An unexpected and last-minute trip to Europe has provided the opportunity to try American Airlines’ new 787-9 Flagship Suite business class product.

Booked: American Airlines 787-9 Dreamliner, British Airways, SAS

I’ve been tied up with work the last several weeks (being busy is a good thing, I tell myself…) such that I had to cancel my summer vacation to Germany…not something I do lightly, but the responsibilities I am facing now are such that it would have been irresponsible to take time off.

But my wife and kids were still able to make the trip, which I am thankful for, and enjoyed a lovely week in Germany with my in-laws in the beautiful Black Forest of Baden-Württemberg. Last week, when it came time to fly back, my wife had a thought: let the kids stay another week with their grandparents. Germany is not as moderate temperature-wise in the summer as it used to be, but the kids were having a great time; Augustine was at camp and Claire Marie was taking swimming lessons. 

We decided to let them stay another week, with Heidi flying home alone and me going back to pick them up ahead of school resuming next week.

That was ideal in so many ways:

• The kids could spend an extra week in Germany
• Heidi could fly back to the USA in business class and actually relax
• I get a trip anyway…even if just for a day on the ground in Germany

My default is to use my (two million) SAS miles when I can, and I was pleased to find business class space back to California for the three of us. On the way out, there was no saver SAS space but AA had space on the new 787-9 (“787P”) from Los Angeles to Chicago to London in business class, with a connection on British Airways to Basel, all for 57.5K miles in business class and $59 in taxes and fees…what a great value.

I am thrilled to try AA’s latest business class product not only on a domestic flight from LAX to ORD, but all the way to LHR. Even better, I grabbed seat 11A from Chicago to London, a Flagship Preferred Suite with more legroom and amenities.

As usual, I’ll bring you first impressions along the way.

After spending a couple of nights in Germany, we will fly back to the USA on SAS…as I said, I want to spend down as many miles as possible before SAS devalues or folds into Flying Blue, because I find the program very valuable now.

See you in the skies!

> Read More: My American Airlines 787-9 Tour: Here’s A Look At Every Cabin On New Flagship Dreamliner