The Ultimate Guide to the American Airlines A321T (2024 Update)

In 2014, American Airlines introduced the Airbus A321 in a premium cabin-heavy configuration. This configuration, the A321T (T meaning transcontinental), features 10 first class seats, 20 business class seats, 36 main cabin extra seats, and 36 standard main cabin seats. While the typical A321-200 can accommodate nearly 200 passengers in a 2-class configuration, American Airlines’ A321T has seating for just 102 passengers.

In addition to holding almost 50% fewer passengers, American Airlines’ A321T offers some other noteworthy features including all-aisle access for first class passengers, lie-flat seats for business class passengers, and added legroom in most of the main cabin.

American Airlines detailed its plans for its incoming fleet of Airbus A321XLR narrowbody aircraft. Along with details of the A321XLR, the airline also confirmed plans to remove the A321T from service.

American will likely schedule the Airbus A321XLR and a mix of widebody aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 on the routes currently operated by the A321T.

Here’s a post highlighting some of the top posts about the American Airlines A321T published by TravelUpdate writers.

Note: Post updated in May 2024 to reflect American Airlines’ latest fleet developments.

Overview of the American Airlines Airbus A321T

This post has already covered most of what travelers need to know about the American Airlines Airbus A321T. This section will go a little further in-depth on American Airlines’ premium Airbus narrowbody aircraft.

On What Routes Does American Airlines Fly The Airbus A321T?

Since the A321T is specially configured to serve routes with a high demand for premium traffic, American Airlines only flies the A321T on a select few routes. As of December 2021, 5 routes receive the Airbus A321T as part of American Airlines’ Flagship service. Here’s an overview of the routes served by American Airlines’ A321T:

Routes and Cities

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What Are the Plans for American Airlines’ Airbus A321Ts

The Airbus A321T’s days are numbered. The airline has begun slowly reconfiguring its sub-fleet of premium-heavy Airbus A321s. As of May 2024, American Airlines has reconfigured its first A321T. The aircraft with the tail number N115NN is now configured in American’s standard “Oasis” cabin configuration.

American’s Oasis A321 configuration features 20 standard first class seats, 35 main cabin extra seats, and 135 main cabin seats. The aircraft also no longer features seatback in-flight entertainment.

Once American Airlines has the capacity to shift widebody aircraft to premium transcontinental routes and receives the A321XLR, additional Airbus A321Ts will be sent to maintenance facilities to receive the standard Oasis interior.

For fans of the A321T, the aircraft will likely remain in service for at least the next 12 months. American Airlines, like many airlines, is currently facing new aircraft delivery delays from both Airbus and Boeing. This means that, for now, American cannot replace the A321T.

American Airlines’ Future Premium Transcontinental Product

There is some good news. American Airlines will still treat select transcontinental routes as premium “Flagship” routes. This means that routes like JFK-LAX/SFO will eventually see the airline’s new Flagship Business Class product.

While Flagship First Class will no longer be offered, American’s new Flagship Business Class product is a step up from its current first class seat offered on the A321T.

With the arrival of its new Flagship Business Class product, the airline will also introduce a semi-first class product branded as Flagship Business Plus. Passengers with a Flagship Business Plus ticket will receive services currently offered to travelers ticketed in Flagship First.

American Airlines will also offer a new premium economy product with seats identical to what is offered in domestic first class.

Here are renderings of American Airlines’ new Flagship Business Class, premium economy, and economy class cabins that will be offered on the Airbus A321XLR and select Boeing widebody aircraft:

American Airlines future Flagship Business Class cabin aboard the Boeing 787-9 (Image via American Airlines)

American’s new Boeing 787-9 Flagship Business Class will feature retractable doors at all business class seats. (Image by American Airlines)

The Boeing 787-9 will also see a refreshed Premium Economy class product. (Image via American Airlines)

American’s yet-to-be-delivered Airbus A321XLR features a new 1-1 configuration in business class along with the airline’s new Flagship Business Class seat. (Image via American Airlines)

American Airlines Airbus A321XLR will also feature a premium economy cabin in a 2-2 configuration. (Image via American Airlines)

There are still a lot of unknowns when it comes to American Airlines’ new Flagship Business Class product and its yet-to-be-delivered Airbus A321XLR. The first aircraft to receive the new Flagship Business Class product is reportedly a Boeing 787-9 once deliveries of the aircraft resume. However, if Boeing 787 delivery delays persist, it’s possible the first aircraft with American’s new product will be the Airbus A321XLR.

Unfortunately, potential first routes for the new product are also not yet known. Eventually, this will be the product offered on American’s premium transcontinental routes.

American Airlines A321T First Class Reviews

American Airlines is the only airline that offers three classes of service on transcontinental flights. As a matter of fact, American Airlines is the last US airline to offer both first class and business class service. However, American Airlines will soon phase out its Flagship First Class product entirely.

American Airlines’ first class service on-board select routes served by the A321T is especially unique.

With just 10 seats in a 1-1 configuration, the first class cabin found on the A321T feels especially private. The product found onboard the A321T is actually the same seat found on American Airlines’ Boeing 777-300 in business class. Each seat has direct access to the aisle and is fully lie-flat. It’s one of the most comfortable premium products in the sky.

American Airlines A321T First Class (Image by Max Prosperi / TravelUpdate)

On the ground, eligible passengers can enjoy fine dining in one of the American Airlines Flagship First Dining Rooms located at select Flagship Lounges. First class passengers will also enjoy access to dedicated check-in facilities and security screening while on the ground. While the Flagship First experience is remarkable on the ground, it’s arguably better once in the air.

Check out the posts below for full reviews of the American Airlines A321T first class experience:

• NEW – 2024: American Airlines A321T First Class from Santa Ana (SNA) to New York (JFK) – by Take Off to Travel
• 2016: American Airlines A321T First Class from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) – by Max Prosperi
• 2015: American Airlines A321T First Class from San Francisco (SFO) to New York (JFK) – by The Millenial Traveler
• 2020: American Airlines Flagship Dining at LAX Review – by The Millenial Traveler
• 2019: American Airlines Flagship Dining at JFK Review – by Max Prosperi
• 2018: American Airlines Flagship Lounge New York at JFK Review – by The Flight Detective
• 2016: American Airlines Flagship Lounge at JFK Review – by Max Prosperi

American Airlines A321T Business Class Reviews

In addition to offering an elevated first class experience, American Airlines also offers an elevated business class experience onboard its Airbus A321T. American’s A321T features 20 business class seats in a 2-2 configuration. However, American’s business class seat that’s found on the A321T is fully lie-flat and offers added space compared to traditional narrowbody business class seating.

American Airlines A321T Business Class (Image by Takeoff to Travel / TravelUpdate)

Business class passengers, like first class passengers, will also enjoy a more premium experience on the ground. While first class passengers have access to Flagship First check-in and security screening, business class passengers can access standard priority check-in and security screening. Business class passengers also receive access to Admiral’s Clubs and Flagship Lounges. Business class passengers also enjoy an elevated experience onboard as part of American Airlines’ Flagship Business service on eligible routes.

Check out the posts below for full reviews of the American Airlines A321T business class experience:

• NEW – 2024: American Airlines A321T Business Class from Santa Ana (SNA) to New York (JFK) – by Takeoff to Travel
• 2018: American Airlines A321T Business Class from Los Angeles (LAX) to New York (JFK) – by Takeoff to Travel
• 2018: American Airlines A321T Business Class from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) – by Takeoff to Travel
• 2018: Comparing American Airlines’ New and Old Flagship Business Class Amenity Kits – by Takeoff to Travel
• 2018: American Airlines Flagship Lounge at LAX (Business Class Lounge) Review – by Takeoff to Travel

The Bottom Line

American Airlines is no stranger to criticism of the service it offers its passengers. The past few years have brought a marked decrease in the level of service offered by the airline. There is one bright spot that remains relatively untouched by the changes made to in-flight services. American Airlines’ Airbus A321T offers passengers seated in first and business class a unique and premium experience.

Configured with just 102 seats, the A321T is one of the most unique aircraft found in an airline’s fleet. Additionally, passengers traveling in the first and business class cabins will have access to premium facilities on the ground while also having the opportunity to enjoy an elevated in-flight experience while onboard.

The Airbus A321T’s days are numbered with the sub-fleet slated to be reconfigured over the next year or so. The good news is that American Airlines will continue to offer an elevated premium cabin experience on routes currently served by the A321T.

Have you ever flown on the American Airlines A321T? Do you have any other questions about the aircraft and the services offered to passengers?

(Featured image contains media from American Airlines)

Read More from the Authors:

• Takeoff to Travel
• The Millenial Traveler
• The Flight Detective