Founded in 1926, American Airlines is a major United States airline and the largest airline in the world by fleet size, revenue, number of passengers annually, and destinations served. They are a founding member of the Oneworld alliance.
Their headquarters and main hub is in Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Texas, however, the airline has nine additional hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York (JFK and LaGuardia), Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington.
American Airlines has an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to 350 destinations in more than 50 countries.
• The Hollywood movie “Up in the Air” with George Clooney is all about a man trying to reach American Airlines consecutive status (10 million miles) to get his name engraved on one of the airplanes and fly for free. This is not a real status that American currently offers!
• American Airlines pilot Bonnie Tiburzi from Connecticut became the world’s first female pilot at a major airlines in 1973. She stayed with the airline for nearly 26 years.
• In 2011 American Airlines placed the biggest order in aviation history. They purchased 460 Boeing 737 'Next Generation and Airbus A320 in order to renew the short and medium-haul fleet.
Frequent Flyer Program
American Airlines offers a loyalty program called AAdvantage featuring reward miles that can be earned by flying on any of their 1,000 partners. You can earn status by qualifying dollars, miles, and flight segments.
There are four tiers:
Gold
$3,000 qualifying dollars and either 25,000 miles or 30 segments
• 40% mileage bonus
• Free upgrades on all flights of 500 miles or less
• 1 free checked bag per flight
Platinum
$6,000 qualifying dollars and either 50,000 miles or 60 segments
• 60% mileage bonus
• Free upgrades on all flights of 500 miles or less
• 2 free checked bags per flight
Platinum Pro
$9,000 qualifying dollars and either 75,000 miles or 90 segments
• 80% mileage bonus
• Free upgrades on all flights
• 2 free checked bags per flight
Executive Platinum
$12,000 qualifying dollars and either 100,000 miles or 120 segments
• 120% mileage bonus
• 4 system-wide upgrades per year and opportunity to earn 4 more
• Free upgrades on all flights including award seats
• 3 free checked bags per flight
Codesharing
American Airlines offers codesharing with 24 airlines both inside and outside the Oneworld Alliance. Look for the designator code (AA).
When booking with a codesharing partner, you will experience differences in baggage fees, optional services, other charges, and policies from partner airlines on your trip.
Partners Include:
Cabin Classes
First Class
First Class
Private check-in with access to an expedited security line
Flagship lounge access and International First Class lounge access
Priority security, boarding, and baggage service
Lie-flat seats, Cole Haan amenity kit and Casper sleep set
Power outlets, USB ports, in-flight entertainment and Bose noise cancelling headphones. Select aircrafts also feature live television
Chef-inspired meals with award-winning wine
Additional elite qualifying miles for AAdvantage
Business Class
Flagship or Admirals Club lounge access
Priority security, boarding, and baggage service
Lie-flat seats, Cole Haan amenity kit and Casper sleep set
Power outlets, USB ports, in-flight entertainment and Bose noise cancelling headphones. Select aircrafts also feature live television
Multi course meals with award-winning wine
Additional elite qualifying miles for AAdvantage
Business Class
Premium Economy
Premium Economy
Special amenities with seats behind Flagship Business or First Class. Available on Boeing 777-300s, 787-9s, A30-200s and Select 777-200s flying internationally and to Hawaii
Private check-in with access to an expedited security line
More legroom and wider, adjustable leather seats with extendable foot and head rests
In-flight entertainment and Bose noise reducing headphones, power outlet and USB port
Chef-inspired meal with free beer, wine, and spirits
Casper amenity kit with pillow and blanket
Additional elite qualifying miles for AAdvantage
Economy
Beginning September 5 2018, Basic Economy allows 1 free carry-on (in addition to personal item)
Comfortable seat in the Main Cabin
Free snacks, soft drinks, and in-flight entertainment