American Airlines Steps Up Amenities for First Class Passengers

American Airlines (AA) is determined to turn their planes into luxury hotels in the sky, complete with swanky goodie bags. Starting Thursday, September 1, first-class passengers flying on select flights between the U.S. and Heathrow Airport in London will be treated to the carrier's new turndown service. Passengers in the business-class cabin can also expect new perks.

Beginning Sept. 1, first-class customers flying on Boeing 777s between the U.S. and Heathrow will receive a quilted bed topper custom-designed to fit American's popular Flagship Suite, pajamas and slippers as part of the airline's new turndown service. They will also receive a lightweight day blanket, new premium duvet and pillow, and an amenity kit featuring a bag with an authentic Eames Office® design pattern containing Dermalogica® skincare products and other travel necessities.

Also, beginning Sept. 1, customers traveling in American's business class cabin between the U.S. and London onboard Boeing 777s, 767-300s and international 757s will receive a duvet and pillow, slippers, and an amenity kit.

These new perks will be available to all international first-class passengers traveling on Boeing 777s starting October 1. American's business class cabins on all international flights operated by Boeing 777s and 767-300s, and select flights to and from Europe operated by Boeing 757s, will also benefit from the new amenities.

AA hopes their new service-oriented attitude will help them stand out amongst other domestic and international carriers to compete for premium customers. These top-paying customers are vital to the airline industry, which relies on their top-dollar tickets to boost revenues.

This new suite of premium products is a wise investment because it enables us to provide an added level of comfort and style to the in-flight environment - a sentiment applauded by customers on international test flights earlier this month, said Rob Friedman, American Airlines' vice president of marketing.

If you can't afford to shell out the cost of a premium ticket (around $15,000 round-trip from Heathrow) AA recently installed Entertainment On Demand in the cabins on select domestic flights. The new service allows passengers to wirelessly stream movies and TV onto laptops for a flat fee.