American Airlines A321T Retirement Plans

by Krish Patel

Soon, we can start saying goodbye to American Airlines’ flagship domestic jet. The Airbus A321T (T standing for transcon) is a 102-seat jet that has been operating the airline’s most premium-heavy domestic routes across the country since 2014. But now, it’s time for this aircraft to begin heading in for retirement. 

American will slowly phase out the A321T from its fleet as it welcomes the more fuel-efficient A321XLR. On two of its transcontinental routes, the swanky jet will be phased out by the end of the year:

• Boston – Los Angeles (ends August 4)

• New York – San Francisco (ends October 4)

After the transcontinental A321s are phased out on both routes, they will exclusively see the A321XLR. The current A321Ts American operates feature 10 First Class, 20 seats in Flagship Business, and 72 in Main Cabin. We had the chance to experience American’s Business Class on this same aircraft last summer flying between San Francisco and New York. 

Meanwhile, the brand new A321XLRs include a Premium Economy cabin, but no First Class seating. With retirement plans for the A321T, American Airlines is also going to phase out its First Class product, which can be found on the Boeing 777-300ER jets as well. As a replacement for First Class, larger and more premium Business Class cabins will be brought to the airline’s fleet. 

While I’m excited to see what American’s A321XLR will have in store for passengers, I’ll personally miss the A321T. Its smaller configuration of only 102 seats gives the cabin a cozy, intimate feel. The aircraft will still be flying from JFK to Los Angeles and Orange County for a couple of months after they no longer see the Boston and San Francisco routes.