American Airlines will expand its sweeping modernization of the inflight customer experience by bringing Starlink to all mainline aircraft, including Airbus narrowbodies and Boeing narrowbodies and widebodies. Installations will begin in early 2027. With plans to equip more than 1,000 mainline aircraft, American aims to operate one of the world’s largest Starlink-connected fleets equipped with Starlink’s Performance Aero Terminal, which can deliver speeds of up to 1 Gbps per terminal.

The mainline rollout builds on American’s recent connectivity investments, including the airline’s announcement last May to install Starlink on more than 500 Airbus aircraft. The expanded program will extend Starlink across American’s entire mainline fleet of more than 1,000 Airbus and Boeing narrowbody and widebody aircraft, bringing a consistent, high-performance connectivity experience to customers across its global network.

Starlink will bring fast, reliable Wi-Fi to customers throughout their journey, making it easier to stay connected from gate to gate. Whether responding to emails, catching up on messages, streaming favorite shows, browsing the web or keeping the family entertained, customers can enjoy a seamless online experience in the air.

More than 165 million customers fly on a mainline American aircraft each year across four fleet families. That number is expected to grow as the airline takes delivery of more than 300 new mainline aircraft in the coming years.

American’s mainline fleet
Airbus narrowbodies	500+
Boeing narrowbodies	400+
Boeing widebodies	130+
Total mainline fleet	1,030+

American Airlines is doubling down on its premium investment in Charlotte, North Carolina, by announcing plans to open the largest Admirals Club^® lounge in its network at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

Last year, American announced its plans to increase lounge space for customers traveling through this busy connecting hub, including opening its first-ever Flagship^® lounge. The new Admirals Club^®lounge will ultimately span more than 40,000 square feet upon completion in the airport’s atrium on the mezzanine level. Centrally located, the lounge will offer expansive views of the concourse below.

“Designing a lounge that gives our customers more space to relax, work and recharge is our top priority,” said American’s Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden. “We’re incredibly excited to bring our biggest Admirals Club^® lounge yet to CLT, where millions of customers pass through every year.”

Construction will begin this year, and the current lounge spaces, including the Provisions by Admirals Club℠ lounge near Gate A1 and the Admirals Club^® lounges in Concourse B and Concourse C/D, will remain open for customers during construction.

The design of the new space draws inspiration from Charlotte’s unique character, incorporating elements that reflect the city’s tree canopy, rich textile heritage and blend of modern sophistication with southern charm. Once complete, the space will feature distinct zones tailored to traveler needs, including spa-style shower suites, bars and serveries and multiple areas where customers can relax, dine, work and recharge.

CLT is American’s second-largest hub, connecting millions of passengers to more than 180 destinations in 27 countries. American currently offers over 650 peak daily flights, giving customers on the East Coast easy access to destinations around the world.

“The plan for our new lounge at CLT represents our continued investment in the customer experience and reflects our long-standing commitment to Charlotte,” said American’s Senior Vice President of CLT Operations Ralph Lopez Massas. “Set to become the largest lounge in our global network at one of our most connected hubs, it will give customers an exceptional space to enjoy while showcasing the unique character of our region.”

American Airlines has launched applications for its 2027 flight attendant trainee classes, seeking the next generation of team members committed to safety and customer care. 

Flight attendants play a crucial role in delivering American’s elevated experience to customers. With more than 30,000 flight attendants currently serving customers around the world, American is preparing to invite and welcome new trainees to earn their wings in the first half of 2027. 

This year, the airline has enhanced the interview experience for flight attendants by providing a transparent and realistic understanding of what it takes to earn their wings. “As American continues its focus on enhancing the premium experience for customers, improving the candidate experience is one of the many ways we’re ensuring our people are equally committed and prepared to care for people on life’s journey,” said American’s Chief People Officer Cole Brown. “We want the process to mirror the hospitality and service our customers should expect when they travel with us.”

Interested candidates can learn more and apply directly at flightattendants.aa.com through mid-October.

A better candidate experience fuels a better customer experience

Flight attendants are safety professionals and brand ambassadors who help customers navigate milestone moments to their most difficult days. Because they play such an important role in bringing American’s premium experience to life, the airline is focused on finding people who will thrive through the demands of this role with a passion for adhering to high safety standards, providing thoughtful care and delivering elevated service.

Earlier this year, American enhanced the onboarding and graduation experience for new flight attendants. Now, the airline is applying the same focus to how it selects candidates by giving a realistic understanding of the role — the realities, the rewards and everything in between — even before they apply. 

“Our flight attendants are the ultimate problem solvers and do it with a smile along the way,” says VP of Inflight Bobbi Wells. “Like any career, it will be challenging at times. It’s not a role for everyone. It requires perseverance and commitment, but it’s also a career where you can make a real difference.”

Preparing candidates for a career like no other

To ensure candidates have the best opportunity to prepare, show up confidently and perform their best throughout the interview process, American is also sharing each step of the process in advance. By providing a more transparent recruiting experience, the airline is helping candidates make informed decisions about their future, ensuring that those who choose to join American build long, successful careers.

American Airlines has announced a renewed partnership with Feeding America^®, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. As a Mission Partner, American will continue its commitment to helping end hunger, ensuring everyone across the country has access to the food they need to thrive.

Together, the organizations have expanded access to food and essential resources by supporting the Feeding America network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs, reaching millions of people facing hunger each year.

American also supports Feeding America through donated AAdvantage^® miles, helping network members travel to further their mission while serving communities experiencing food insecurity.

The work continued this September with Hunger Action Month^®, an annual national campaign that raises awareness of food insecurity and calls individuals, organizations and communities to take action to help end hunger in America.

American team members volunteer at last year’s Thanksgiving Mobile Market.

Later this year, American and Feeding America will continue their partnership with the seventh annual Thanksgiving Mobile Market, which brings together volunteers to help distribute food items across Dallas-Fort Worth ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

American team members volunteer at last year’s Thanksgiving Mobile Market.

This Hunger Action Month, AAdvantage^® members can support organizations like Feeding America by donating miles through the Miles for Social Good program.

Donating is simple. AAdvantage^® members can log in to their account, navigate to the Donate pageand select the number of AAdvantage^® miles they wish to contribute.^* Members can select as few as 1,000 miles to help support those who need it most.

Not an AAdvantage^® member? Joining is easy and free at aa.com/aadvantage.

*Minimum donation is 1,000 miles, except for members who have an available balance of less than 1,000 miles, who may donate their entire balance. Donations are not tax deductible. Processing can take up to 48 hours. American Airlines reserves the right to determine the final use of miles within the guidelines of the Miles for Social Good, Miles for Global Health and Well-Being, Miles for Heroes and Miles for Our Planet programs.

Window, aisle or somewhere in between? American Airlines is making it easier for customers to find the perfect seat. A new feature in the American app lets eligible AAdvantage^® members select the seat characteristics they want upon completing their booking. The feature then automatically moves them when a matching seat becomes available. Instead of checking the seat map multiple times before a trip, AAdvantage^® members can choose preferences such as a window, aisle or middle seat and let the app do the work. If an eligible seat matching those preferences becomes available, the app automatically updates the reservation and notifies the customer.

“At American, we’re always looking for ways to make travel easier and more personalized for our customers,” said American’s Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden. “This latest innovation proactively addresses customer preference. It is a simple experience that gives customers more control while asking them to do less.”

The seat monitoring feature is available up to 24 hours before departure for AAdvantage^® members traveling on single-passenger reservations with an assigned seat. AAdvantage^® members can opt in and tailor choices upon completing their booking.

Seat changes are limited to eligible seats within the customer’s existing cabin and will not result in additional seat charges*. Customers set the preferences that guide the feature and control changes to their seat.

This latest enhancement is another step in American’s shift to digital experiences that make a customer’s travel journey easier and more seamless. By reducing routine monitoring and simplifying a common travel decision, the airline’s newest feature helps customers spend less time managing trip details and more time focused on the journey.

Built by emerging technology talent around a real customer need

This new enhancement grew from American’s ADEPT program, a two-year guided development initiative designed to recruit and develop early-career technology talent. ADEPT combines hands-on agile delivery experience with business acumen learning so that participants not only develop technology solutions but also improve business workflows across the airline.

The work began with a straightforward customer problem: finding a seat that matches their preferences often meant returning to the seat map again and again. The ADEPT and Customer Experience teams translated that friction into a digital experience that monitors seat availability, evaluates a customer’s stated preferences and applies eligibility requirements behind the scenes. The result is a simplified experience for the customer powered by technology that monitors seat availability, applies preferences and manages eligibility behind the scenes.

“This latest technology launch shows what can happen when we give talented technologists a meaningful customer problem and the space to solve it,” said American’s Chief Digital and Information Officer Ganesh Jayaram. “The ADEPT team paired fresh thinking with the scale and experience of teams across American to build something practical: technology that removes work from the customer and makes the travel experience feel more seamless. The project also reflects how we’re using AI to help our teams work smarter, accelerating development and allowing technologists to spend more time focused on innovation and delivering value for customers.”

This project reflects how American is developing technology talent while building a repeatable pipeline for customer-focused innovation. Rather than starting with a technology and searching for a use, the team started with a known point of friction and designed the capability around the outcome that mattered most: making travel easier for the customer. The ADEPT team used AI-enabled tools to streamline parts of the design and development process, helping them move from concept to delivery more efficiently while keeping the focus on solving a real customer need.

*There are no additional charges for seat changes on single PNRs but American will not move customers into a higher priced paid seat, even if one comes available within their criteria, to avoid additional charges.

See more ways American is elevating the customer experience through technology:

• From booking to boarding: Giving customers more control throughout their journey
• American’s digital upgrades put more control at customers’ fingertips
• A new digital experience: American gives customers more timely flight information

American Airlines announced:

American Airlines has announced a multiyear partnership with Inter Miami CF, welcoming the premium global airline as the Club’s first-ever Official Airline Partner, as well as an Official Partner of Inter Miami CF and a Founding Partner of Nu Stadium and Miami Freedom Park. Bringing together two globally recognized brands with deep ties to Miami, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to connecting people, cultures and communities around the world through memorable experiences and a passion for the world’s beautiful game. Together, Inter Miami and American will create new ways for fans worldwide to engage with the Club through premium experiences, travel and exclusive access available through the AAdvantage^® program.

As part of the partnership, American will become the entitlement partner of the West Club at Nu Stadium, which will be named the American Lounge. Spanning the entire West Stand of the stadium and featuring more than 1,800 seats, the premium hospitality space will offer fans an elevated matchday experience while reinforcing American’s commitment to delivering exceptional travel and lifestyle experiences for customers. This collaboration also includes international rights that will further support both organizations’ global growth.

Through the airline’s award-winning AAdvantage^® loyalty program, Inter Miami CF Perks will provide AAdvantage^® members with exclusive opportunities to experience Inter Miami CF in new and unique ways. From behind-the-scenes access and premium matchday hospitality to once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities, the partnership will create more opportunities for members to engage with the Club while rewarding their loyalty to American.

Select AAdvantage^® member experiences will include:

• Pitchside access: The opportunity for fans to watch the second half of the match from the pitch side.
• Ultimate matchday experiences: Including travel to Miami, accommodations and access to the American Lounge.
• Fly away trip: Exclusive away match travel experiences providing fans with the opportunity to attend an Inter Miami CF away match.

Beyond Inter Miami CF Perks, AAdvantage^® members can also redeem miles for access to select matches and experiences, creating even more ways to turn loyalty into memorable moments on and off the pitch.

With Miami serving as one of American’s largest hubs and a key international gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, the airline is uniquely positioned to connect Inter Miami CF fans traveling to and from South Florida. Through its extensive network reaching more destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airline, premium travel offerings and industry-leading loyalty program, American will help bring fans closer to the team both at home and on the road.

American will also be integrated across Club content initiatives, including a travel-focused content series highlighting the journeys and experiences surrounding Inter Miami CF throughout the season.

Beyond enhancing the fan experience, Inter Miami CF and American will collaborate on community-focused initiatives throughout the year, including community initiatives designed to positively impact local communities. The partnership will also feature an annual American Theme Night, with the first scheduled for Oct. 14.

American joins a growing roster of strategic partners supporting Inter Miami CF as the Club enters an exciting new chapter in Miami. Anchored by Nu Stadium, the surrounding district is designed to deliver a year-round destination for fútbol, live entertainment, dining, retail, community programming and fan experiences. Fans can be part of the excitement by securing tickets and experiencing the passion firsthand.

American Airlines, in collaboration with Make-A-Wish® and Disney, recently hosted 14 Philadelphia-area families for Wish Flight, a one-of-a-kind travel experience for children fighting critical illnesses to fulfill their wishes to visit Walt Disney World Resort®.

Originally launched as Best Flight Ever in 2023, Wish Flight transforms travel into part of the wish experience. This year’s celebration began at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), where American team members and Make-A-Wish volunteers gathered to give wish families a memorable sendoff before departing for Orlando, Florida.From themed decorations and special surprises to gifted Disney ear headbands and a charter aircraft staffed by volunteer pilots and flight attendants, every detail was designed to make the sendoff extra special. The children enjoyed a slime station, face-painting, balloon art and even a dance floor with a special appearance by SWOOP, the mascot of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Make-A-Wish children and their families receive a warm welcome from American Airlines team members and Make-A-Wish volunteers upon arrival at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

All of the children’s wishes are to visit Walt Disney World Resort, and together with Make-A-Wish, Disney has granted more than 175,000 life-changing wishes like these since 1980. The families will also enjoy a welcome reception at Give Kids The World Village, a whimsical nonprofit resort, where they will stay for six days and five nights while experiencing the magic of Disney.

American Airlines team members celebrate with Make-A-Wish families at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) before their Wish Flight departs for Walt Disney World Resort.

 

AAdvantage®members looking to support Make-A-Wish can donate miles through American’s Let Good Take Flight platform. Throughout September, all donated miles will benefit Make-A-Wish and its mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.Donating is simple. AAdvantage® members can log in to their account, navigate to the Donate pageand select the number of AAdvantage® miles they wish to contribute.* Members can select as few as 1,000 miles to help support those who need it most. Not an AAdvantage® member? Joining is easy and free at aa.com/aadvantage.*Minimum donation is 1,000 miles, except for members who have an available balance of less than 1,000 miles, who may donate their entire balance. Donations are not tax deductible. Processing can take up to 48 hours. American Airlines reserves the right to determine the final use of miles within the guidelines of the Miles for Social Good, Miles for Global Health and Well-Being, Miles for Heroes and Miles for Our Planet programs.

American Airlines announced:

We remember and mourn those who were lost in the tragic events of 9/11, including 23 members of the American Airlines family. Our airline, industry, country and world were forever changed. We will never forget the events of that day.

We honor the extraordinary courage, compassion and selflessness demonstrated in the face of unimaginable tragedy. From team members who remained steadfast in their commitment to care for others on that morning, to those who supported families and communities in the days that followed, we’re thankful to our team for showing remarkable care for others in a time of great grief.

In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, several team members who played a role in helping American move forward reflected on the lessons that continue to guide us, particularly the importance of coming together to care for our customers and team members.

American Airlines and the CR Smith Museum are honoring those on board Flight 11 and Flight 77 and the thousands of lives lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by making the airline and museum’s 9/11 collection available to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and providing financial support through The Never Forget Fund. American is also supporting the future National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center through financial contributions and the donation of artifacts from the airline’s care related to the events at the Pentagon.

“9/11 forever changed our airline, our industry and our world,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “Over the years, our team has worked to honor the legacy of those lost, preserve their memories and shed light on the remarkable showing of care, resilience and humanity that followed that dark day.”

Ensuring generations never forget

Since opening to the public in May 2014, more than 27 million visitors to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum have viewed artifacts related to American, including aircraft fragments, team member identification cards and boarding passes recovered at Ground Zero that help tell the story of the day and its lasting effect.

These artifacts on long-term loan to the Museum have helped to support its important mission to preserve the history of the events of Sept. 11 while ensuring future generations understand the profound effect of that day.

Expanding access to American’s 9/11 collection

The CR Smith Museum, located on American’s Robert L. Crandall Campus in Fort Worth, Texas, currently houses more than 1,000 additional artifacts connected to the events of Sept. 11 and the extraordinary outpouring of support that followed from the aviation industry and global community.

“While these items have served as a powerful educational resource for our team members and the public who have visited the CR Smith Museum over the past several years, their appropriate home should be where they can reach the broadest possible audience and contribute to the ongoing mission of remembrance and education,” continued Isom.

American and the CR Smith Museum plan to make additional artifacts from their collections available to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, whether through donation or an expansion of the current long-term loan. These additional artifacts include items such as:

• A flag passed from flight deck to flight deck of American’s aircraft as a symbol of resilience, unity and support in the weeks following Sept. 11
• Memorial quilts crafted in honor of those lost
• Hundreds of pieces of correspondence from around the globe that demonstrate an outpouring of support for those lost, the airline and the aviation industry

“With over 100 million Americans born after or too young to remember 9/11, our mission to ‘never forget’ is even more essential,” said President & CEO of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum Beth Hillman. “We are grateful to American Airlines and the CR Smith Museum for supporting our commitment to remembering the courage and resilience shown that day, honoring those who perished and preserving the stories of September 11th for future generations.”

American is also supporting The Never Forget Fund in honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Funds will support this year’s remembrance programming and support the Museum’s mission of education.

Supporting the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center

American is also financially supporting the Pentagon Memorial Fund and its mission to honor the 184 lives lost at the Pentagon on 9/11.

This year, the Pentagon Memorial Fund will mark an important milestone with the groundbreaking of the Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center, a future space dedicated to preserving the stories, lessons and lasting impact of the attacks.

“We are incredibly grateful for American’s pivotal support in making the Visitor Education Center a reality,” said Executive Director of the Pentagon Memorial Fund Joseph E. Kornhoff. “When complete, the Pentagon Memorial’s Visitor Education Center will provide a permanent space to honor the victims from that day and ensure that the courage, sacrifice and history of that day are forever etched into the granite of time.”

As the project moves forward, American looks forward to exploring opportunities to support the Visitor Education Center’s mission to educate and inspire future generations.

The airline and CR Smith Museum are exploring artifacts within their collections that may help bolster the Visitor Education Center’s efforts to educate visitors about American’s response to, and recovery from, the events of that tragic day.