American Airlines First Class Review: London to Miami
I seem to have been flying to Miami a few times recently, often for the start of a cruise, and will be coming back again at least once later in the year for a Fora event. Normally, having to connect via London, I usually opt for British Airways, but this time I thought it would be good to have a change, and I’m flying out on an American Airlines flight, albeit with a BA codeshare flight number, and then returning on British Airways.
On this trip, I’m travelling to Miami to join one of the inaugural cruises for Norwegian Luna, a 7-day voyage including Belize, Honduras and Mexico. If you want to follow along with the whole itinerary, this can be found here.
As I said, I initially booked this flight thinking that AA had new First Class suites - as I’d seen a lot of references online to new Flagship Suites. I did think there was minimal reference to First Class vs Business, but I then realised that the new suites they are advertising a bit just now are Flagship Business Suites, not First. In fact, I understand that on plane remodels, American Airlines are removing First Class in favour of larger Business Class sections. On this aircraft, there were two rows of First in a separate cabin at the front, rows 1 and 2, in a 1-2-1 dual aisle configuration.
What You’ll Find in This Review
A detailed look at the full journey from London to Miami, from departure to arrival.
Overview
Pre-trip & Booking
Route, Aircraft & Cabin
Fast Facts about American Airlines
Departure Experience
Airport & Check-in
Lounge
Boarding
Onboard Experience
First Impressions (Welcome & Cabin)
The Seat
Comfort & Amenities
Food & Drink
In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)
WiFi
Arrival Experience
The Private Traveller’s Verdict
Absolute Highlights
Top Tips (What Could Be Improved)
Would I Fly American Airlines Again?
Final Thoughts
Overview
Pre-trip & Booking
I booked as usual with British Airways, so it was familiar and very easy, selecting the BA codeshare flight operated by American Airlines vs a BA flight. Although the whole booking appeared in my BA app, there was limited information about the Miami leg for seating etc. In order to access this via the AA app, I had to get a different booking reference, but once I had that, everything worked really well.
Route, Aircraft and Cabin
This flight was operated by American Airlines on the Boeing 777-300ER, flying from London Heathrow to Miami as part of a British Airways codeshare booking. Whilst the booking process itself was handled through BA, accessing seat selection and full flight details required switching into the American Airlines system using a separate reference.
The aircraft featured a dedicated First Class cabin at the front, arranged across just two rows in a 1-2-1 configuration. Although I had initially expected to experience American’s newer “Flagship Suites”, these are in fact part of their updated Business Class product, with First Class on this aircraft representing an older, more traditional layout — something which is gradually being phased out across the fleet.
Fast Facts about American Airlines
| Website | aa.com |
| Skytrax ranking | 3 Star |
| @americanair | @oneworld | |
| Flights | LHR – MIA AA39 (sold as BA1528) |
| Scheduled time | 10 hours |
| Actual time | 8 hours 57 minutes |
| Aircraft | Boeing 777-323ER (N729AN), 11 years old |
| Flew | April 2026 |
Departure Experience
Airport & Check-In
Leaving from Edinburgh first on the domestic was very straightforward, despite looming Easter school holidays, the airport was remarkably quiet and there was no one (customer wise) at the BA counters, and indeed only one staff member. I got checked in quickly, deciding that I would only check my bag to London, and then try out the full check-in experience at London’s Terminal 3 the following morning with American Airlines.
Staying overnight at the Sofitel London Heathrow (at T5 vs T3), this was easy to check into after my flight, just as always there seemed to be a long wait to retrieve my luggage, and a ridiculously long bus transfer from the plane to the terminal. I was on the first coach, and we then found the driver drove around and then went back to the plane. The general consensus on the coach was that he didn’t know where to go, and had to go back to ask for directions. Being the first bus, we then ended up being the third to arrive at the terminal.
Going from T5 to T3 on the free Heathrow Express, this was a quick and easy commute and I was soon checking in at area D (for American) at Heathrow’s Terminal 3. There were dedicated Flagship First check in desks, and I was quickly re-checked in and issued a boarding pass. Terminal 3 isn’t somewhere I fly from a lot, so I needed to refamiliarise myself with the lounge options, where actually I had four choices:
Lounge B - Qantas
Lounge C - Cathay Pacific
Lounge F - British Airways
Lounge H - American Airlines (Admirals Club)
Upstairs from the check in area was departures, with a separate Fast Track area beyond the usual lanes, and after a quick boarding pass scan I was into security which was quick and easy.
Lounge
As above, I had four options here to choose from, and I thought first I should try out the American Airlines Admirals Club. I got a good welcome, by having my boarding pass scanned, and I was directed to the right where there was a First Class section. I was initially thinking this was going to be like the BA Concorde Room, but I quickly realised it was a more general First Class / OneWorld Emerald lounge, albeit it was decent, though quite busy. After being welcomed on arrival with a Bucks Fizz (different options of champagne available) I went to the dining area for breakfast, and there was a decent selection.
I opted for my regular breakfast choice of avocado toast and green tea, which was fine - just nothing like the Concorde Room’s California Toast. With the rest of the lounge area being quite busy, I also took the chance to go and try out another lounge, this time the Cathay Pacific.
Heading back down the corridor, the Cathay Pacific lounge (Lounge C) was much, much better. Again there was a good welcome, and I was directed to the First Class section which was much quieter than AA, and felt a lot more exclusive. There was a small separate dining area, and much more choice of seating with both a large drinks area, and a separate pantry style corridor for food and snacks.
Boarding
It was a bit of a walk to Gate 18, and when I got there there was a massive queue to enter the gate area. Although there were no obvious signs, too many people I did get to the head of the queue to find there was a separate priority area, and I was directed into the waiting area. There was already a short queue at the boarding door, and I noticed a staff member holding a ConciergeKey sign - this is apparently the invitation-only top-tier status for AA.
When she passed me, I inquired as to whether that was First Class too, but she said no. She did say however that there would be a boarding announcement for First Class immediately after the pre-boards. In fact there wasn’t, and although she escorted the ConciergeKey passengers (there was maybe about a dozen, and I don’t think any of them were in First Class), the next announcement after anyone needing preboarding (wheelchairs etc.) was for general Business Class, and this was a large group. A bit disappointing that they didn’t acknowledge that it would have been easier to get the First Class passengers through first to the front of the plane, rather than having to nav
On Board Experience
First Impressions (Welcome & Cabin)
The welcome on board made up for this, and as soon I was at my seat, I was welcomed by Pamela, one of the crew. She asked if I would like a welcome drink, and I just opted for some water. There was a decent amount of space in the cabin, two rows and each a spacious suite, just as I say quite odd (now) all seats being so open. There was decent storage in the overhead bins above, but these only worked on the window sides so the central passengers had to store luggage there too.
The Seat
Although a bit dated, it was actually very comfortable, with the seat itself having a mattress topper-like detachable seat cover - if the seat was fully reclined in the bed position, this would fold out to cover the whole length. The seat was positioned facing forward, where it had to be for take off and landing, but once in the air there was a button on the front right hand side which would release the seat movement to swivel facing slightly inwards for (very slightly more privacy) and to be facing the TV screen. There were manual release handles on either side of the seat for the armrests, so they could be lowered.
There was an electronic control pad (dated touchscreen) where you could preselect different positions for the chair (like dining, movie, bed etc.), switch on the massage function and also set a privacy setting. There was a separate bag with a duvet and pillow, and a separate blanket with another seat cushion. Overall, the seat was very good. The only thing which felt obvious now, but never used to, was the complete open-ness, which now so often you have a suite screen.
Power sockets were decent, there were some USB-B’s (the older style I think they’re called B) and two normal sockets which worked for multi-plugs.
Comfort and Amenities
The seat had a lot of storage areas, and in one of the side ‘pockets’ was a pair of slippers. Sleep suits were on request, and very comfortable albeit seemed relatively small sizing US-wise. I went for the L/XL, which probably felt more like M/L.
There seemed to be two varieties of washbags, mine was a very comprehensive two section pack with a base layer containing 100 branded socks and eyeshade, with a top section too.
This contained a dental kit; a face mask, eye patches, refreshing towel, lip balm, hand & body lotion and facial mist all by Joanna Vargas; and earplugs, mouthwash, tissues and a hairbrush.
Whilst American Airlines as we know it today took shape in the 1930s, the airline traces its origins back to 1926 — which is why 2026 marks its centennial year, celebrating 100 years of flight.
Food and Drink
Quite soon on boarding, I was asked for my menu choices for lunch. Thankfully there were some decent options for a vegetarian, as there was a cabin-wide announcement about there being no special meals whatsoever on board. I chose from the menu (Italian Burrata as a starter, Carrot & Cilantro Soup, Caesar Salad, and the Handmade Truffle Medaglioni Pasta).
Food was served not long after take-off, which was great timing with it being lunchtime, decent quality and well presented. I had an Aviation Gin & Tonic served first, and was offered plenty of mineral water and top ups throughout the meal, and beyond. This came with a selection of olives and some warmed nuts.
For desert, there was the traditional American Ice Cream Sundae, with a selection of toppings.
Throughout the flight I was offered top ups of drinks, there was a bottle of mineral water at each seat, and in the front First galley was a trolley with snacks and extra drinks throughout. A little before landing, I was offered another snack - and although no menu, there were various options like sliders, salads etc. I went for the only thing which sounded vegetarian, a Beets Salad with goats cheese and crackers, served with a side of fruit, a bag of chips/crisps, and a pannacotta type desert. Just before landing, there was also a warmed cookie option too.
IFE (In Flight Entertainment)
Again this was slightly dated, but a decent sized screen which was moveable to a degree, and either controlled by touchscreen or a separate ‘remote’ wired into the seat surround. With Wi-Fi being non-existent for me during the flight (more next) I ended up watching three latest films - The Housemaid, Song Sung Blue, and then After The Hunt. All good films, it was just a bit hard to see the detail on some messages which were shown in the Julia Roberts film (After The Hunt) because of the screen resolution!
Wi-Fi
This was probably one (and only really) of the most frustrating things about the flight - I tried connecting both my Macbook and iPhone, but just to no avail. I could get as far as seeing the options were for a package of either $29 for two hours or a flight pass (whole flight) for $35. I would have gone for the whole flight options, but despite trying on phone and Macbook, nothing worked. I did keep trying, not being sure if this was a signal thing in flight or a technology issue with me (I disconnected my VPN etc.) but just nothing would make it work. I did ask the cabin crew, but all they could say was that it was working, and other passengers were connected.
After trying for so long, and at times throughout the flight, but eventually just gave in and accepted that I would just be watching films.
Arrival Experience
We landed ahead of schedule, and it wasn’t long before we were at the terminal and de-planing. I did wonder why the airport felt different, and the Global Entry machines were different, but then stupidly I realised that of course we had come into a different part vs the usual British Airways part of the terminals. Without having to take the train, I was through immigration even quicker, and was waiting (for quite a long time) in the baggage hall.
The Private Traveller’s Verdict
Absolute Highlights
Very comfortable First Class seat / space
Good films
Very decent food, but disappointing no special meals
Great welcome on board, and other crew very pleasant throughout the flight too
On flight time
Two toilets for just 8 passengers, and actually felt more spacious than normal, and also a bit more modern than I was expecting with the age of the aircraft and the age of the seating
Not that it was the AA lounge, but having access to the Cathay Pacific lounge too was great
Top Tips (What Could Be Improved)
Disappointing no priority boarding for First Class, despite being told there would be
On board Wi-Fi - just couldn’t get it to work (not that I even got as far as paying for it, but you’d have thought one device could have been free for First)
Seating quite dated (and not having a suite door), but I think on reflection these First Class cabins on AA won’t be around for that much longer anyway
Would I fly American Airways again?
Definitely, it was a nice change from BA and worked well with the timings to Miami. Also seemed a much speedier arrival at Miami International (without having to take the train) but then I did have to wait longer for the baggage arrival.
Final Thoughts
Overall this turned out to be a very decent experience - I was initially disappointed (after booking) thinking that I had booked brand new First Class Suites, only to find that those advertised were Business Class on some newly refitted aircraft. But, that said, it was a very comfortable flight - the only thing I didn’t really try out, with it being a daytime flight, was the full bed experience. Maybe next time, on an overnight return flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Airlines First Class worth it on the London to Miami route?
American Airlines offers a comfortable and reliable First Class experience on the Boeing 777-300ER, particularly for daytime flights. Whilst the product feels slightly dated compared to newer competitors, the seat comfort, food quality and service make it a strong transatlantic option — especially whilst it is still available.
What is the American Airlines 777-300ER First Class seat like?
The First Class seat on the 777-300ER is spacious and converts into a fully flat bed, with multiple seating positions and good storage. However, it lacks the privacy doors now found on many newer premium cabins, making it feel more open and traditional in design.
How does American Airlines First Class compare to British Airways on this route?
American Airlines offers a similarly comfortable experience, but with a slightly different onboard style. British Airways tends to feel more refined in its latest Club Suite product, whilst American Airlines First Class offers more space and a smaller, more private cabin — albeit with a more dated design.
Do you get lounge access with American Airlines First Class from Heathrow?
Yes, passengers flying in First Class have access to oneworld partner lounges at Heathrow Terminal 3, including the American Airlines Admirals Club and the Cathay Pacific First Class lounge, depending on eligibility.
What is the food like on American Airlines First Class?
The onboard dining is well-timed and good quality, with multiple courses and a range of drinks available throughout the flight. Whilst special meals may not always be available, the standard menu offers solid options and a consistent service experience.
Is WiFi reliable on American Airlines long haul flights?
WiFi availability can vary. Whilst packages are offered onboard, connectivity may not always work reliably depending on the aircraft and route, and this can be one of the weaker aspects of the experience.
Does American Airlines still have First Class on international flights?
Some aircraft, including the Boeing 777-300ER, still feature a small First Class cabin. However, American Airlines is gradually moving towards enhanced Business Class “Flagship Suites”, with First Class being phased out on many future aircraft.
Why is American Airlines celebrating 100 years?
Although American Airlines was formally established in the 1930s, it traces its origins back to 1926, which is why 2026 marks its centennial year, celebrating 100 years of operations.
Booking With The Private Traveller
Planning a trip like this yourself is one thing — experiencing it in the right way is another entirely.
As a Fora Travel Advisor, I work with a global network of luxury partners including leading airlines, hotels and cruise lines to ensure every journey is thoughtfully designed and seamlessly delivered.
Whether it’s securing the best available fares, advising on the right cabin or suite, or curating the perfect pre- and post-trip experience, I offer a highly personalised service built around first-hand insight and attention to detail.
For many bookings, I’m also able to offer additional benefits such as:
Priority upgrades (subject to availability)
Hotel credits
Complimentary breakfast
Early check-in and late check-out
All at the same publicly available rates.
If you’re considering a trip like this — or something entirely different — I’d be delighted to help.
A detailed review of American Airlines First Class on the Boeing 777-300ER from London Heathrow to Miami. From lounge access and boarding to the seat, dining and onboard experience, this review explores whether AA’s First Class still holds its place — and how it compares to British Airways on the same route.