While non-Americans might struggle to distinguish the two airlines, within the USA the three-way fight (with Delta being the other contender) has been a long-running show. But when it comes to booking business flights, can we really say who has the better business class, United or American?
We certainly think we can offer some suggestions.
American Airlines
What to expect:
Fully flat seats with fantastic video screens, a creative approach to storage described as ‘cubby holes’ which is both easy to use and easy on the eye, and excellent customer service.
Bonus points for:
Business class with American offers the ability to order meals up to a month before the flight, which is great for people with specific dietary needs. The food is great and they get a special thumbs up from vegetarians and vegans, who seem to get more varied and imaginative food with American than with some other US-based international carriers.
Where they fall down:
American lags a little behind in terms of lounge provision in the US, and in the UK, you can actually buy access to the business class lounge at Heathrow – as long as you’re flying any class with American and they have the space – which does really reduce the sense of exclusivity.
Often seen as best in the domestic marketplace, in terms of facilities and services.
United Airlines
What to expect:
Similar to American, you’ll get a fully fold-flat seat, a great video screen and storage area (but see below) and food is considered to be comparable in quality to American Airlines offering, as is the service.
Bonus points for:
Great domestic lounges, and highly regarded, well-designed spaces in terms of international airport lounges, United is often seen as the better option for business class flights outside of America.
Where they fall down:
United’s business class seating is functionally just as good as American’s, but somehow it just isn’t as intuitive to use, or aesthetically appealing. It’s a bit clunky, which may or may not matter to you, but when it comes to business class flights, small things can loom large over the course of a journey, so if looks matter, we’d say American Airlines has the cooler seating.
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