PremiumSeat

I was just pricing some JFK-LAX flights for the next couple of weeks and, instead of Flagship First, it's labeled as "Flagship Business Plus" on the website (but it books into "F")... Any idea what that's all about?

enviroian

That's a new one for me too.

VFR

I know they have Main Plus which includes a choice of any seat in Main Cabin including MCE...

golfer20

Seat map still has First / Business Class, and the booking code is still F. However, the price is much lower than what I'm used to seeing for F LAX - JFK RT.

Perhaps a sign of what's to come?

vasantn

The column heading is "Premier" instead of "First".




I wonder if someone jumped the gun before changes are announced.

[Edited to add:]

MIA-LAX shows "normal" Flagship F.

_kurt

For examples on what AA could be thinking, reference BA where business fares do not include seat selection. Or Finnair where Business Light does not include lounge access.

olouie

I got upgrade offers in the app from Flagship business to "First" and that is now showing upgrade offers for both business (which is strange since Im already booked into it) and "Premier" which I am guessing is really First. Very random.

FlyerBeek

Or AA F fares where the FAs don't want to provide F service!

-FlyerBeek

Antarius

I did a search for JFK-LHR for comparison and it still shows Flagship Business and Flagship First.

Wonder if AA is segregating their domestic and international branding?

_kurt

Now there’s an ancillary revenue idea. Hail an FA via an Uber-like app when you need a refill. $10 if you’re in 1C, $40 if you’re in 4F. It’s distance-based after all. Just don’t ask me about the surge pricing…

golfer20

Definitively looks like it. IT may have a test site that's accidentally gone live.

So... Flagship Premier Dining, anyone? If real, I really do think this is a good move by AA, as the pricing better represents a reasonable value increment from business to first.

vasantn

I added to my post above. MIA-LAX still shows Flagship F.

unfrequentflyer

I have a question. Does Flagship Business allow to check in at the Flagship First check in desk?

potus18

My BP for JFK-LAX in F tomorrow still says "First Class" :shrug:

ESpen36

No, it does not. Nor does Flagship Business allow Flagship First Dining. 😢

Looks like AA may be planning to bring its transcon service in line with DL, B6 and others, offering Business Class only, with the ability to pay more for the former First Class seats (marketed as Business Plus), but offering Business meal service. I believe AA is the only carrier currently offering differentiated First and Business class products in the transcon markets. The old explanation used to be that there were lucrative entertainment industry contracts on the transcon routes that mandated 3-class First Class service for clients (celebs). I suspect those contracts are not as lucrative or prevalent in the pandemic era.

Maybe (just speculating) Flagship First going away on the transcon routes, and the only place where true Flagship First will exist anymore is longhaul international on the 777-300....which during the pandemic is currently limited to select LHR and Deep South America flights, I believe.

Sad things, of course, are:
- loss of ability to upgrade from Business to First (except by paying cash or traveling as a non-rev/employee)
- loss of Flagship First Check-In
- loss of Flagship First Dining