Exploring American Airlines’ New Business Class Suite on the Dreamliner: A Full Review
American Airlines recently introduced a revamped business class experience aboard their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring two brand-new flagship suite seats. Covering an 8-hour flight from London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare, travel expert Jeb Brooks from GreenerGrass.com takes us through every aspect of this new offering — from airport lounges to the in-flight experience, seating comfort, dining, and service. Here’s an in-depth look at what to expect and where American Airlines shines or falls short.
The Journey Begins: Airport Lounges at London Heathrow Terminal 3
Starting the trip at London Heathrow’s Terminal 3, the experience begins with lounge access — a key perk of business class travel.
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Admirals Club: While accessible with an American Airlines international business class ticket, the Admirals Club lounge is comfortable but modest. The buffet was limited (surprisingly still serving breakfast near noon), and though there was a self-service bar, it lacked the upscale feel of flagship lounges in the U.S. The highlight? Stunning views of the airfield.
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Better Lounge Alternatives: Thanks to American’s oneworld alliance, travelers can access other premium lounges at Terminal 3. Café A Pacific Lounge impressed with its international buffet and a unique noodle bar reflecting its Hong Kong roots. The lively atmosphere and great views make it one of the best business class lounges globally.
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Qantas Lounge: Although the downstairs bar and restaurant were closed during the visit, the upstairs buffet and inviting atmosphere made it a worthy stop, especially for those interested in Australian cuisine and wines.
Tip: If flying business class from London with American Airlines, consider skipping the Admirals Club in favor of Café A or Qantas for a more memorable lounge experience.
Boarding the New Dreamliner: Seats and Cabin Layout
American Airlines’ newest 787-9 Dreamliners, introduced in June 2025, feature an unprecedented 51 business class flagship suites — nearly half the plane’s capacity — more than their previous 30-seat configuration.
- Two Business Class Seat Types:
- Flagship Suite Preferred Seats (8 seats, bulkhead rows 1 & 10): Larger with more storage, an extra window, and enhanced amenities like pajamas, mattress pads, extra pillows, and blankets.
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Standard Flagship Suites (43 seats): Sleek with a modern design and doors for privacy (though on this flight, the doors were not yet functional due to FAA certification pending).
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No Extra Cost Yet: Surprisingly, there is currently no price difference for booking preferred seats despite the added space and amenities — though this might change in the future.
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Seating Comfort: Both seat types are 21 inches wide. Preferred suites offer a more spacious footwell and storage shelf, while standard suites have a narrower footwell and limited storage. The cabin uses a 1-2-1 configuration ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers.
In-Flight Experience: Service, Food, and Entertainment
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Service Challenges: Flight attendants appeared overwhelmed by the large number of business class passengers and were noticeably undertrained on the new cabin features. Cleaning staff also missed some details, such as an old amenity kit left behind in the seat. With only three lavatories for 51 business class passengers, wait times could be frustrating.
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Dining Highlights: Meals were a highlight, with standout main courses like a juicy sesame soy chicken and a well-prepared beef smoked Sunday roast. Dessert options included cheesecake and an ice cream sundae. However, timing was slow—some passengers were still receiving mains after two hours, longer than typical for US carriers. Pre-landing snacks were underwhelming, with some items served too hot or lacking flavor.
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Entertainment: The in-flight entertainment system featured an 18-inch touchscreen remote with a bright, responsive display. Although some reviewers called the screen too small, it was well-sized and functional. Wireless charging was problematic, but headphones were high quality. One downside: the screen does not tilt, making viewing uncomfortable when the seat is fully reclined.
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Amenities: Amenity kits were well-stocked with skincare, eye masks (without annoying Velcro), socks, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Preferred seat passengers received pajamas and additional bedding for a better sleep experience.
Final Thoughts and Rating: The Jeb Score
Jeb and his travel companion rated the experience across multiple categories:
| Category | Rating (out of 5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge | 3 | Admirals Club okay, but Café A recommended |
| Seat (Preferred) | 5 | Spacious, private with good storage |
| Food | 3 | Great mains, slow service, mediocre snacks |
| Entertainment | 5 | Bright screens, good headphones, user-friendly controls |
| Service | 3 | Friendly but undertrained crew, insufficient staffing |
Overall Score: 19/25
What About the Price?
Jeb used 88,500 American Airlines miles plus $381.21 in taxes for the flight. Considering the new seat comfort and premium dining, it’s a solid redemption choice, but the service and operational hiccups highlight room for improvement.
The Major Deal Breaker
Despite the impressive new seats and cabin design, the biggest issue is the airline’s staffing and training. With 51 business class seats to serve, the current crew levels and training don’t meet expectations, resulting in slower service and some operational oversights. This is a critical factor to consider before booking.
Where Next?
American Airlines plans to deploy these Dreamliners on multiple international routes, including London to Chicago, and soon to Brisbane, Australia. With 30 Dreamliners on order, more passengers will experience this new cabin soon. Hopefully, enhanced crew training and operational tweaks will elevate the overall experience.
Conclusion
American Airlines’ new Dreamliner business class is a bold step forward in seating and in-flight comfort, particularly with the flagship suite preferred seats. However, the service and some operational challenges hold it back from being a truly premium experience right now. If you prioritize seat comfort and entertainment and don’t mind some growing pains in service, this is a flight worth trying. For those who value flawless service, it may be worth waiting a little longer as American Airlines works through these teething issues.
Have you flown American Airlines’ new Dreamliner? Share your experience in the comments below!
Safe travels and see you in the skies!
This review is based on a June 2025 flight from London to Chicago on American Airlines’ newest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.