American Airlines Adds New Business-Class Fare

American Airlines has added a new business-class fare to its offerings that includes some first-class perks, the carrier confirmed.

The Points Guy initially reported the news last week.

Dubbed Flagship Business Plus, the new fare offers the carrier's Flagship First check-in, access to the Flagship Lounge prior to departure where available, "a taste" of Flagship First dining in the lounge, a third complimentary checked bag, as well as access to the Arrivals Lounge at London Heathrow, according to an American statement. Seats are in business class.

"Today, Flagship Business Plus is broadly available on aa.com and in third-party channels," the carrier added. "We plan to enhance the offering in the future to provide additional value to customers, which would require [New Distribution Capability] technology to access and book Flagship Business Plus."

American began selling the new fare on select international routes as of June 8, and it appears during the search process in a new column next to the business column, according to the TPG report, which added that customers would not be able to upgrade to Flagship Business Plus from other fares.

The carrier would not provide further details and declined an interview request, noting the company "decided on no proactive communications" for the new fare, according to an American spokesperson.