American Airlines to Start Flying Boeing 777 (with Premium Economy) from New York to LAX

by Krish Patel

In the coming months, American Airlines will not only begin flying Premium Economy on its transcontinental routes; they will be deploying widebody aircraft between New York and LAX for the first time in years.

JFK to LAX American Airlines Aircraft Change

Specifically, American will begin flying the Boeing 777-200ER from JFK to LAX as of October 5, 2025. Tickets for 777-200 flights from New York to Los Angeles are set to go on sale July 28. 

This shift in the change of aircraft on this route will mark the first time in years American has flown widebody planes on transcontinental routes. Usually, they’re used on long haul international flights, as well as select routes to Hawaii.

The 777-200ER features 37 seats in Flagship Business, 24 in Premium Economy, and 212 in Main Cabin. For passengers, this means that there won’t be Flagship First seating on any of the 777 operated flights to LA. 

“Why is American Airlines changing the aircraft type on the New York to Los Angeles route?” you might be asking.

Well, the Boeing 777 is set to replace the Airbus A321T on this high-demand transcontinental route. American Airlines is converting the transcontinental A321s into those with the standard domestic configuration, featuring domestic First Class recliners and Main Cabin seats. The 777-200ERs will serve as a temporary substitute on this route until AA takes delivery of the A321XLR, which will then be used on the airline’s transcontinental journeys. Airbus isn’t keeping up with the expected number of A321XLR deliveries and the older A321Ts require significant maintenance.

Introduction of Premium Economy

Both United and Delta offer a Premium Economy cabin on their transcontinental services from New York to California, but American hasn’t joined its competitors yet. A Premium Economy cabin will also be seen on the new A321XLRs once they’re delivered to American. But for now, the 777s will offer elevated widebody comfort, which includes more spacious seats than Main Cabin in Premium, as well as elevated dining and an amenity kit. 

Conclusion

From October 5, 2025, American Airlines will begin flying the 777-200 on its transcontinental hub-to-hub route between New York and Los Angeles. Selling Premium Economy and operating a widebody on this route represents a significant change for the company because the carrier has exclusively operated A321s between the two cities for years. The transition to the Boeing 777 will be a progressive change that also involves the A321Ts to be retrofitted with the domestic interiors. But for the time being, the aircraft should make for a spacious ride across the country. 

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