American A319 & A320 Retrofits: More First Class & Modern Design, But Tighter Cabins - American

American A319 & A320 Retrofits: More First Class & Modern Design, But Tighter Cabins

Ben Schlappig — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:29:24 +0000

In March 2024, American Airlines announced plans to retrofit its entire fleet of Airbus A319 & A320 aircraft. The first of those A319s entered service earlier this year, and now the first of the A320s with the new interiors is flying passengers.

Continue reading: American A319 & A320 Retrofits: More First Class & Modern Design, But Tighter Cabins

Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.

omarsidd — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:25:06 +0000

Updated cabins are nice. Interesting that they're putting in effort for a full interior overhaul for 21+ year old airframe rather than just retiring them (A319 is one of my least favorite AA aircraft to find myself on)... but maybe this will change that.

Earl Elms — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:32:12 +0000

American has no idea of who and what they want to be They want to be the USA premier carrier and then pull stunts like tighter economy class and less legroom in First. Adding to worse infighting meals As a DFW resident it makes me sick and wish I had more choices——

Bill J — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 21:59:03 +0000

"I want updated finishes and denser layouts with less legroom!" said nobody ever BUT, "I want lower ticket prices, less expensive upgrades or more free upgrades" said everybody ever and so, indirectly, we did ask.

Ricky — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:58:35 +0000

@AeroB13a, I don't know why you keep comparing Tim to Walter Mitty. Thanks to you (really, I had to see why), last weekend I finally decided to watch "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (the 1947 version, not Ben Stiller's.) It was ok though Danny Kaye was wonderful as the daydreamer but I was more mesmerized by the colorful splendor of NYC in the mid-40s. In the end, Walter saves the day and gets the girl of his dreams, the gorgeous Virginia Mayo. I also read the short story, which is just about his daydreaming without the criminal plot. We all fantasize about different things, like flying on Etihad's The Apartment, no?

TravelinWilly — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:31:00 +0000

"Did you miss the part in which the configuration is the exact same as DL'2 319 (or less dense for the A320)?" No, I just forgot to do the classic whataboutism, à la Tim Dunn. Thanks for covering so aptly.

AreoB13a — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:23:38 +0000

Thanks again for the grin, ORD. You really are more fun than the GA preacher boy.

sunviking82 — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:19:15 +0000

The A319 will match the same configuration and DL refit, so AA isn't any better or worse. The big improvement will be the A320s same 150 verses DL 157 and a LOT more MCE seats plus an extra row of FC. The A320s really did need a remodel (beyond a refresh and this is a big plus moving forward (like NWA DC-9 updates in the 2000 that added years of life). We don't get as many A319/320 in PHX any more mostly A321 and 737 but will be nice when we do to have the overhead space and device holders (not a huge advocate of seat back screens). Now if the A319/A320 look and feel as nice or nicer than the A321s it's a win for sure. Now if a row of seats could be removed from the 737s and a few MCE rows added, it would be a huge plus for AA passengers and especially us Platinum and higher flyers.

AeroB13a — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:15:35 +0000

Therefore Walter, the answer to my question is? Go on, be brave and act like a man by telling the truth.

ORD_Is_My_Second_Home — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:11:19 +0000

Well, I want updated finishes and denser layouts with less legroom. That way, I can travel on AA in a nicer environment with huge fatasses driven to other airlines and therefore not seated next to me like last week when I was trapped in a window seat (which I hate; I prefer aisle but couldn't get one) by a tall fatass who somehow thought that he could fit into an exit row middle. I approve of the airline I fly driving the fatasses off and to other carriers.