In May 2017, American Airlines became the first major U.S. airline to introduce a true premium economy product. American didn't waffle on implementing this new product offering, installing premium economy on over 100 aircraft by the end of 2018. Now, you'll find American Airlines premium economy seating installed on all of the airline’s Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft for international flights.

If you're new to premium economy on American, you may wonder how premium economy differs from standard economy. Let's take a look at the airline's premium economy seats, meals and amenities, plus some frequently asked questions about how American Airlines premium economy works.

American Airlines premium economy seats

One of the primary benefits of booking American Airlines premium economy is getting a bigger and wider seat than you would in economy. For its premium economy product, American installed Collins Aerospace MiQ seats that are a bit wider (around 18.5-19 inches) than its economy seats (around 16-18 inches).

Premium seats also have around 38 inches of pitch compared to around 31-32 inches in economy. This allows for more legroom and a deeper recline.

Photo courtesy of JT Genter

If this seat looks familiar, it's because American Airlines also uses this same seat type for domestic first class seating on its retrofitted domestic fleet.

American Airlines premium economy seats are better than these domestic first class seats in a couple of ways. The main advantage: Premium economy seats have an in-flight entertainment screen and remote — rather than just a tablet holder in domestic first class. Also, all premium economy seats have either a footrest or a leg rest.

Photo courtesy of JT Genter

Depending on the aircraft type, American installed between 21 and 28 premium economy seats across three to four rows. On Boeing 777 aircraft, American Airlines installed eight seats per row — two on each side along the window and four in the middle. Meanwhile, American's 787 aircraft have seven seats per row arranged 2-3-2. Either way, couples will want to snag seats together in the windows while families likely will prefer the middle seats.

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American Airlines premium economy menu

American Airlines premium economy includes "chef-inspired dining" and complimentary beer, wine and spirits. On long-haul international flights, American will serve multi-course meals with real metal silverware on top of white tablecloths. Add in its solid drink menu and an American Airlines premium economy ticket can rival what you get in business class on some airlines.

Unfortunately, not all routes with premium economy service get this nice of a meal. Because American determines meal type by region and distance, some premium economy passengers simply get the same meal and drink service as economy.

For example, the premium economy meal on a recent flight from Dallas to Bogota didn't seem particularly "chef-inspired."

Photo courtesy of JT Genter

Amenities and other perks

In addition to bigger seats, American Airlines premium economy passengers get a Casper sleep set, an amenity kit and headphones on select international flights.

Premium economy sleep set

American Airlines provides a Casper sleep set for premium economy passengers. This sleep set isn't as comprehensive as what you'll find in business and first class; however, the lumbar pillow and "day blanket" are nice touches that you won't get in economy.

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

Premium economy amenity kit

Since May 2021, American Airlines has partnered with Shinola and D.S. & Durga to produce its amenity kits. In premium economy, the amenity kit includes items like socks, an eye mask, hand and body lotion, a dental kit, earplugs and a pen.

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

Again, not every American Airlines premium economy route gets an amenity kit. American notes that amenity kits are only available on international flights — meaning premium economy routes to Hawaii and Alaska wouldn't get an amenity kit. In addition, American Airlines premium economy passengers on certain short-haul international routes don't receive an amenity kit.

Other perks of American Airlines premium economy

Headphones: American Airlines premium economy passengers get "noise-reducing headphones." This perk is limited to eligible routes.

Priority check-in and boarding: American Airlines premium economy passengers can use the Priority check-in line and board during Group 4 priority boarding.

If you're considering booking American Airlines premium economy …

Over the past few years, many airlines — including American Airlines — have narrowed seats in economy while installing true premium economy seats. By offering premium economy, American, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines all now offer a way to fly that's better than economy but not nearly as expensive as business class.

Be aware that not all perks are included in every American Airlines premium economy ticket, and the availability is highly dependent on the flight route itself. It's not uncommon to be served economy meals and few amenities on flights to Hawaii, Alaska and even some international routes, limiting the value of an American Airlines premium economy experience to a more spacious seat.

You'll need to fly on eligible long-haul international routes to get the full premium dining experience and in-flight amenities.

Frequently asked questionsWhich aircraft have American Airlines premium economy?

American Airlines has premium economy installed on its entire fleet of Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft — including the 777-200ER, 777-300ER, 787-8 Dreamliner and 787-9 Dreamliner. That means that the majority of American's international aircraft fleet offers premium economy seats.

When operating domestic and short-haul international routes, American often sells premium economy seats as part of the main cabin instead of as a true premium economy product. Just look for a small cabin of seats with fewer seats per row.

Can I upgrade to premium economy on American Airlines?

No, American Airlines doesn't allow mileage upgrades into premium economy. Since its first introduction, American has teased that upgrades will be added "at a later date" but still hasn't added them.

American Airlines AAdvantage elites will get complimentary upgrades from main cabin or premium economy to the next fare class on eligible flights within North America. AAdvantage elites may also be eligible to receive day-of-departure upgrades from economy to premium economy on routes to/from Hawaii and Alaska and the contiguous U.S.

What does American Airlines premium economy look like?

American Airlines premium economy seats are virtually identical between aircraft. The only difference is the number of seats per row due to some aircraft being narrower than others. American Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft are arranged with eight seats per row (2-4-2) while Boeing 787 aircraft have just seven seats per row (2-3-2).

Does American Airlines premium economy earn more miles?

Not necessarily. American Airlines premium economy fares used to earn an Elite Qualifying Miles bonus, which would help you get to elite status faster. But, starting in 2022, American Airlines revamped the way you earn elite status. Now, the only metric that matters is Loyalty Points.

Loyalty Points earnings from flights are based on how many AAdvantage miles you earn — and how many miles you earn depends on how much you spend on those flights. That means you'll earn the same number of AAdvantage miles whether you pay $800 for an economy ticket or $800 for a premium economy ticket. The only way you earn more miles through a premium economy ticket is by spending more.

Which aircraft have American Airlines premium economy?

American Airlines has premium economy installed on its entire fleet of Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft — including the 777-200ER, 777-300ER, 787-8 Dreamliner and 787-9 Dreamliner. That means that the majority of American's international aircraft fleet offers premium economy seats.

When operating domestic and short-haul international routes, American often sells premium economy seats as part of the main cabin instead of as a true premium economy product. Just look for a small cabin of seats with fewer seats per row.

Can I upgrade to premium economy on American Airlines?

No, American Airlines doesn't allow mileage upgrades into premium economy. Since its first introduction, American has teased that upgrades will be added "at a later date" but still hasn't added them.

American Airlines AAdvantage elites

will get complimentary upgrades from main cabin or premium economy to the next fare class on eligible flights within North America. AAdvantage elites may also be eligible to receive day-of-departure upgrades from economy to premium economy on routes to/from Hawaii and Alaska and the contiguous U.S.

What does American Airlines premium economy look like?

American Airlines premium economy seats are virtually identical between aircraft. The only difference is the number of seats per row due to some aircraft being narrower than others. American Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft are arranged with eight seats per row (2-4-2) while Boeing 787 aircraft have just seven seats per row (2-3-2).

Does American Airlines premium economy earn more miles?

Not necessarily. American Airlines premium economy fares used to earn an Elite Qualifying Miles bonus, which would help you get to elite status faster. But, starting in 2022, American Airlines

revamped the way you earn elite status

. Now, the only metric that matters is Loyalty Points.

Loyalty Points earnings from flights are based on how many AAdvantage miles you earn — and how many miles you earn depends on how much you spend on those flights. That means you'll earn the same number of AAdvantage miles whether you pay $800 for an economy ticket or $800 for a premium economy ticket. The only way you earn more miles through a premium economy ticket is by spending more.

Top photo courtesy of JT Genter.