American Airlines plans to introduce Premium Economy class on select transcontinental flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK), providing travelers a compromise between Flagship business class and economy class.

American Airlines Adds 777s, Premium Economy On LAX–JFK Route

American Airlines offers premium economy seating, a distinct class featuring enhanced legroom, improved food and beverage options, and dedicated amenities, on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and select Boeing 777 aircraft.

Until now, it has not sold premium economy as a separate cabin on transcontinental flights. Instead, AAdvantage elites and passengers willing to pay an upcharge could choose these seats at the time of booking. Onboard service was no different than in economy class.

American Airlines will soon begin selling Premium Economy as a separate cabin on LAX-JFK routes, for flights on or after October 5, 2025, a date that makes sense as widebody aircraft become available with the suspension of summer European routes.

AA will utilize a Boeing 777-200ER on select LAX–JFK frequencies, though the schedule still shows Airbus A321T aircraft that do not have a premium economy cabin. I expect 1-2 777 flights per day, with the rest still utilizing the A321T.

It’s noteworthy that the A321Ts will soon undergo retrofits and gradually be phased out of service on premium transcontinental routes.

What Travelers Can Expect

Premium Economy on American’s 777-200 aircraft includes:

• A 2-4-2 seating layout, with approximately 38 inches of pitch, adjustable footrests, and larger tray tables
• Individual in-seat entertainment screens with power outlets and USB-C ports
• Enhanced meal and beverage service compared to standard economy
• Priority boarding and check-in privileges
• Amenity kits, noise-reducing headphones, and additional checked baggage allowance

AA promises transcontinental flights will include the same amenities as on international flights:

Customers can indulge in complimentary drinks while savoring a hot meal with salad and dessert served on chinaware. Customers can easily charge electronic devices with in-seat power and watch on-demand entertainment on larger monitors with noise-reducing headphones.

American’s introduction of Premium Economy on this major transcontinental route is not groundbreaking (Delta and United already sell this cabin as a separate class of service), but it reflects an important revenue source for AA…this cabin has been well-monetized by Delta and United and there is no reason to think AA will also not have success selling this cabin.

CONCLUSION

American Airlines will soon offer Premium Economy seating on 777 flights between Los Angeles and New York JFK. The move will provide passengers with a valuable additional option and better compete with Delta and United. AA has made a lot of positive changes lately and this is one of them…I see this as a wise move.