Time for another American Airlines new amenity kit. AA has updated their amenity kits for 2017, and I recently received one on a flight between Dallas and London. The contents are almost identical to what was offered in the 2016 version of this kit. It is still Cole Haan branded, and has C.O. Bigelow products, but there is a new and arguably nicer case.
Welcome to another installment of our amenity kit review series. As in previous reviews, I will be reviewing this amenity kit on a scale from 1 to 5 (being the best) and will rate it based on five categories:
- Bag/container: design, quality and reusability/collectibility of the bag.
- Product: quality, size and variety of the facial and body products.
- Comfort items: eye masks, ear plugs, etc.
- Miscellaneous: pens, tissues and everything else.
- Extras: additional items that make your flight just a tad more comfortable including pajamas, slippers, etc.
American Airlines New Amenity Kit (Cole Haan 2017)
Among the many changes American has gone through in the last few years, this is now the 3rd iteration of amenity kits since 2015. I’ve had a few business class flights on American in 2017, and only one flight had this newest version of the kit. They launched in February, but clearly there is still stock from last year.
Bag/Container
I actually like the new shape of this bag compared with last year’s model. Volume is similar, but it is a bit more square. The bag is made from vinyl, and seems of decent quality and would be a good size to be reused as a toiletry bag for travel. Cole Haan logos are embossed on the side of the kit and on the zipper pull. Apparently there are at least 4 colors available, mine is blue, and the socks inside match the bag color. Score: 3.5
Product
The C.O. Bigelow products inside are identical to what was offered in 2016. A small pouch containing lip balm and lime and coriander body lotion. The mouthwash ‘shot glass’ remains, and while fresh breath is always appreciated, I still find the tub to be somewhat cheap versus a bottle. Score: 3
Comfort Items
The basics are here, with socks, and an eyemask. The mask is different that past versions, but is of decent quality, with an elastic strap and a vinyl tag with the American logo. Also included are some decent earplugs (a must have on most any long flight). There is also a full sized toothbrush and a 0.85oz tube of Crest toothpaste. Score: 3
Miscellaneous Items
Having a pen in the kit is a nice touch, and this seems of decent quality, with AA branding. American provides Bose headsets in premium cabins, so they include headphone covers. I use my own Bose headsets, but this is a nice touch. A small packet of tissues is a necessary inclusion. Score: 3
Extras
On my flight to London, slippers were also included. I haven’t figured out the pattern for when these are provided. Maybe just overnight flights? I’m not certain. In any case, these are nice, and much appreciated for walking around the cabin, especially in the lavatories. Don’t go in there in only your socks…
Pajamas are offered on extra long flights in business and first class, basically only flights to Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. No dice on this segment. Score: 3
Bottom Line on American Airlines New Amenity Kit
Based on my ratings, this American Airlines new Amenity kit average out to a score of 3.1. I rated the last version of this higher before, but that included pajamas.
Have you received one of these Cole Haan kits on an Airlines International Business Class flight? Please let us know what you think.
Other Amenity Kit Reviews
- Japan Airlines First Class
- ANA First Class
- British Airways First Class
- Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
- Qantas First Class
- Thai Airways First Class (Rimowa 2014)
- Japan Airlines Business Class
- Lufthansa First Class (Escada)
- Cathay Pacific Business Class (new Seventy-Eight Percent)
- United Airlines BusinessFirst (Cowshed Kit)
- United Airlines BusinessFirst
- American Airlines Transcon First Class (Reno Air Heritage Series)
- United Airlines BusinessFirst (new TEAM USA kit)
- Lufthansa Business Class (Bree)
- Etihad Business Class (LUXE)
- Qatar Airways Economy Class
- American Airlines Business Class (Cole Haan 2016)
