Advertiser Disclosure

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

American Flagship First & Flagship Business – Amenities, Routes & Booking Options

James Larounis's image
James Larounis

James Larounis

Senior Content Contributor

Countries Visited: 30U.S. States Visited: 35

James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in...
Learn more
Updated:
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

Countries Visited: 41U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
Learn more
& Kellie Jez

Kellie Jez

Director of Operations & Compliance

Countries Visited: 10U.S. States Visited: 20

Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...
Learn more
American Flagship First & Flagship Business – Amenities, Routes & Booking Options

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.

When you want to fly American Airlines’ most exclusive premium product, you need to look for the Flagship branding, signaling the highest levels of service. While you won’t find it on every plane or route, you will on the largest, most high-profile routes, and it’s a treat to fly.

In this post, we’re going to take a look at what the Flagship First and Flagship Business offerings are, what routes you’ll find Flagship on, the amenities, lounge options, and how to book, so you know what to expect before, during, and after your flight.

What’s Included in Flagship Service?

No matter whether you’re flying across the country or the world, there are several key elements included in the Flagship offering.

Priority Check-In, Security, and Boarding

When you arrive at the airport, expect to be treated first for everything — enjoy the fastest check-in queues and security lanes (at select airports) and be among the first to board.

On flights where there are 3 cabins of service, Flagship First will board as Group 1 and Flagship Business will board as Group 2. For flights where there are only 2 classes of service, Flagship Business will board as Group 1.

Hot Tip: If you have TSA PreCheck, you may find faster security lanes using that program vs. the expedited priority lanes that American uses.

Flagship Lounges

American Airlines Flagship Lounge JFK. Image Credit: Stephen Au

If you’re flying in Flagship Business, you can enjoy Flagship Lounges at Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), and New York (JFK), with a location opening soon in Philadelphia (PHL).

» Related: Full List of American Airlines’ Flagship Lounges – Locations, Hours & More

These lounges feature upgraded bar and food offerings and replicate true international lounges you’ll often find in other countries.

Where there’s no Flagship Lounge, you can enjoy the basic Admirals Club, offering limited snacks, house liquor, and seating.

Here’s what’s included in the Flagship Lounges:

  • Chef-inspired Meals — Different than Admirals Clubs, you can enjoy a full buffet with breakfast, lunch, and dinner spreads. There are also action stations featuring food cooked live in front of you.
  • Personalized Service — Flagship Lounges feature more servers roaming around to collect items and also bring you anything you need.
  • Specialty Cocktail Bar — Each Flagship Lounge offers premium liquor and local spirits.
  • Premium Wine Table — There’s no shortage of wines in the Flagship Lounge, and there’s usually a long wine table featuring a variety of selections.
  • Expansive Seating — Most of the seating options are similar to that of the Admirals Club, though you’ll find plenty of options.
  • Shower Suites — Great for use after a long flight, each Flagship Lounge offers a set of shower suites you can use, including the towels and necessary soaps you’ll need.

Flagship First Dining

Flagship First Dining at LAX features delicacies like a cracked peppercorn petite filet. Image Credit: Stephen Au

If you’re traveling in Flagship First, you’ll enjoy the ultimate lounge experience — Flagship First Dining. This service is available in Dallas (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), and New York (JFK) and features a private restaurant-like atmosphere with table service, premium drinks, and personalized service.

Flagship Lounge Locations

These are the Flagship Lounge locations and hours:

SCROLL FOR MORE
AirportLocationHours
Chicago (ORD)Terminal 3, in the crosswalk between gates H6 and KDaily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)Terminal D, between gates D21 and D22Daily from 5 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Los Angeles (LAX)Terminal 4, near gate 40Daily from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Miami (MIA)Concourse D, near gate D30Daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
New York (JFK)Terminal 8, on the mezzanine level after Concourse B security checkpointDaily from 4:30 a.m. to 12:15 a.m.
Philadelphia (PHL)Coming soon 

If you’re flying Flagship First to London (LHR), you’re able to use the International First Class Lounge where you can grab a shower, a full breakfast, and connect to Wi-Fi before heading into the city for work. The lounge is located in Terminal 3, departure level, beyond Passport Control in lounge area H.

Lie-flat Seats

American offers lie-flat seating on all of its Flagship services, like this 777 Flagship Business seat. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Lie-flat seats are a hallmark of Flagship Business and Flagship First and are one of the things that set apart this service from the most basic business-class-like offering. All of American’s wide-body aircraft, as well as the transcontinental A321T aircraft, offer lie-flat seating in the premium cabin.

If you’re traveling in Flagship Business on an international flight, you’ll experience a 1-2-1 seating configuration, and each seat has its own inflight entertainment screen, large tray table, and storage compartments. For a transcontinental flight, you’ll be in a 2-2 configuration.

If you’re in Flagship First on an international flight, you’ll be in a 1-2-1 configuration, though the seats are much larger than their Flagship Business counterparts. Each seat swivels to turn into an office chair with a desk. If you’re on a transcontinental flight, you’ll be seated in a 1-1 configuration, with each seat having a window view.

Onboard Dining

American offers an appetizer, dessert, and main entree in Flagship Business. Image Credit: James Larounis

Flagship Business and Flagship First feature chef-curated meals, usually offered in multiple courses starting with an appetizer, salad, and bread, followed by an entree, and then a separately-served dessert. If you’re in Flagship First, you’ll have the addition of a soup course, upgraded appetizers and entrees, and a better selection of beverages.

As American is the official airline partner of the James Beard Foundation, passengers can also enjoy exclusive creations from “Top Chef” alum Sarah Grueneberg, like artichoke ravioli and spinach and ricotta Rotolo pasta.

A wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits complements the Flagship menus. The award-winning wine program is led by Master Sommelier and restaurateur Bobby Stuckey.

You can review menus for your specific flight and reserve your meals starting 30 days (and up to 24 hours) before your flight. Simply log on to aa.com or the AA app; if you see the option to Reserve a meal, you may make your selections.

Amenity Kits and Casper Products

Flagship First amenity bag, in partnership with Shinola and D.S. & Durga. Image Credit: American

If you’re traveling in Flagship Business or Flagship First, expect to receive a small amenity kit featuring basic toiletries from D.S. & Durga and a reusable Shinola bag you can take with you. If you’re flying to long-range cities such as Hong Kong and Sydney, you’re treated to a set of comfortable pajamas that you can change into after takeoff, making for a very comfortable flying experience.

For long-haul flights, you’re treated to a pillow and blanket, making for a comfortable night of sleep on flights to far-flung destinations.

Hot Tip: Occasionally, American will mis-cater flights and not stock pajamas or the appropriate amenity kits. You should be ready for your flight not to have pajamas should this occur.

Wi-Fi and Power

Wi-Fi comes with an extra charge based on the flight, but power is included in every premium cabin seat that has the Flagship service product. On some aircraft, you will even be able to plug in your accessory devices to watch shows on the inflight entertainment.

Flagship Business Plus

American has introduced a new fare product, Flagship Business Plus, that includes 3 checked bags, access to Flagship Check-in, and access to Flagship Dining, where available. The premium over Flagship Business is approximately $400, on average, and while it doesn’t include a better onboard product, it does include some preflight amenities to enhance the experience.

What Routes Can You Find the Flagship Offering On?

There are 2 types of Flagship offerings — Flagship First and Flagship Business — and each of those products is featured on 2 different types of routes: transcontinental and international.

Update: Due to COVID-19, American Airlines may temporarily suspend routes, frequencies, and/or aircraft flown. Please check with the airline directly for the most current information.

Here is where you can find each offering:

Transcontinental

SCROLL FOR MORE
Flagship First and Flagship Business
Departure Airport CityArrival Airport City
Los Angeles (LAX)Boston (BOS)
New York (JFK)
Miami (MIA)
New York (JFK)Orange County (SNA)
San Francisco (SFO)

Hawaii

SCROLL FOR MORE
Flagship Business
Departure Airport CityArrival Airport City
Dallas (DFW)Honolulu (HNL)
Maui (OGG)
Kona (KOA)

International

SCROLL FOR MORE
Flagship First
Departure Airport CityArrival Airport City
Dallas (DFW)London (LHR)
São Paulo (GRU)
Los Angeles (LAX)London (LHR)
Miami (MIA)Buenos Aires (EZE)
London (LHR)
São Paulo (GRU)
New York (JFK)London (LHR)
São Paulo (GRU)
SCROLL FOR MORE
Flagship Business
Departure Airport CityArrival Airport City
Boston (BOS)London (LHR)
Charlotte (CLT)Belize City (BZE)
Dublin (DUB)
Frankfurt (FRA) (resumes September 7, 2022)
London (LHR)
Madrid (MAD)
Munich (MUC)
Rome (FCO)
Chicago (ORD)Athens (ATH)
Barcelona (BAR)
Dublin (DUB)
London (LHR)
Paris (CDG)
Rome (FCO)
Dallas (DFW)Amsterdam (AMS)
Auckland (AKL) (begins October 29, 2022)
Belize City (BZE)
Buenos Aires (EZE)
Dublin (DUB)
Frankfurt (FRA)
Lima (LIM)
London (LHR)
Madrid (MAD)
Munich (MUC)
Paris (CDG)
Rome (FCO)
Santiago (SCL)
São Paulo (GRU)
Seoul (ICN)
Shanghai (PVG)
Tokyo (HND and NRT)
Los Angeles (LAX)Belize City (BZE)
London (LHR)
Sydney (SYD)
Tokyo (HND) (resumes October 29, 2022)
Miami (MIA)Barcelona (BCN)
Belize City (BZE)
Buenos Aires (EZE)
Lima (LIM)
London (LHR)
Madrid (MAD)
Managua (ACS)
Paris (CDG)
Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
Santiago (SCL)
São Paulo (GRU)
Tel Aviv (TLV)
New York (JFK)Athens (ATH)
Barcelona (BCN)
Buenos Aires (EZE)
Delhi (DEL)
Doha (DOH)
London (LHR)
Madrid (MAD)
Milan (MXP)
Paris (CDG)
Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
Rome (FCO)
Santiago (SCL)
São Paulo (GRU)
Tel Aviv (TLV)
Philadelphia (PHL)Amsterdam (AMS)
Athens (ATH)
Barcelona (BCN)
Dublin (DUB)
Lisbon (EGE)
London (LHR)
Madrid (MAD)
Paris (CDG)
Rome (FCO)
Shannon (SNN)
Venice (VCE)
Zürich (ZRH)
Phoenix (PHX)London (LHR)
Raleigh (RDU)London (LHR)
Seattle (SEA)Belize City (BZE)

Bottom Line: As a general rule of thumb (but not always the case), if the flight is to an international destination, or flies from one end of the country to the other and is on a wide-body flight, it is most likely a Flagship offering.

Differences Between Transcontinental and International Flagship

For the most part, you’ll find many of the same perks on transcontinental Flagship flights and international Flagship flights.

Here are some of the big differences:

  • International flights tend to have wide-body aircraft serving routes where Flagship Business or Flagship First is offered.
  • Domestically, except for MIA to SFO and Hawaii routes, all Flagship offerings are on the narrow-body Airbus A321T aircraft.
  • Select long-haul routes feature pajamas for Flagship First and Business customers.
  • The amenity kits are more premium on international flights.

Hot Tip: Check out this review of a flight on a 777-200ER in Flagship Business which was sold as domestic first class from MIA to BOS.

How To Earn Miles To Book Flagship

There are several ways to earn enough AAdvantage miles to fly in American’s Flagship product:

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
30,000 points
$210
$0
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Pros

  • Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
  • 2x points per $1 on travel purchases
  • 15 Elite Night Credits each year (automatically gives you Silver Elite status)
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
  • Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
  • Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase®!
  • Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card.
  • 2X points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains).
  • 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite Status. Restrictions apply.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual free night award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual free night award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.
Earn 3 Free Nights after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases (each night valued up to 50,000 points) within the first 3 months from account opening.
Up to 3 Free Nights
$1,050
$95
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros

  • Earn big when you use your card at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • New benefit to earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
  • Automatic Silver Elite Status
  • 1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (up to 35,000 points)
  • DoorDash DashPass subscription
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • Marriott Silver status is the lowest status tier
  • Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
  • Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
  • Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
  • 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
  • Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
  • Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.
Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
85,000 points
$595
$250
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros

  • 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
  • 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2X points)
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
  • Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • 15 Elite Night Credits per year
  • 1,000 bonus points per paid stay
  • 1 Free Night Award (up to 50,000 points) when you spend $15,000 on the card in a year
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

  • $250 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
  • Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
  • Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
  • Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
  • With complimentary Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
  • Plan It® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
95,000 bonus points
$665
$650
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros

  • 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
  • 25 Elite Night Credits each year
  • Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit
  • Annual Free Night Award after card renewal
  • Complimentary Platinum Elite status

Cons

  • Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
  • With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
  • $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
  • Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
  • With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

How To Redeem Miles for Flagship

There are 4 main loyalty programs that we’d recommend using to book Flagship First and Flagship Business. Although you can use any Oneworld airline’s points or miles, Etihad Guest, American’s AAdvantage program, Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan are the best currencies.

Take, for example, a one-way flight from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) in Flagship Business. You’d spend:

  • 25,000 Etihad Guest miles
  • 32,500 AAdvantage miles (look for “U” inventory, aka MileSAAver)
  • 42,000 JAL Mileage Bank miles
  • 25,000 Alaska Mileage Plan miles

On a New York (JFK) to London (LHR) one-way flight in Flagship Business you’d spend:

  • 50,000 Etihad Guest miles
  • 57,500 AAdvantage miles (MileSAAver rate)
  • 42,000 JAL Mileage Bank miles
  • 57,500 Alaska Mileage Plan miles

To fly from Dallas (DFW) to Hong Kong (HKG) one-way in Flagship First you’d spend:

  • 67,500 Etihad Guest miles
  • 110,000 AAdvantage miles (MileSAAver rate)
  • 95,000 JAL Mileage Bank miles
  • 85,000 Alaska Mileage Plan miles

Hot Tip: Learn more about the best ways to redeem AAdvantage miles for max value and how to upgrade to business/first class on American in our helpful guides.

Final Thoughts

American offers its headliner Flagship Business and Flagship First product on a number of routes and aircraft. Flagship is definitely the way to travel if you’re going overseas or coast-to-coast. Featuring lie-flat seats, premium lounges, and an upgraded onboard service, Flagship is the experience you need if you’re looking for a restful or productive flight.

The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.

Featured Image Credit: Stephen Au

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Flagship flight on American Airlines?

A Flagship flight on American Airlines includes its lie-flat seat product and is generally offered on all international wide-body flights and the premium transcontinental routes such as JFK-LAX/SFO/SNA and MIA-LAX.

Which is better: Admirals Club or Flagship?

The Flagship Lounge includes showers, premium liquor, a food buffet, and made-to-order action stations of food and is far superior to the traditional Admirals Club.

Does The Platinum Card® from American Express get you into Admirals Club?

The Amex Platinum card does not get you into the American Airlines Admirals Club — for this, you must have an Admirals Club membership or be a qualifying first or business passenger, elite frequent flyer, or military member.

Who qualifies for AA Flagship?

Any customer who purchases a premium transcontinental ticket in Flagship First or Flagship Business or any long-haul international wide-body flight in Flagship First or Flagship Business is eligible for American’s Flagship services.

About James Larounis

James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in dozens of travel publications.

Read More

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Related Posts

Full List of American Airlines’ Flagship Lounges – Locations, Hours & More
Most American Airlines Flagship Lounges Reopening by Fall 2021
American Airlines AAdvantage Loyalty Program Review
List of Detailed U.S. Airport Guides
Upgrade your travel experience
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Advertiser Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Terms & Conditions | Web Accessibility Policy | Cookie Policy

© 2023 Upgraded Points™, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

DMCA.com Protection Status

Disclaimer: Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice.

Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site — and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position.

Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. For more information on our advertisers and how we make money, see our advertising policy here. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Editorial Disclosure: The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer.