AA’s new aircraft will open 2 more routes, and Boston is about to make its maiden flight
Just before the holidays, American Airlines unveiled its new premium heavy-lift aircraft, which feature the latest generation of its Flagship Suites business class product as well as a true premium economy cabin.
From the outset, the new Airbus A321XLR has been flown exclusively on America’s most premium transcontinental route between New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
But more domestic XLR lines are about to be opened.
American Airlines’ next Airbus A321XLR transcontinental route
In recent weeks, American has revealed launch dates for two additional routes for the aircraft:
- Starting May 7, XLR will fly between JFK and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
- On July 2, coinciding with the start of the July 4 travel rush, American Airlines will deploy XLR between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Los Angeles International Airport.
Airlines will not immediately have enough XLR to cover daily itineraries between these cities, so if you are searching for flight options after these dates, look for the “A321XLR” designation when booking.
XLR is expected to fill more transcontinental frequencies on these routes as the airline takes delivery of more aircraft – the airline has ordered 50 new aircraft.
Future XLR plans
Where else can you see this plane?
American Airlines has confirmed plans to eventually use XLR on flights between JFK International Airport and John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, California.
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If these routes sound familiar, they are the ones currently served by American Airlines’ popular Airbus A321T. The Airbus A321T has a luxurious flagship first-class, business-class and long-haul configuration that American Airlines is phasing out and replacing with its new XLR jets.
American Airlines A321XLR: What to know
American Airlines’ new XLR planes don’t have an international-style first class cabin.
However, it does have 20 flagship suites in its business class cabin, each equipped with lie-flat seats and the latest technology, as well as sliding privacy doors.
There are 12 Premium Economy recliners in the middle of the aircraft, and the main cabin features new-look seat covers and seatback screens that can connect Bluetooth headsets.
RELATED: American Airlines brings new flagship suites to JFK Airport
International service is coming
In addition to American’s domestic XLR routes, the airline plans to use the aircraft on some long-haul routes as it has sufficient range to fly across the Atlantic.
American Airlines has announced a new XLR route from New York City to Edinburgh starting in March. It also revealed other future destinations in Europe and Brazil.
bottom line
If you’re flying on one of American’s major transcontinental routes but not flying on the XLR, the airline still offers a variety of other great services on those routes.
The A321T remains a fixture on coast-to-coast flights (for now). American Airlines will operate its larger Boeing 777-200ER on JFK-LAX flights this winter.
To book American Airlines flights using points and miles, you can:
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