FORT WORTH- American Airlines’ (AA) premium seating on the Airbus A321T has seen a decline in maintenance, leaving passengers dissatisfied. While executives have long acknowledged aging interiors, they have opted against investing in cabin refreshes.
Now, the airline is phasing out premium interiors altogether, replacing them with higher-density seating. This move reduces legroom in economy, further frustrating passengers on key routes like New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX).
Photo: By Venkat Mangudi – P1171058, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46460477American A321T Replaces Premium Seats
American Airlines (AA) A321T fleet, once the premier choice for transcontinental flights, has suffered from a lack of upkeep.
Issues such as broken footrests, worn-out velcro, and deteriorating cabin materials highlight the airline’s reluctance to maintain the aircraft.
Despite acknowledging these concerns as early as 2019, executives have deprioritized interior investments.
According to ViewFromTheWings, A former airline vice president noted that passengers had expressed dissatisfaction with aging interiors, particularly in premium seating.
While maintenance teams were informed of these concerns, the airline chose to focus on superficial cleaning rather than structural improvements.
American Airlines is now removing the A321T’s premium layout, increasing seating capacity at the expense of passenger comfort.
The new configuration will reduce legroom in economy, further diminishing the in-flight experience.
Despite significant investments in premium ground services at New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX), the in-air experience remains subpar.
Customers frequently report dissatisfaction with food, beverages, and overall service quality.
The combination of declining cabin conditions and reduced seating space places American Airlines at a competitive disadvantage in these crucial markets.
Passenger Concerns
While removing premium interiors aligns with the airline’s financial objectives, it has left many passengers questioning their loyalty.
The A321T remains American Airlines’ flagship domestic premium aircraft, yet its deteriorating conditions and reduced space are driving customers to explore alternatives.
@AmericanAir this is your airplane form nyc -LA first class, are you not embarrassed? pic.twitter.com/8pduECaxoY
— shilo b (@Shilobenzeev) February 7, 2025
With competitors offering superior in-flight experiences, American Airlines’ decision to neglect cabin maintenance while reducing legroom may impact its standing in key markets.
Although the airline acknowledges these concerns, a full cabin refresh remains unlikely, leaving passengers to endure substandard conditions until the transition is complete.
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