyatt elites.

1. The Cabin Condition Was Excellent

The refreshed cabin on my American Airlines flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) was excellent. It appeared clean and modern, with no signs of wear and tear or stray trash from previous passengers.

American Airlines first class A321 — The clean, modern cabin for my flight.

The cabin had new technology at the seats, such as universal power outlets and adjustable headrests. However, note that American’s newest interiors don’t have USB-C charging connectivity.

2. Lounge Access Wasn’t Included

This continues to be a major reason why I don’t pursue airline elite status. Even with my elite status and flying in a premium cabin, I didn’t have access to the Admirals Club lounge before my flight.

American Airlines Admirals Club entrance at ATL — Not having lounge access as an elite flying in first class is strange to me.

Access is only provided to those with a membership, flying in premium cabins on certain transcontinental flights, flying in premium cabins on long-haul international flights, or holding the Citi^®/AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®.

This is similar to access rules for Delta Sky Club and United Club lounges, though. Unless you’re flying on a premium transcontinental route with those airlines, flying in domestic first class or having elite status while flying domestically doesn’t provide lounge access before your flight.

3. There Was No Meal Service

The flight distance from Atlanta to Dallas-Fort Worth was 731 miles, but that wasn’t long enough to qualify for meal service on this flight.

American Airlines says flights under 900 miles only get a snack, even in first class. Thus, this 2.5-hour flight only included a complimentary drink and some cookies.

4. I Didn’t Have the First Boarding Group

Flying in first class, I simply assumed I would have boarding group 1 and didn’t even check the group on my boarding pass when I checked in. Once boarding started, I got in line and then excused myself when I realized I was actually in boarding group 2 — the group typically assigned to Platinum Pro members who are flying in economy.

American Airlines boarding gate at DFW — I was surprised to not have the first boarding group.

American Airlines’ list of boarding groups says passengers in first class should be assigned to group 1, so I’m not sure what happened in my situation. The conflicting information left me confused while I waited my turn to board.

Would I Buy a Ticket for American Airlines Domestic First Class?

After this flying experience, would I buy (or redeem my AAdvantage miles for) a ticket in domestic first class on American Airlines? Maybe. The flight situation would need to meet a few conditions, and it would need to feel like a good deal to me to justify the increased cost.

I’d consider booking domestic first class or Flagship Business for a transcontinental flight because it would include a meal and provide comfort on a longer flight, which is more important to me than getting an upgrade on a flight lasting 2.5 hours. I could’ve selected a preferred seat with extra legroom on this flight from ATL to DFW, and that would’ve been sufficient to be comfortable during the trip.

The lounge access available on premium transcontinental flights wouldn’t be enough (just by itself) to make me book a flight in first class. I’ve never booked a more expensive flight just to gain lounge access.

I often can access lounges through my Priority Pass membership, and even when those aren’t available, I’ve never been willing to pay for lounge access — neither through paying the entrance fee nor buying a more expensive ticket just to get into a lounge before the flight.

Hot Tip:

While many airline rewards programs provide extra miles through a premium cabin bonus on paid flights in business or first class, AAdvantage doesn’t. Instead, the number of miles you earn on AA flights is based on your elite status tier and the amount of money you spend on a ticket.

Final Thoughts

I recently flew American Airlines first class for the first time, thanks to a complimentary upgrade on a flight from Atlanta to Dallas-Fort Worth. A few aspects of this flight were surprising — some good and some bad.

Given this experience, would I book American Airlines first class again? Yes, if I found a deal on a long-haul flight across the country that would give me a meal and extra comfort. However, it would need to be a real deal. Otherwise, just getting a seat in the exit row or an “extra legroom” seat would probably be enough for me.

The information regarding the Citi^®/AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Table of Contents