Over the summer, we saw American Airlines introduce its long awaited new Boeing 787-9Ps, featuring all-new cabins. This is an exciting development for the airline, as it represents a significantly upgraded passenger experience over what you’ll otherwise find on the carrier’s long haul flights.
Of course one common question is which routes actually feature these new planes. So in this post, I’d like to go over that — which planes have the new cabins, and which routes do they fly?
In this post:
Basics of American’s new 244-seat Boeing 787-9Ps
Prior to 2025, American already had 59 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in its fleet, split between the 787-8 and 787-9. However, American had another 30 787-9s on order, which will be delivered through 2029.
What’s exciting about these planes is that they feature an all-new passenger experience, and are in an ultra premium configuration. The planes are designated as Boeing 787-9Ps (with the “P” standing for “premium”), and they feature just 244 seats.
These planes have a total of 51 business class seats, which are American’s new Flagship Suite business class product, with doors and upgraded tech. I’ve reviewed this new business class, and it’s an awesome experience. Eight of these seats are Flagship Suite Preferred seats, featuring even more space and amenities (it’s essentially a “business class plus” product).
The planes then feature 32 premium economy seats, in a 2-3-2 configuration, and this is also a significant upgrade over the old product. In particular, there’s better tech, with bluetooth audio, additional charging options, and more.
Lastly, the plane features 161 economy seats, in a 3-3-3 configuration, so it’s a more intimate economy cabin than you’ll find on American’s other planes… but economy is still economy, so…
The 787-9Ps also have Viasat Wi-Fi, which represents a very nice upgrade over American’s old connectivity system.
American’s Boeing 787-9P routes & flights
If you want to actually fly an American Boeing 787-9P with these new interiors, what are your best odds of getting on one of these? The good news is that they’re consistently scheduled on certain routes.
As it currently stands, American has eight Boeing 787-9Ps in its fleet, and the planes have the registration codes N842AA, N843AN, N844MC, N845MD, N846AN, N847MF, N848AN, and N849AN.
When you go to book a ticket, you can tell if your flight is scheduled to be operated by this plane if you see it listed as a “787-9P” or “78P,” since that “P” is the designator for this aircraft.
As you’d expect, airlines adjust their schedules seasonally, since demand isn’t consistent throughout the year. With that in mind, here are the routes where you’ll find American’s 787-9Ps, as this will change in the coming months, especially as the airline continues to take delivery of new planes:
- On an ongoing basis, American is flying 787-9Ps on all flights between Chicago (ORD) and London (LHR)
- On an ongoing basis, American is flying 787-9Ps on one daily flight between Philadelphia (PHL) and London (LHR)
- Through October 25, 2025, American is flying 787-9Ps on flights between Philadelphia (PHL) and Zurich (ZRH)
- Between October 25, 2025, and March 28, 2026, American will fly its 787-9Ps between Dallas (DFW) and Brisbane (BNE)
- Between October 25, 2025, and January 5, 2026, American will fly its 787-9Ps between Philadelphia (PHL) and London (LHR)
- Between October 26, 2025, and January 5, 2026, American will fly its 787-9Ps between Dallas (DFW) and Buenos Aires (EZE)
- Between October 26, 2025, and January 5, 2026, American will fly its 787-9Ps between Dallas (DFW) and London (LHR); it’ll initially be one daily flight, between increasing to two daily flights as of December 5
- Between January 5 and March 28, 2026, American will fly its 787-9Ps between Dallas (DFW) and Auckland (AKL)
Of course let me emphasize that schedules are always subject to change, and the above is just how things currently stand.
Bottom line
In recent months, we’ve seen American start to take delivery of its brand new Boeing 787-9s, featuring a more premium layout, plus new cabins. These are exciting planes for passengers, as they feature a much improved passenger experience. They’re also great in terms of upgrades and awards, given the number of premium seats.
If you want to fly American’s new 787-9Ps, your best bet is the Chicago to London route. However, there are other routes that have these planes, and this coming winter, we’ll see the 787-9Ps operate some ultra long haul flights to the South Pacific, where passengers will most appreciate the product.
What do you make of American’s new Boeing 787-9Ps, and the routes they’re flying?
Ben,
What is the name of your other company that assists travelers with using their mileage miles.
I noticed a lot of similarities between the Qatar QSuite and AAs new 787-9P J class suites. Sure enough they have roots with Adient Aerospace’s “The Ascent suite” illegal
I don’t know how illegal got in there. My iPad might have been listening to the program on prohibition. Lol
I'm scheduled on one next year. Of the seven currently reserved seats, mine is the only one in any of the 8 upgraded seats. Either people don't know (likely) or just don't want front of cabin seating.
I'm on this flight from Zurich for Philly. Is it worth it for my to select the flagship suite seats since it's a daytime flight?
American is putting these planes on JFK-LHR as well, for a short period of time in December. Believe it is the two overnight frequencies (AA 100 and 104).
Brisbane is an interesting one to me. Is there really that much premium demand to where they need this plane vs their older config 787-9s? Or I guess better way to ask, is there no other market that could've warranted it?
Anyway, glad AA is rolling these out, and UA to roll their upgraded J-class birds out soon too.
Can we not gloss over the paltry main cabin extra offering on this aircraft. Only 18 seats and 6 of them are exit row. So for families looking for extra legroom in economy there are barely any seats to upgrade to.
Sure plenty of J and PE seats but not always flying with the family in J or PE, especially on relatively short flights like JFK-LHR. I’ll take a 777 and my status benefits...
Can we not gloss over the paltry main cabin extra offering on this aircraft. Only 18 seats and 6 of them are exit row. So for families looking for extra legroom in economy there are barely any seats to upgrade to.
Sure plenty of J and PE seats but not always flying with the family in J or PE, especially on relatively short flights like JFK-LHR. I’ll take a 777 and my status benefits that allow me to select MCE seats any day of the week over this configuration.
And the 777-300 retrofit will increase MCE seats from 28 to 30, I believe. Very curious to see what they do on the 200s.
Flew it PHL-LHR-PHL. Like all of my flights over the Atlantic this summer, Business and Premium were completely full. Economy was 80-90%. Really not a bad ride in economy. No entertainment boxes blocking foot room, Having Bluetooth is great and the food was good. They even served a tea sandwich & scone with clotted crème for the 2nd meal LHR-PHL.
If there are 51 business class seats, how many of these are really being sold?
For example on the ORD TO LHR route, Untied is already flying their high J configuration. Between American and United that’s 291 business class seats not including British airways seats.
On a Sunday or Monday night, a large amount of seats may fill up, but on a random Wednesday or Friday night, how many of these seats are selling?
Ben, when you reviewed this product you flew in one of the larger bulkhead suites. Any issues with proximity to the galley or bathroom? I usually try to avoid seats within a couple rows of those areas.
He didn’t fly in one of the larger bullhead suites though…
Yup, I should have reread his review before posting. Got it mixed up in my brain with another review.
@DavidW I flew in 1A LHR-ORD. Galley noise and light didn’t bother me with the suite door closed and my headphones on.
AA is also using the 78P on one JFK-LHR frequency (AA 104/5) this winter.