What Does Flagship Business Look Like In 2025
A very controversial topic in 2025 is whether U.S.-based carriers’ long-haul business class is up to standard and competitive, and I recently went to find out. A companion and I recently flew on American Airlines’ Flagship Business class to figure out what all the controversy is all about. On June fifteenth twenty twenty five I departed on American Airlines flight seven forty-six from Philadelphia to Nice, France. A seven-hour redeye flight. The service included dinner and breakfast. The flight was operated by a reverse herringbone seven eighty seven dash nine aircraft, offering 30 business class seats.
On to the review
Service started with a warm introduction from the flight attendant, addressing you by name and welcoming you on board, followed by a welcome drink, with the choice of water, orange juice, and champagne. Something many airlines lack is pre-departure beverages, with American surprisingly offering them twice, followed by hot towels, whilst still on the ground. During the taxi the crew came to take our orders. I opted for the truffle ravioli, with the choice of ribeye, salmon, and grilled chicken instead. The sides were salads. For dessert, you had a choice of an ice cream sundae or a fruit and cheese tray. Once airborne, service started. I must comment American’s service is overhated. I would argue it’s better than British Airways by a long shot. Food was good, with good offerings. The truffle ravioli was rich tasting and strong, but not too much. While I would say the food was good, I wouldn’t call it Michelin, but I would consider it restaurant-level and of high quality. With a good taste in my mind, I opted for the internet, costing an absurd thirty-five dollars. Definitely too much, and lacking many airlines’ free internet, including competitors United and Delta. From what it sounds like, this is only temporary, and free wifi is meant to roll out this January. Following that, I reclined my seat to the fully flat position and used the in-flight pillow and blanket offered. Sleeping was good and smooth. To test the whole product, I went to try the in-flight entertainment offered on our screens. It wasn’t special; it was definitely competitive with other U.S. carriers. I personally believe the future of in-flight entertainment should be complimentary internet, and that once it rolls out, screens will be unnecessary. As my experience is slowly coming to an end, breakfast was served; you had a choice of a bacon omelette or a cheese tray. I opted for a cheese tray, which was good and fresh. Definitely needed, given the dry feeling of an airplane.
Overall
Overall, I would say American Business Class is a competitive product with many European carriers and is definitely proclaimed as worse than it is. While I don’t think it’s worth nearly ten thousand dollars in fair difference in rare scenarios, I think it’s definitely worth a premium, and I would fly it again in a heartbeat. The food was great, in addition to the soft product. My only complaint was the internet, which in the grand scheme of things is definitely not a big deal. Good work, American Airlines.
Next steps
Making meals more courses, as it was all rolled out at once, complimentary internet, and a mattress topper for the seat, just to make the bed more cushy and comfortable.