by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 5:25 PM ET, Fri January 24, 2025
New year, new travel features and amenities when you fly.
That seems to be the theme across airlines at the moment, as one carrier after another announces their plans for new enhancements and offerings that are to be rolled out over the coming year or more.
The latest update comes courtesy of American Airlines, which held its fourth-quarter earnings call yesterday. As part of that call, the carrier’s CEO Robert Isom and other executives provided a few insights about what travelers can expect from American Airlines this year.
Here are some of the big reveals from Isom and the team.
American's new Flagship Suite premium seating. (photo via American Airlines Media)
Introduction of Flagship Suite Business Class Seats
American’s much anticipated Flagship Suite business-class seats, which were initially announced in 2022, are expected to soon be available.
“We're excited to introduce our new state-of-the-art flagship suite on our new Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321XLR aircraft later this year,” said Isom.
The luxe suites, which had originally been scheduled for debut in 2024, feature such details as privacy doors, a chaise lounge seating option and more personal storage space. The suite design also includes “expansive personal surface space," per an American Airlines announcement from 2022.
New Flagship Lounge
American is also preparing to open its latest Flagship lounge in 2025. The newest location will be at Philadelphia International Airport.
“American has led the way in introducing premium lounges and we're on track to open our fifth flagship lounge this summer in Philadelphia, which marks the ninth premium lounge across the system,” Isom said.
American’s Flagship lounges are available to First and Business customers and can be accessed with a single-day pass based on availability. The lounges offer an elevated, sit-down dining experience, chef-inspired meals, a premium wine table and shower suites, among other features.
The newest lounge will be located in Philadelphia’s A-West terminal, from which American provides international flight departures.
More High-Speed Wi-Fi
High-speed Wi-Fi will be even more widely available to American Airlines passengers this year. The carrier’s regional aircraft are currently being equipped with the service, an effort that began in December. Installation is taking place on regional planes such as the Embraer E170s and E175s, and the CRJ-700s and -900s in the American Eagle fleet.
“We expect the entire fleet will be retrofitted by the end of this year,” Isom said. “Additionally, we're in the process of redesigning our mobile app, making it easier to navigate and to provide more self-service options for our customers. Building on these customer-focused initiatives is one of our top priorities and we'll have more to share in the months ahead.”
Additional Takeaways
American’s new boarding automation process, which was introduced late last year, was also included in yesterday’s discussion. The new technology, which alerts gate agents to passengers who are trying to board a flight before their assigned seating group has been called, has been well received by travelers, said Isom.
“In the fourth quarter, we introduced boarding automation as a first step to improving the boarding process and customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Isom.
As part of the new system, passengers attempting to board before their group has been called are sent back to wait until the appropriate boarding time. The technology went through a trial run in a handful of airports and was subsequently expanded by the airline to more locations.
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