Travelstart Black Friday Flight Specials 2019 Now Live!
This year round, we’ve made it even easier for you:
Grab R400 off ANY regional or international flight for ANY dates of travel – simply use the code BLACKFLYDAY400 at checkout to redeem the discount!
LIMITED SEATS. BOOK NOW!
American Airlines Inc. is the world’s largest airlines when measured in fleet size, revenue, passenger kilometers flown and number of destinations flown to. With headquarters based in Fort Worth, Texas, American Airlines flies into Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airports, as well as Durban International Airport on selected flights.
Airline History
Originally formed in 1930 as a union between 80 independent air carriers, the airline completed its first commercial flight from Chicago to New York in 1936. Today, American Airlines is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance – the third largest airline alliance in the world, partnering with British Airways and Iberia Airways, as well as Finnair and Cathay Pacific.
Destinations
American Airlines flies to 80 domestic destinations within the United States, while also servicing a total of 83 international destinations in 49 countries. From Antigua, to Venezuela, Hong Kong to London as well as South African hubs Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban on selected flights, American Airlines operates close to 6 700 flights per day.
Cabin and Flight Classes
Economy class includes comfortable seating with under-seating storage only – there is no access to overhead bins. Passengers have access to free snacks, soft drinks and inflight entertainment as well as Wi-Fi access which can be purchased prior to a flight or on-board.
Premium Economy offers increased legroom and wider adjustable seats, as well as an enhanced dining experience and a full bar service. Passengers have full access to in-flight entertainment displayed on larger screens. Power and USB outlets are accessible from each seat.
Business class offers a premium experience with wider seating, extended leg room as well as an exclusive menu and larger beverage selection, including a wine pairing service. Inclusive of access to free in-flight entertainment, wireless streaming, Wi-Fi and complimentary pillows and blankets.
First class on American Airlines begins with express check-in and boarding, spacious, luxurious seating and an exclusively designed menu by Dallas restaurateur and chef Julian Barsotti, with selected wine pairing options. Premium in-flight entertainment, wireless streaming, access to power and USB outlets and complimentary pillows and blankets.
2017 Fleet
American Airlines in known to operate the largest commercial fleet of aircraft in the world, with 952 operating Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and McDonnell Douglas aircraft in their charge.
- 125 x Airbus A319-100
- 51 x Airbus A320-200
- 199 x Airbus A321-200
- 15 x Airbus A330-200
- 9 x Airbus A330-300
- 284 x Boeing 737-800
- 284 x Boeing 757-800
- 51 x Boeing 757-200
- 284 x Boeing 767-800
- 51 x Boeing 757-200
- 31 x Boeing 767-300ER
- 47 x Boeing 777-200ER
- 20 x Boeing 777-300ER
- 17 x Boeing 787-8
- 5 x Boeing 787-9
- 20 x Embraer E190
- 17 x McDonnel Douglas
- 40 x McDonnel Douglas MD-83
On-Board Entertainment
The on-board entertainment system is known as American Spotlight, and offers the largest library of complimentary movies, television shows, games and music among all air carriers in the United States. All in-flight entertainment is free, while the airline also offers free wireless streaming from your mobile phone, laptop or tablet and paid Wi-Fi services.
Baggage Allowance
Passengers are permitted to check up to 10 bags if their destination is domestic, transatlantic (South African destinations included) or transpacific. There may be an additional fee per bag, if flying to a certain region – this can be checked via the official American Airlines website.
Passengers travelling to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Brazil can check up to 5 bags. Additional fees may be charged per extra bag.
Each bag must not weigh more than 23kg, or exceed 158cm in dimension.
First Class and Business Class passengers are permitted 32kg per bag to all regions throughout the US, transatlantic, transpacific as well as to Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Brazil. Certain regions may incur an additional baggage free, which can be checked on the AA website.
Carry-on baggage
All customers are permitted one piece of hand baggage, as well as a laptop or handbag.
Rewards / Frequent Flyer Program
Passengers can sign up for the American Airlines AAdvantage Program and earn frequent flyer miles when flying with American Airlines, and Oneworld airline partners; Airberlin, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian Airlines, S7 Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, TAM Airlines and other airline partners.
Miles can be used to purchase flights, upgrade flight classes, pay for car rentals, hotels and purchase selected retail products.
Contact American Airlines in South Africa
Johannesburg
Enquiries / customer service: +27 (11) 844 6067
Business hours: 9am – 5pm
American Airlines in the news – 2016/2017
Billionaire Warren Buffet invests US $1.3 billion in major US airlines
As of December 2016, shares in after-market trades for three major US airlines, including American Airlines, have seen dramatic increases due to a substantial investment by US billionaire Warren Buffet, and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Buffet’s investment marks an about turn in his once pessimistic view towards the airline industry.
American Airlines’ stocks gain despite President Trump’s hit to Pharma
In the face of heavy criticism of the US pharmaceutical industry by US President-elect, Donald Trump, in early January, US stocks in many major sectors finished highly, with some even managing to pull in strong gains. Despite a volatile start to the year, American Airlines stock rose 0.3% in January, after improved results in the fourth quarter.