This amenity kit review is based on what I received on from various flights in 2016 in American Airlines Business Class. In each case, these were business trips where I had an economy ticket that I upgraded to Business Class using a Systemwide Upgrade. As of January 2017, this is the current version of the American Airlines Business Class Amenity Kit, although a new version has been announced, and will be rolling out in February.
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 Business Class Amenity Kit Review
In 2015, American introduced heritage amenity kits highlighting some of the former airlines that are now part of the American Airlines. In 2016, more changes were made, arguably with a higher end line of products included. The current Business Class kit is currently Cole Haan branded, and contains toiletries from C.O. Bigelow. The First Class kits are slightly different, and Rocky reviewed them in his post about his trip in American Airlines First Class.
Bag/Container:
The zippered bag is well made, and a decent size to be reused as a dopp kit, or possibly carrying cords or other items. There is an embossed Cole Haan logo on the outside of the case. Inside is a contrasting color, usually similar to the color of the zipper. Score: 3.5
Product:
There is a small pouch containing C.O. Bigelow products including lip balm and lime and coriander body lotion. There is also a single use container of mouthwash. Mouthwash is a nice item, but the tub versus a bottle seems a little cheap. Score: 3
Comfort items:
This is a pretty typical offering which includes socks and an eye mask which match the color scheme of the bag. The eye mask is comfortable, although some versions contain flimsy elastic straps, others have an adjustable elastic strap with velcro. There are also some nice soft earplugs, and a toothbrush and a small tube of Colgate toothpaste. Score: 3
Miscellaneous items:
While I always travel with a pen, having one included in the amenity kit is always appreciated. There are also headphone covers. I use my own Bose headsets, rather than what AA provides. The headphone covers aren’t of much use to me, but hygiene is a good thing. A small packet of tissues is a must in amenity kits Score: 3
Extras:
On some flights, slippers are provided. I get the sense that this is only on Asia flights, but maybe just longer flights? I know I received them on a flight between Hong Kong and Los Angeles. On other longer flights, enhanced service is provided, and this includes pajamas, slippers and a mattress pad for first and business class travelers. Currently this is for routes from Hong Kong to Dallas and Los Angeles to Sydney, Auckland, and Hong Kong, Getting pajamas on any US airline is a plus, and in business class, it is quite unique.
The Pajamas are comfortable, in black cotton. As usual, it is difficult for me to find an appropriate size. Even the Large size is pretty short for my legs, but the top is too big. Oh well, it works for a few hours comfortable sleep in the air. I’m not doing any fashion shows. Score: 3.5
Bottom line
Based on my ratings, the Cole Haan American Airlines Business Class Amenity kit average out to a score of 3.2. This rating accounts for the extra items that are part of the enhanced service offered on longer flights. I probably wouldn’t rate it quite so high without the extra items including pajamas
Have you received one of these Cole Haan kits on an Airlines International Business Class flight? Please let us know what you think.
Get an introduction and index of posts for this series of reports.
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
