American Airlines isn’t known for flash, but when it comes to its long-haul business class product on the 787-9 Dreamliner, there’s plenty to like — especially when you score it using miles. From lie-flat seats with direct aisle access to surprisingly solid bedding and dependable Wi-Fi, the product is more workhorse than wow-factor, but it gets the job done. And when the goal is to get across the Atlantic rested and on time, that can be more than enough.
American Airlines, one of the “Big Three” U.S. carriers, operates a global network across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. Its widebody fleet includes the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is used on many transatlantic and long-haul international routes.
If you’re looking for a business class seat that checks the right boxes — flat-bed comfort, reliable service, and strong value — American Airlines’ 787-9 is worth considering. We flew from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Barcelona (BCN) and came away impressed with the consistency and comfort, even if the experience doesn’t dazzle with luxury.
This route from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Barcelona (BCN) is one of the more efficient ways to fly nonstop to Spain. And for travelers using AAdvantage miles — or catching a last-minute upgrade — it offers one of the best mileage redemptions in the system.
Booking and Upgrade Options
We booked this flight using $2,200 R/T. A few days before departure, American offered us an upgrade to business class for $350 — an incredible deal considering that nonstop cash fares for this route often range between $5,000 and $6,000.
Award pricing on this route can vary widely, from 57,500 miles to as high as 250,000 miles one-way, thanks to American’s dynamic award pricing. If you’re flexible with travel dates or book far enough in advance, you’ll usually find a good value.
Elite members can also use systemwide upgrades, and occasional paid upgrade offers at check-in make this cabin surprisingly accessible without splurging.
That’s a great deal compared to the cash fare, which usually ranges from $5,000 to $6,000.
If you’re an elite member, you might snag a systemwide upgrade, though they have been difficult to redeem recently. Domestic upgrades are complimentary for elites, but transatlantic legs like this one require a more strategic approach.
Ground Experience
You’ll find dedicated business class counters at Chicago O’Hare Terminal 3, and we breezed through check-in. Security lines were short, and lounge access was included. The Admirals Club was quiet, clean, and had a basic spread of snacks and drinks — nothing fancy, but a nice space to relax before boarding.
Boarding followed group numbers, and business class boarded early, giving us time to settle in without the usual rush.
Cabin and Seat
Once onboard, the 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout in business class stood out. Every seat has direct aisle access, and we liked the privacy and angled design.
There was room for all our essentials — a wide armrest, storage cubbies, USB and power ports, and a large side surface.
We turned the seat into a fully flat bed and got a few hours of solid sleep, thanks in part to the Casper-branded bedding.
Amenities
Each seat had a Shinola amenity kit stocked with socks, lotion, lip balm, and a dental set. The kit felt simple but functional. You’ll also find decent noise-canceling headphones waiting at your seat.
Wi-Fi was available throughout the flight. We bought a plan for email and light browsing, and it worked well for most of the flight.
Food and Drink
Before takeoff, the crew offered a choice of water, juice, or sparkling wine.
Once airborne, the service started with a fresh salad and vinaigrette dressing.
We chose the beef filet for dinner — it came with mashed potatoes and vegetables and was both hot and flavorful.
Dessert was a chocolate mousse that felt light and satisfying.
If you get hungry mid-flight, you can grab snacks like chips and nuts from the galley.
About an hour before landing, breakfast was served: yogurt, fruit, and a warm croissant.
Service
The crew on our flight was attentive and warm without hovering. They checked in frequently, topped off drinks, and kept everything moving smoothly.
In-Flight Entertainment
You’ll find a large touchscreen with a wide range of content: new movies, TV shows, music, and even games. The interface was responsive, and we didn’t experience any glitches.
You can plug in with a USB port or universal outlet.
Arrival
We landed in Barcelona on time, breezed through passport control, and found our bags already waiting — thanks to priority tags for business class.
Conclusion
If you’re flying American Airlines business class on the 787-9, you’ll get comfort and convenience. The seat and bedding make long-haul flights pleasant, the food is solid, and the service is reliable. For a mileage redemption or upgrade, this is one of the smarter ways to cross the Atlantic.
Our Rating
| Aspect | Notes | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|---|
| – Seat Comfort | Spacious, private reverse herringbone seat with a comfortable lie-flat bed. | 9 |
| Cabin Crew | Friendly, proactive, and responsive throughout the journey. | 8 |
| Amenities | Casper bedding and Shinola amenity kit delivered thoughtful comfort. | 8 |
| – Cleanliness | Cabin was tidy and lavatories were well-maintained. | 8 |
| Cents per Mile | Strong value when redeeming miles for a long-haul flight. | 9 |
| – In-flight Entertainment | Good selection with intuitive touchscreen, though headphones were average. | 7 |
| – Food Quality | Meals were fresh and filling, though lacking variety or regional flair. | 6 |
| – Beverage Selection | Full drink service offered a variety of options, both alcoholic and non. | 6 |
| Check-in | Quick and efficient process with helpful ground staff. | 7 |
| Lounges | Admirals Club offered quiet seating, but food and drink were minimal. | 6 |
Total: 74/100
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the business class on American Airlines like?
American Airlines business class on the 787-9 offers lie-flat seats, Casper bedding, solid dining options, and attentive service. It’s designed for comfort, with enough privacy and entertainment to keep most travelers happy on long-haul flights.
How to upgrade to business class on American Airlines?
You can upgrade using AAdvantage miles, systemwide upgrades (for elites), or by accepting paid upgrade offers at check-in if available. Prices vary, but we were offered a $350 upgrade, which was a great deal.
Is American Airlines business class worth it?
Yes, especially if you redeem miles or get a discounted upgrade. The comfort, service, and flat-bed seat offer excellent value on long international routes.
Are American Airlines business class tickets refundable?
Generally, business class tickets booked with cash or miles are refundable, but fare rules vary. Award tickets may be canceled and redeposited for a fee unless you hold elite status.
Do American Airlines business class seats fully recline?
Yes. On the 787-9, all business class seats recline into a fully flat bed.
Images: All photos by PointsToPictures.
