As it attempts to re-establish itself as a premium carrier, American Airlines is adding pajamas and mattress pads to its international business class product.

Pajamas And Mattress Pads Return To American Airlines Business Class

After years of waffling under Vasu Raja, American Airlines is seemingly making a 180º turn under the leadership of Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden. I had the pleasure of meeting Garboden, who was on the inaugural flight of AA’s latest 787-9 jet, and I think she’s already making a positive difference in understanding that AA’s high cost structure forces it to compete for premium traffic.

This week we’ve already seen American Airlines restore the ability for all passengers to ask airport gate agents to assist them with standby for an earlier flight and today AA has announced that popular amenities are returning to its Flagship business class product this summer, including pajamas and mattress pads. These will be available on flights to and from:

• Australia – Brisbane (BNE), Sydney (SYD)
• East Asia – Seoul Incheon (ICN), Shanghai (PVG), Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT)
• India – Delhi (DEL)
• Middle East – Doha (DOH)
• New Zealand – Auckland (AKL)

AA has not yet indicated an exact start date for these amenities and these will be offered in addition to the slippers, dual-sided pillows, and duvet that are already offered.

American is constantly collecting customer feedback to reinvigorate the travel experience with changes that align with customer needs.

These upgraded amenities will be available on all longhaul flights in business class, not just AA aircraft with the new business class cabin.

A Small But Smart Upgrade

I consider these upgrades low-hanging fruit. They are the sort of easy wins that make passengers happy and help to solidify loyalty. Give passengers a comfortable experience so they can expect a good rest and they will come back. The prime objective of business class on a longhaul flight is still maximzing sleep. AA rightly recognizes that these investments meaningfully improve a flight.

CONCLUSION

When I flew AA from Doha to New York a couple of years ago, I enjoyed both a mattress pad and pajamas…they do make a difference and certainly create a more premium experience. It’s great to see AA contiuing to invest in its business class soft product, even if this is just a “correction” from a foolish cutback made a year ago.

> Read More: American Airlines 777-200 Business Class Doha – New York Review