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TPG reader Lucas sent me a message on Facebook to ask about upgrades:
American’s first class on the A321T is one example, and the difference between first and economy is huge. However, the business-class service on those three-cabin flights is also pretty impressive — certainly better than first class on most two-cabin domestic flights. Upgrading from business to first might be worthwhile depending on your itinerary, but I don’t think it’s necessary.
The first class seat is a few inches longer and wider than the one in business class, but you’ll get a lie-flat seat in either case. The biggest difference between the two is the amount of privacy. Business class on the A321T actually does give you a fair amount of privacy, since the seats in each row are slightly offset from one another and there’s a small divider between them. However, you’ll still be sharing a row with another passenger. If you really want space to yourself, first class is the way to go, since those seats are in a 1-1 reverse-herringbone configuration.
You’ll get Admirals Club access in both cabins, but you’ll only get Flagship Lounge access in first class. There are a few other small perks you won’t get in business class (like an amenity kit and access to the onboard cappuccino machine), but I don’t think any of them justify the upgrade. If you’d be content with the business-class seat, then save your money and miles for another time.
If you opt for first class, I would definitely choose to upgrade with miles (assuming that $515 fare difference was for a one-way flight only). You’d essentially be spending 15,000 miles to save $340, which works out to nearly 2.3 cents per mile. That’s about 50% higher than my current valuation for AAdvantage miles, so you’d be getting a very good return.
For more on American’s transcon service, check out these posts:
If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.
Source: thepointsguy.com