American Airlines Becomes First U.S. Carrier to Debut Airbus A321XLR With Flagship Suite Experience

FORT WORTH, Texas — In a major milestone for U.S. aviation, American Airlines has become the first U.S. carrier — and the only global airline — to introduce the Airbus A321XLR featuring a three-cabin layout, setting a new standard for premium travel.

The inaugural flight, Flight 3 from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX), is scheduled for December 18, with tickets already available through February 2026.

“Designed for long journeys with comfort and style at the forefront, American is thrilled to be the first U.S. airline to operate the A321XLR,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer. “Whether customers are traveling coast-to-coast or across the ocean, this aircraft represents our commitment to premium travel.”

American took delivery of the new aircraft from Airbus’ Hamburg facility on October 22. The A321XLR features:

20 Flagship Suite® seats with lie-flat beds, privacy doors, wireless charging, and expanded personal storage.

12 Premium Economy seats with enhanced dining, footrests, and upgraded amenities.

123 Main Cabin seats, each equipped with power outlets and seatback entertainment.

As more A321XLRs join the fleet, American plans to expand the aircraft’s use to international routes in 2026.

Flagship Suite passengers will also enjoy priority check-in, exclusive lounge access, and a refined inflight experience, including multicourse dining, award-winning wines, and luxury amenity kits.

With this launch, American cements its position as the U.S. leader in next-generation, long-range narrowbody travel — “suite-ening” its transcontinental and future international service.

A new era of flight just touched down. #A321XLR pic.twitter.com/rwlKJ0nlPZ

— americanair (@AmericanAir) October 23, 2025