American Airlines has commenced operations with its new fleet of Boeing 787-9 aircraft, featuring an upgraded premium configuration and enhanced seating. Shortly after American’s planes entered service in spring 2025, United Airlines announced plans for new interiors in its upcoming deliveries of the same aircraft, with the first of these expected to arrive by the end of 2026. Both airlines are competing to offer a more premium experience on their long-haul flights, prompting a closer look at how their latest offerings compare.
Overview of the New Boeing 787-9s
American Airlines currently operates 33 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Of these, 22 are configured in the airline’s standard layout, while 11 belong to the “78P” subfleet, specifically designed for a premium-heavy experience, including 51 Flagship Suites. American has ordered an additional 20 aircraft, which will be identified by fleet numbers starting with 8M.
In contrast, United Airlines has taken delivery of 48 787-9s, all in a standard layout, and is preparing to receive its first aircraft in the new “78L” subfleet. This new configuration will feature 64 Polaris Suites, making it the largest business class cabin among 787 operators globally. The first aircraft in this series will be designated as N61101.
Both airlines have opted for similar seating products. The business class on both carriers will showcase the Elevate Ascent seat, while the Collins Aspire seat will be used in economy. Notably, United will implement the Collins MiQ for its Premium Plus service, whereas American has chosen the Safran Z535i for its premium economy section.
Comparing the Premium Layouts
When assessing which airline offers a more premium Boeing 787-9 experience, United Airlines emerges as the leader. Its new aircraft will accommodate just 222 seats, incorporating 64 Polaris Suites, 35 Premium Plus seats, 39 Economy Plus seats, and 84 economy seats. This results in 99 premium seats on board, which increases to 138 when including the Economy Plus section.
In contrast, American’s latest 787-9s are configured with 51 Flagship Suites and 32 premium economy seats, along with 18 Main Cabin Extra seats and 143 economy seats, totaling 244 seats. This configuration provides only 83 premium seats, rising to 101 when factoring in the Main Cabin Extra seats—substantially fewer than United’s new designs.
Historically, American Airlines has maintained a more conservative approach to its premium cabin sizes. For instance, its older 787-9s feature only 30 Flagship Business seats, while United’s current models offer 48. This pattern extends across various aircraft types, where American consistently has fewer premium seats compared to United.
United Airlines holds a strong position in key markets, including San Francisco and New York, which are known for high business travel demand. Conversely, American’s primary hub, Dallas/Fort Worth, while significant, does not enjoy the same level of international business travel compared to United’s hubs.
American has recently deployed its 78P subfleet on routes from Chicago and New York to London, and this winter, it will extend operations to Paris and Buenos Aires. United’s initial routes for its new 78L aircraft will focus on long-haul destinations, such as London and Singapore, further emphasizing its premium service focus.
Examining the Interior Features
Both airlines are introducing innovative seating and cabin designs with their new 787-9s. American and United Airlines are debuting the Elevate Ascent in business class, featuring privacy doors and a front-row “business class plus” option. American’s configuration utilizes a reverse herringbone layout, while United offers a mix of reverse herringbone and herringbone layouts, catering to couples with “honeymoon suites.”
United Airlines stands out with larger screen sizes in its new aircraft, along with an increased number of extra legroom seats in economy. The Flagship Preferred suites on American Airlines provide spacious accommodations but lack the buddy seat feature offered by United, which allows for face-to-face dining, an option not currently available on American or its competitor Delta Air Lines.
In premium economy, American Airlines is installing the Safran Z535i seat, while United will use an updated version of the Collins MiQ. Both options will feature modern designs with privacy wings, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple charging options. Additionally, United’s configuration will include dedicated storage for headsets and water bottles.
As both airlines continue to enhance their offerings, the competitive landscape in the aviation sector is poised for further evolution, particularly as they aim to attract premium travelers who seek superior onboard experiences.