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American Airlines Launches Its Premium Economy — Skift Business Traveler

  • Skift Take
    American’s got a new premium economy cabin that it’s flying domestically for the next few months. Let’s see if it turns into a viable product.

    What to Know Now

    This past week, American Airlines finally put its 787-9 Dreamliner into service and with it, the domestic airline industry’s first bona fide premium economy cabin.

    With the launch, American becomes the first domestic carrier to operate a Premium Economy cabin, though details are still a bit unclear on how the cabin will be sold (and upgraded). For now, American sells the cabin as economy, so if you’re lucky you can book a cheap ticket and get a great seat.

    American also plans to fly the aircraft domestically for the first few months before pushing the aircraft out to international routes. On Flyertalk, the community has even located some of the domestic routes on sale for $111.

    Gary over at View from the Wing has a great gallery of the maiden flight last week. Check it out here.

    Social Quote of the Day

    Dull seats, dull cabin sorry. Good pics tho.

    Leo @ VFTW

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    Tips and Comments

    Can be sent to gm[at]skift[dot]com or to @grantkmartin

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    Photo Credit: American Airline's Main Cabin Extra. This is not the new premium economy seating, but the actual availability is on so few flights, this is the likely service most will receive. American Airlines
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