American Airlines ground and inflight first-class experience is not the world’s best. The airline has been known for cutting amenities and slowly bringing some back after the merger with US Airways. With no other airline in North America offering a first-class product, the airline has very little to compete with here at home. American Airlines only competitions for first class are foreign airlines from Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Some people would even argue other airlines’ business class soft product offering is better than American Airlines’ First.
Despite the real lack of investment and limited first class offering, American Airlines has done several things recently to enhance their first-class product. Recently, American Airlines opened Flagship First dining at key Airports. Flagship First dining is in a private lounge with complimentary restaurant style dining and a full-service bar with a high-end alcohol selection.
On a very recent trip to London in First class, I was shocked to be offered Krug champagne while visiting the flagship first lounge! Krug Grand Cuvee easily fetches a price of upwards to $200 a bottle! This is a huge upgrade! I know Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific serves Krug onboard, but neither do in their lounges! American Airlines is not messing around with their bubbly! Meanwhile onboard my flight the airline offered $130 Bollinger La Grand Annee.
How do you get Krug? By flying Flagship First Class on an international flight to Asia, South America, Australia or Asia. On transcon flights between LAX or SFO and JFK First class guests can also access flagship first dining. Unfortunately, Business class passengers and Oneworld emerald elites do not get access to flagship first dining.
