American Airlines Officially Welcomes Passengers Back To Flagship Dining At LAX After 6 Years

Published Nov 7, 2026, 5:00 PM EST Journalist – Aaron is an aviation and travel journalist with 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. His background spans airport operations, aviation infrastructure, and travel consulting, having worked with global organizations across New Zealand, Europe, and North America. Combining industry expertise with firsthand travel experience across more than 52 countries and five continents, Aaron covers airlines, airports, aviation policy, and the wider travel sector. He is based in Canterbury, New Zealand. His work has been published in Simple Flying and featured by MSN, SAM CHUI Aviation & Travel, EIN News, Pakistan Defence, and Climate Depot. Travelers with American Airlines can now enjoy the carrier's Flagship Dining facilities at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The upgraded facility provides à la carte dining experiences within the Flagship lounge. The airline's premium lounge is available for those traveling in the premium cabins and those with AAdvantage elite status on long-haul flights. As first analyzed by The Points Guy, an enhanced guest experience awaits with table service and an a la carte menu, a vast upgrade from grabbing a plate and loading it up with food from the buffet. This complimentary sit-down meal service can include several courses. Flagship Dining Returns To Los Angeles Credit: American Airlines The exclusive Flagship Dining experience is now open in Los Angeles, complementing the existing facilities open in Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Miami International Airport (MIA). These airports provide the dining experience within the carrier's Flagship Lounge. Historically, American limited the Flagship Dining service to passengers in the Flagship First Cabin only on the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A321 transcontinental service; however, recent changes from the phasing out of international first class have seen access expanded to additional passengers and routes. American allows business class passengers access to the exclusive dining experience to those booked in the Flagship Business Plus seat on Boeing 787-9 or 777-300ER flights, and on those in business class qualifying transcontinental or Hawaii flights that have been marked as Flagship. This change for California departing passengers will allow business class domestic passengers on select transcontinental flights to allow access for those with a Flagship domestic first-class ticket (standard first-class ticket holders are not eligible). Simple Flying reached out to American for comment on Saturday; however, an airline spokesperson could not immediately be reached. À La Carte Menu Available At Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami And Now Los Angeles Credit: American Airlines Subject to availability, eligible passengers are able to arrive at the Flagship Lounge for a sit-down meal. During peak times, there can be a waitlist, which you can request at the time you enter the lounge. You can even order your meal via a QR code. American previously had the Flagship dining experience at its New York JFK Airport (JFK) hub lounge. It now operates three premium lounges alongside British Airways within the airport's Terminal 8 (Greenwich, Chelsea and Soho lounges). For those departing from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), À la carte menus are available within the regular AAdmirals Club. With the Flagship Dining service now available at three major US airports, this also marks the upcoming end date for American's long-haul first class standalone product. The airline is phasing this out as it opts for Flagship Business as its premier cabin for international and Hawaii flight operations. This has seen jets being retrofitted with new interiors and the addition of its highest-ever business class seat count onboard. These changes are expected to end on November 19, when the airline no longer offers long-haul first class. Transcontinental Flagship First is set to end in March 2027. Private Lie-Flat Experience and Flagship Dining Access Credit: American Airlines The American Flagship Business Class provides passengers with a lie-flat long-haul and transcontinental experience that provides direct aisle access and upgraded amenities. Jets are configured in 1-2-1 reverse herringbone and staggered layouts on the Boeing 777 and 787, and select Airbus aircraft. Newer planes, such as the 787-9, feature sliding privacy doors, and the Flagship Suite Preferred seat is in the front row, providing at least 20% to 40% more legroom, with larger tray tables and enhanced memory foam mattress and luxury bedding. All seats convert into fully lie-flat beds that are up to 79 inches (200 centimeters) in length, and entertainment is via high-definition entertainment screens, Bluetooth headphone pairing, wireless charging pads, and USB-A and USB-C charging ports. Dedicated priority check-in lanes, fast-track security screening at select airports, priority boarding, and expedited baggage handling all complement access to the airline's Flagship Lounge, where an à la carte menu provides delicious bespoke dishes, complemented by a range of hot and cold alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages.