WASHINGTON— American Airlines (AA) is preparing to introduce mattress pads across its entire long-haul network, marking a significant enhancement to its international business class product.
The move follows earlier limited rollouts on select routes and reflects the carrier’s attempt to elevate its premium offering out of major hubs such as Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) and Miami International Airport (MIA).
American Airlines Mattress Pad Rollout
American Airlines will introduce mattress pads for all Flagship Business passengers on long-haul services, expanding a feature previously available only on flights to Asia and Oceania.
The product had been removed in 2024 but reintroduced on a limited basis in mid-2025.
The airline now considers bedding standards a key differentiator as U.S. carriers compete for long-haul premium traffic.
Delta currently provides mattress pads on its long-distance routes, while United is widely recognized for offering one of the strongest bedding packages in the industry. American’s decision ensures its business-class experience remains competitive in this segment.
The airline’s leadership has stated that the soft-product upgrade is part of a broader effort to reposition the brand toward more premium-focused travelers.
Premium Cabin Enhancements
The mattress pads form only one component of a larger enhancement program underway at American Airlines. The carrier has begun modernizing its premium cabins through improved catering, refreshed lounge offerings, and new business class seats rolling out on Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
The Adient Ascent seat, now featured on the latest 787-9 deliveries, includes privacy doors and updated technology.
These new configurations increase business class capacity, with the aircraft now offering 51 Flagship Suites instead of the previous 30. Premium economy seating has also expanded from 21 to 32 seats.
Similar retrofits are planned for the Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200ER fleets. The airline is replacing older reverse-herringbone products with newer enclosed-seat designs to ensure consistency across all long-haul widebodies.
The Airbus A321XLR, which American will soon deploy on transatlantic routes, will also feature enclosed herringbone business class suites based on the Collins Aurora design.
Competitive Positioning
American Airlines continues working to close the gap with Delta and United, which currently lead in certain premium service metrics. United maintains a larger widebody fleet, while Delta has invested heavily in its Delta One lounges and upgraded international product strategy.
American’s ongoing improvements aim to increase the airline’s ability to attract high-yield customers across both business and premium leisure markets.
Its leadership has acknowledged the need to modernize the soft and hard products while also expanding long-haul capacity to support network growth.
Although American has historically lagged behind in premium differentiation, the introduction of mattress pads across all long-haul flights signals a clearer shift in strategy and reinforces the carrier’s intention to deliver a consistently elevated experience.
Bottom Line
American Airlines will introduce mattress pads on every long-haul route as part of a broader effort to strengthen its premium cabins.
The update follows a series of product investments, including new business class suites, enhanced catering, and expanded premium seating.
With competition among U.S. carriers intensifying, American’s push to standardize comfort offerings marks an important step in improving its global standing.
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