What are the best seats in American Airlines Business Class? (A Thai Airways Perspective)

This blog post title is a bit misleading, as it promises information about American Airlines Business Class while mentioning Thai Airways. To address this, I'll focus on comparing the *experience* of business class on *both* airlines, drawing parallels to answer the original question about American Airlines by using what we know about premium travel generally, and using Thai Airways as a point of comparison. There isn't a direct answer to "best seats" without specifying the aircraft.

Understanding the "Best" Seat

Before diving in, let's define "best." For some, it's all about privacy – a fully enclosed suite. Others prioritize direct aisle access, while some crave extra legroom. Still others value the view or proximity to amenities. The "best" seat is entirely subjective and depends on your personal priorities. In this post, I'll examine the elements that generally constitute a “best” seat in business class, drawing from experiences on both American Airlines and Thai Airways.

American Airlines Business Class: A General Overview

American Airlines offers several business class products, depending on the aircraft and route. Unfortunately, there's no single "best" seat across the board. Generally, you'll find that window seats offer the most privacy, while aisle seats provide easier access to the restroom and flight attendants. Bulkhead seats (located at the beginning of a cabin section) often boast extra legroom but may lack storage space in the seat in front of you. Looking at seat maps on websites like SeatGuru is crucial before booking your flight to see the specific layout and choose a seat that best suits your preferences. Features like lie-flat seats and in-flight entertainment systems vary by aircraft type.

Thai Airways Business Class: A Comparative Look

Thai Airways, known for its excellent service, offers a more consistent, luxurious business class experience across its fleet. While the specific layout varies by aircraft, Thai Airways often prioritizes privacy and comfort, potentially offering more enclosed suites than what is typically found on American Airlines's business class offerings. This focus on individual privacy might provide a benchmark to consider when choosing a seat on American Airlines, as those offering the most privacy would be the closest to the Thai Airways experience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Seat (Applicable to both airlines)

Regardless of the airline, consider these factors:

Seat Map: Use a website like SeatGuru to check the seat map for your specific flight and aircraft. This will show seat locations, features, and even reviews from other passengers.
Privacy: Do you prefer a window seat for solitude or an aisle seat for easy access?
Legroom: Bulkhead seats usually offer more legroom, but can come with drawbacks. Consider your height and comfort needs.
Direct Aisle Access: For some, access to the aisle without having to climb over others is essential.
In-flight Entertainment: Ensure your chosen seat has a good view of the in-flight entertainment screen.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best seat in American Airlines Business Class is the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences. By understanding the different seat types and utilizing online resources like seat maps, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable flight. Comparing the experience to the often-praised Thai Airways business class helps highlight the features to prioritize when making your selection.