American Airlines has been losing some key customers in recent years. The airline lost a lot of business customers by making unpopular changes to try to reduce agency commissions and by changing how its loyalty program worked.
It has also lost premium travelers, as it wasn’t really providing a “premium” experience.
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The airline seems to have realized the error of its ways, though.
“We know that younger generations, they’re looking to…have differentiated experiences,” Former AAdvantage President Bridget Blaise-Shamai said recently on the “Let’s Talk Loyalty” podcast.
“They’re willing to pay for, you know, different types of experiences, including premium…And that’s why we have renewed our focus on customer experience here at American.”
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American Airlines has taken a variety of steps to restore its premium reputation, including reinstating a second beverage service for long-haul flights.
It has also added new business class suites to Boeing 787-9, more first-class seats in domestic Airbus A319s and Airbus A320s, and high-speed Wi-Fi to regional jets.
All of this is pretty standard, but the airline also recently unveiled another change it hopes will win back customers who want a better flying experience.
And this one may come as a surprise.
American Airlines’ new offering for business-class customers is a surprising one.
Image source: Shutterstock
American Airlines adds a new feature that travelers will love
American Airlines has announced that it’s introducing a new feature for certain eligible business-class travelers.
Specifically, starting this month, in August of 2025, the airline is going to be offering business class customers a set of pajamas. As The Points Guy reports, the sleepwear will be available on wide-body flights that depart from certain major U.S. international airports, including:
- Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- New York – JFK (JFK)
The pajamas specifically will be available to those who are taking long flights, including passengers who are traveling to destinations in India, the Middle East, East Asia, New Zealand, and Australia.
Obviously, this amenity is reserved for these longer flights because no one is going to be changing into pajamas when they are just taking a very short trip.
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American Airlines’ business class flyers benefit from new amenity
The new pajamas will be a nice perk for those who are flying in upgraded seats and want to maximize their comfort.
According to The Points Guy, the new pajamas on offer will be a unisex pair. They’ll include both shirts and pants that are similar to joggers.
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The pajamas were designed in collaboration with Nest Bedding, an eco-friendly bedding and sleep accessory brand that ensures its products are both comfortable and sustainable.
Because flyers come in different sizes, American Airlines will also be offering people the chance to choose whether they would prefer a pair of small/medium-sized pajamas or a pair of large/extra-large pajamas.
There’s also more good news. This is just the first step in American Airlines’ efforts to make long-haul flights more comfortable with the amenities it offers.
American Airlines also adding another sleep-related perk
In addition to making pajamas available for flyers, American Airlines will reintroduce mattress toppers later this year. These toppers will make sleeping on a plane a whole lot more comfortable for most people.
While it’s surprising that American Airlines is going into the sleepwear business, the reality is that pajamas and similar amenities used to be the norm, but many airlines stopped offering them in recent years. Now, as American Airlines and others pivot back to premium, that’s changing.
If you’ll be traveling on an American Airlines flight that provides access to this new amenity, be sure to check it out on your next long-haul trip. You should have a much more comfortable flight because of it.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a trip.) Make a free appointment with TheStreet’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at [email protected] or call or text her at 386-383-2472.