A journalist tests American Airlines’ new Flagship Suites on a trans-Atlantic journey, weighing luxury against cost.

In a bold experiment, a travel columnist embarked on a $4,800 trans-Atlantic flight from Philadelphia to London in American Airlines’ new Flagship Suites, aiming to uncover whether the premium experience justifies the steep price. The journey was part of a broader exploration into the evolving luxury of business-class travel, where airlines are increasingly competing with enhanced amenities, lie-flat seats, and gourmet dining. The columnist’s trip was contrasted with a separate $2,600 flight on La Compagnie, a French carrier offering only business class, to provide a comprehensive comparison.

American Airlines, a pioneer in airport lounges and business-class dining, has long been a player in premium travel but has trailed behind United and Delta in recent years. The new Flagship Suites, introduced in June, aim to close this gap with features such as sliding privacy doors, lie-flat seats, and upgraded amenities. However, the columnist found the airport experience underwhelming, noting the lack of dedicated business-class lines and the absence of personalized service at Philadelphia International Airport. Even the new Flagship Lounge in Philadelphia, while offering Veuve Clicquot upon arrival, was deemed less luxurious than Delta’s Delta One lounges or the newly opened Chase Sapphire Lounge.

Upon boarding, the Flagship Suites impressed with their comfort and luxury. The 787 aircraft now feature 51 Flagship Suites, with eight of them designated as “Preferred” for added space, larger TVs, and better linens. The columnist was surprised that these upgrades were not standard across all suites. Kalimah Jenkins, a business-class enthusiast, confirmed the comfort of the preferred seats, having used miles to secure one for her trip. She noted that the experience was “very, very comfortable,” and even managed to sleep most of the flight.

The in-flight service was attentive, with flight attendants offering personalized attention, from wine pairings to hot towels and gourmet meals. The columnist described the experience as indulgent, with a menu featuring smoked mozzarella manicotti and a decadent Häagen-Dazs sundae. However, the late-night departure time limited the ability to fully enjoy the amenities, as the flight duration was only 6.5 hours. The columnist noted that the experience was either/or—either the pampering or the lie-flat sleep, but not both.

Despite the indulgence, the columnist concluded that for the price of nearly $5,000, the experience might be better reserved for longer flights or special occasions. They suggested that the money could be better spent on a trans-Atlantic cruise for a family trip. The columnist’s journey highlights the ongoing debate about the value of premium travel in an era where luxury is increasingly accessible but comes with a steep price tag.

The article also touches on the broader industry trend of airlines competing to offer more premium features, including United’s upcoming caviar service and rumored Champagne buttons. However, the columnist notes that even with these advancements, U.S. carriers still lag behind international competitors in terms of luxury and service. The experience on this flight, while undeniably comfortable, left the columnist questioning whether the cost is justified for such a short trip.