AA to Offer Perk-Laden International Premium Economy

American Airlines plans to install a new Premium Economy class of service on its international wide-body fleet.

The new product, available in late 2016, goes much further than the extra legroom offered by Main Cabin Extra.

It will offer wider seats; personal on-demand entertainment offered up on larger seatback screens; noise-canceling headphones; global Wi-Fi access; AC power outlets and USB ports at every seat; priority check-in and boarding; amenity kits; enhanced meal service, and complimentary alcoholic beverages.

The leather seats will come with 38 inches of pitch and a footrest.

Passengers will be able to check two bags at no charge.

The first plane with Premium Economy seating will be the 787-9, which is expected to enter service in late 2016. It will offer three rows of Premium Economy in a 2-3-2 configuration. It will also be installed on the A350, which arrives in 2017.

Over the next three years, American will add Premium Economy to all Boeing 777-300ERs, 777-200ERs, 787-8s and A330s.

American’s 767-300s will not be retrofitted with Premium Economy because they are scheduled for retirement in the coming years.

American is the first U.S. carrier to unveil a challenge to Delta Air Lines’ Comfort + seating. American’s Main Cabin Extra offers extra legroom and Group 1 boarding. United’s Economy Plus offers extra legroom.

American said pricing of Premium Economy will be dynamic, based upon routes, seasonality and demand.