American Airlines Rolls Out Flagship Suites: Privacy Doors at 30,000 Feet

If you’ve ever dreamed of slamming a door shut mid-flight for some peace and quiet—without being escorted off the plane—American Airlines has you covered. The airline is unveiling its new Flagship Suites on Boeing 787-9 aircraft, complete with sliding doors, lie-flat beds, and enough privacy to make introverts cheer at cruising altitude.

These business-class cocoons are designed to make you forget you’re flying commercial. Each suite features a chaise lounge that transforms into a bed, ample personal storage, and enough space to share a meal with a travel companion (should you wish to breach the sanctity of your privacy door).

American has taken delivery of the first two planes featuring these suites, with 51 Flagship Suites and 32 Premium Economy seats onboard. The airline is clearly betting that travelers will pay more for privacy, comfort, and a little less elbow-to-elbow awkwardness at 30,000 feet.

This isn’t a one-plane wonder either. The Airbus A321XLRs in the pipeline will include 20 Flagship Suites, while 20 Boeing 777-300ERs are being retrofitted with 70 of them—plus a sizable bump in Premium Economy seating. Overall, the airline plans to boost its premium seating on long-haul routes by more than 45%, presumably to keep pace with luxury-hungry travelers and their corporate travel budgets.

There is, however, a small speed bump in the journey to sky-high privacy: delays from Boeing are slowing aircraft deliveries. But American Airlines insists it’s still full steam ahead—or full thrust, as it were.

So, the next time you’re wedged between a toddler and a snorer, just remember: salvation may soon come with a sliding door and complimentary champagne. Welcome to the golden age of closing the door on your seatmate—literally.