American Airlines Shows Off Swanky New Cabins The air carrier is planning to make its cabins feel more like 'sky hotels.'
By Wendy Frink
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
Anyone who has ever flown knows it's not always a pleasant experience. Zero privacy and cramped seating make for less-than-ideal travel. Especially when said travel is a 10-hour flight.
While carriers such as Virgin pride themselves on offering mood lighting and comfier seats, the biggest carriers still have a bit of catching up to do. And it looks like American Airlines is doing just that, aiming to debut its newly retrofitted 777–200 cabins on international flights this fall.
Related: 10 Travel Hacks Every Business Traveler Should Know
American was in Hamburg for the Aircraft Interiors Expo, where executives gave an audio-visual presentation of the new design to global travel news site Skift.
Lobby Bar
The galley entry will be replaced with a lobby bar, which will have refreshments and snacks for business class passengers.
Business Class Seat
With comfortable seat backs and privacy lighting, business passengers will be able to get work done without the fear of looky-loos peering over their shoulders.
Business Class Bed
… Or if they'd rather sleep, they now have a cozy duvet to use.
Main Cabin Entertainment
The main cabin (coach) will have access to the same entertainment options as business class, with large screens and power outlets. Legroom will be increased, but seats are anticipated to be slightly narrower than those today. However, the seatback incline will increase, according to American.
Business Class Aerial View
"You spend so much time there [in an airplane], it's your living room, it's your dining room, it's your bedroom, it's your study. It should be like home," said Alice Liu, managing director of onboard products for American Airlines, according to Skift.
Business Class Seat View
The "sky-hotel" boasts lots of surface area so you don't have to balance your laptop while you eat. Hallelujah.
