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American Airlines Boeing 787-8 Premium Economy Class Review [PHL to NAP]

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Airline: American Airlines (AA)
Aircraft: Boeing 787-800
Flight #: AA780
Route: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Naples-Capodichino International Airport (NAP)
Date: July 3, 2024
Duration: 8 hours, 35 minutes
Cabin and Layout: Premium economy; 28 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration
Seats: 7A, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7H
Cost: 35,000 Alaska Mileage Plan miles + $19 per person

This summer, I took my family to Italy, and it seemed like everyone I knew had similar plans. After all, Italy boasts an astonishing number of idyllic summer destinations for visitors to explore.

I had visited the country several times before, but I had never traveled to the famed Amalfi Coast. Despite close friends cautioning against bringing a toddler to the crowded Amalfi Coast during the summer, we proceeded with our plans.

Rather than flying into Rome and then taking a train or flight south, we flew directly from the U.S. to Naples International Airport (NAP), as it is the nearest airport to the Amalfi Coast (about a 90-minute drive).

There are many flights available from the U.S. to popular Italian cities, such as Rome (FCO) and Milan (MXP). Unfortunately, the choices for direct flights to Naples from the U.S. are pretty limited. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines only provide 1 flight each day from the New York City area, while American Airlines offers a single nonstop flight from Philadelphia (PHL) to Naples.

Although we had to reposition from our home in South Florida to Philadelphia, I prioritized arriving in Naples and commencing my Amalfi Coast vacation immediately rather than connecting from Rome. Best of all, I was able to book a direct flight to Naples with American Airlines in premium economy for my family of 5 at a reasonable price using Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles.

Continue reading to learn about our experience traveling American Airlines’ premium economy from Philadelphia to Naples, Italy.

Booking American Airlines Premium Economy

As previously stated, there are few direct flights to Naples from the U.S. Delta, United, and American provide 1 daily flight each from 2 East Coast cities: New York and Philadelphia. Given my preference for a direct flight from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Naples, I had to decide between using American Airlines AAdvantage miles or booking the same ticket with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles.

I began by checking seats.aero for flights with 5 award seats in premium economy between Philadelphia and Naples for the first week of July. Luckily, I had no problems finding award space for all of us departing on July 3.

Before making a booking, I compared the award rates between AAdvantage and Mileage Plan.

AAdvantage required 47,500 miles per passenger for a ticket in premium economy.

American Award PHL NAP
AA wanted 47,000 miles for a one-way ticket in premium economy from PHL to Naples. Image Credit: American Airlines

For the same flight, Mileage Plan charged 35,000 miles per passenger for the one-way ticket.

AS PHL NAP Screenshot
The same flight cost me 35,000 Alaska miles — saving me 12,000 miles per passenger. Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

Since I had a good amount of miles in both programs, I went for the more affordable option and booked 5 premium economy tickets with Alaska miles on American Airlines’ Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner for a flight from Philadelphia to Naples for a total of 175,000 Alaska miles.

Because the taxes were only $19 per passenger, I was happy to pay cash for the positioning flight to Philadelphia from my home airport of Fort Lauderdale (FLL), which cost $104 per person. I used my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to pay for the taxes and fees on the award tickets and the revenue tickets for the positioning flight because it offers top-notch travel insurance.

Given the high price of a one-way ticket from Philadelphia to Naples, which exceeded $1,200 per passenger if paid in cash, I was thrilled to be able to redeem just 35,000 Alaska miles for this award.

AA Google Flights PHL NAP Premium Y Economy Fare
The flight would have cost more than $1,200 if I’d paid with cash. Image Credit: Google Flights
Hot Tip:

Alaska miles are highly underrated and incredibly valuable in the world of points and miles. If you weren’t already aware of their potential value, check out our guide on the best ways to redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles for maximum value.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Check-In

Our flight from Fort Lauderdale arrived in Philadelphia at 4:30 p.m., giving us plenty of time to navigate from Terminal C, where our American Airlines domestic flight landed, to A-West, the airport’s primary international terminal, where our flight to Naples was scheduled to depart.

PHL American Airlines 787 Parked
American’s Boeing 787-8 parked at gate A20.

Since we had extra family members joining us, including my mom, nephew, and my wife’s parents, and we had ample time before our next flight, we took a leisurely stroll to the international terminal. Thanks to all of us already having our mobile boarding passes, we easily reentered security at Terminal A-West and slowly made our way to our boarding gate, A20.

Boarding gate PHL AA
I always appreciate a gate with ample space, making the boarding process feel less crowded.

Admirals Club (Terminal A-West, Near Gate A20)

Thanks to my AAdvantage Platinum Pro elite status with American Airlines, I had access to the Admirals Club in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the Admirals Club was not available before our flight to Naples.

Earlier this year, American announced plans to open a Flagship Lounge and a new Admirals Club in Philadelphia by 2025. In the meantime, American set up a temporary small room for eligible Admirals Club guests to enjoy complimentary prepackaged food and beverages as the lounge space in Terminal A-West was undergoing construction.

Admirals Club temporary location PHL A West entrance
AA set up a tiny lounge space in front of gate A20 for eligible Admirals Club guests to enjoy prepackaged snacks while the terminal is constructing its new Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club.

Perfectly situated right in front of the makeshift small room by American was our gate, A20.

Admirals Club temporary location PHL A West
While bare, the tiny lounge space was convenient for light snacks before boarding.

I entered the premises and gathered an assortment of snacks to distribute among my family members. They appreciated the hummus with chips, pasta with pesto, and yogurt.

Admirals Club temporary location PHL A West Snacks
My family appreciated the heartier, saltier snack options such as hummus and pasta.

In addition, there was plenty of fruit, granola bars, and potato chips for the children to munch on before our planned inflight dinner service a few hours later.

Admirals Club temporary location PHL A Wes Fruit and snacks
We got fruit for the baby and a yogurt.

Lastly, bottled water, soda, and hot coffee were available.

PHL AA Lounge
Soda, water, and coffee were available.

The lone associate working in the makeshift lounge was friendly and accommodating. She freely allowed my extended family to join me in exploring the snacks.

Boarding

When it comes to reviewing a flight, I make it a priority to board early or be one of the first in my cabin to board. This way, I can capture clear and unobstructed pictures without any passengers in the frame.

PHL Airport AA Boarding Gate
My plan was to be one of the first passengers in group 2 (my boarding group) to board the flight.

I had group 2 boarding, which meant I might be among the first passengers to board. Regretfully, the process was slowed down by the gate agent who checked us onto the flight.

PHL A West AA Boarding Gate A20
Unfortunately, the gate agent slowed down the boarding process for my family and me.

In my experience, gate agents usually ask for all of my family’s passports all at once and then call out the names of each family member one at a time as I scan their boarding passes simultaneously. The agent I encountered was not the friendliest and insisted that I scan each boarding pass and hand over each passport individually, 1 at a time.

Although not a major issue, this peculiar procedure delayed our ability to board the aircraft early and seamlessly.

On Board American Airline’s Boeing 787-8

Premium Economy Cabin and Seat

As we entered the aircraft, the first cabin on our immediate right was for premium economy passengers. Inside the cabin, I noticed the 2-3-2 configuration spread across 4 rows and 28 total seats.

AA Premium Economy 787 Cabin
AA’s premium economy on its Boeing 787-8 features 4 rows of seats, configured in a 2-3-2 configuration.

The premium economy cabin seemed intimate, and the seats, at first glance, appeared to be similar to those found in American Airlines’ narrow-body domestic first class.

AA Premium Economy 787 2 3 2 configuration
The seats are nearly identical to those in domestic first class on some of AA’s other narrow-body aircraft.

Because we were a family of 5, I’d chosen seats 7A and 7C for my twin daughters, which were on the side of the plane.

Kids in AA Premium Economy
My twins sat side-by-side by the window.

My wife and I had the 3 seats next to them in the middle section of the cabin, with our toddler between us.

AA Premium Economy 787 Cabin Front View
My wife, toddler, and I took the 3 seats in the middle — right beside the other 2 girls.

This was an ideal setting for our family, allowing us to socialize and see one another during the flight.

AA Premium Economy 787 Family
For a family of 5, you can’t ask for a better configuration.

Each seat reclined to industry standards and included a footrest attached to the front seat.

AA Premium Economy 787 Footrest
Each seat features a footrest to help you feel more comfortable.

There was also a large backseat pocket for storing items.

AA Premium Economy 787 footwell
A backseat pocket serves as a storage unit for your handheld belongings.

The premium economy seats were equipped with headrests that had adjustable wings, allowing for optimal head positioning during naptime.

AA Premium Economy 787 Juan Ruiz
Headrests can be turned inward for head support.

The bifold tray table extended from the armrest, while a power outlet and a USB-A port were inside the second armrest.

AA Premium Economy USB Port
Within the right armrest, you’ll find a USB port to charge your phone.

There was also an inflight entertainment remote control, as well as a button for automatically reclining the seat.

AA Premium Economy 787 IFE control and seat recline adjust
A remote control and a button to adjust your seat’s recline were also beneath the right armrest.

American’s Boeing 787-8 had electronically dimmable windows controlled with a touch of a button.

AA Premium Economy 787 Window adjustable
I love being able to dim the window with the touch of a button!

My twins used this to darken the cabin a little more after dinner when the sun was still out so they could take a nap.

Although I struggle to sleep on planes, my 2-year-old managed to find comfort in her premium economy seat.

AA Premium Economy 787 Baby Sleeping
Though she had some trouble falling asleep, our toddler was able to finally get some rest lying flat on her seat.

Thanks to the cushioning and comfort it provided, she was able to lie almost flat and get a few hours of shut-eye.

Food and Beverage

After we had settled in and reached cruising altitude, the flight attendants made their way through the cabin to take our meal orders. I was thoroughly impressed with the crew’s efficiency in promptly taking our dinner order, allowing us to complete meal service early in the flight. This allowed us to unwind and get much-needed rest for the majority of the journey.

Just like economy passengers, premium economy customers didn’t receive a physical menu. However, the flight attendants made their rounds, offering passengers a choice of pasta or beef. I chose the beef.

The rest of our family sat in the larger economy cabin and had the option of pasta or chicken.

The beef was accompanied by creamy yellow mashed potatoes, a side salad with tangy balsamic dressing, and a baked bread roll. The dish was delicately tender and unexpectedly flavorful.

AA Premium Economy 787 Meal Dinner
My beef entree was tender and full of flavor. The tiramisu? Not so much.

The dessert was a slice of tiramisu, which was dry and subpar at best. Both my mother and sister are bakers who make delicious desserts; this tiramisu would not have passed their taste test.

Shortly before landing, the flight attendants made their way through the cabin, offering a delightful selection of fresh fruits, yogurt with granola, and a tasty cinnamon roll.

AA Premium Economy 787 Morning Breakfast
The cinnamon roll and granola for breakfast were light and tasty.

Overall, the onboard catering met our needs and kept our bellies full for the duration of the 8-hour flight.

Hot Tip:

If you’re unsure which seats to book on your next American Airlines flight, read our guide to decide which American cabin class of service is right for you.

Amenities

Amenity Kit

Passengers flying in premium economy on the Boeing 787-8 received limited-edition amenity kits in collaboration with the renowned beauty brand Thirteen Lune.

AA Premium Economy 787 Amenity Kit
Limited-edition amenity kits by beauty brand Thirteen Lune were issued to premium economy passengers.

The amenity kits included all the essential items that premium cabin passengers have grown accustomed to, including a toothbrush, dental kit, eye mask, earplugs, socks, lip balm, and body and hand lotion.

AA Premium Economy Amenity Kit Items
The amenity kit was 1 of the many differences between flying premium economy and Main Cabin.

Blanket and Pillow

There was a blanket and lumbar pillow waiting for me at my seat. Compared to the paper-thin blankets in economy, this one was thicker and better at keeping me warm.

AA Premium Economy Pillow and Blanket
A pillow and warm blanket waited for each premium economy passenger at their seat.

This lumbar pillow was perfect for those who suffer from back pain, poor posture, or both.

IFE

One notable advantage of flying American Airlines premium economy over Main Cabin was the 11-inch seatback screen, which made watching movies much more enjoyable than the 8.9-inch screen economy passengers use.

AA Premium Economy 787 IFE screen
An 11-inch IFE was a step up from the 8.9-inch screen that Main Cabin passengers get.

It was a touchscreen, but it could also be controlled with a remote found in the right armrest.

AA Premium Economy 787 IFE remote
I rarely use IFE remotes, but there’s one available if you prefer not to touch the screen to view different content.

Unfortunately, I didn’t do much movie-watching because the baby took the majority of my focus in flight and my hands were full. However, in the little time I had while she slept, I tracked the flight’s progress and used the live map tool.

AA Premium Economy 787 IFE Flight Schedule
My new pastime is monitoring the flight with the IFE’s flight-tracking feature.

If I had wanted to and had the time, I could have streamed several of the hundreds of movies or TV shows from AA’s content catalog to keep me entertained.

Although they were not noise-canceling, the headphones I got were a significant improvement over the cheap, earbud-style headphones in economy class.

AA Premium Economy 787 Headphones
While the headphones provided were made of plastic, they worked to drown out some cabin noise and listen to movies.

Wireless Internet

I bought a 2-hour pass for American’s inflight Viasat Wi-Fi. The service provided sufficient access to my social media accounts and email, but its capabilities were limited beyond that.

AA Inflight Wi FI
I paid $16 for 2 hours of Wi-Fi and, honestly, could have done without it.

For $16, I didn’t expect fast connectivity, but the Wi-Fi speed could have been better. Refreshing my X and Instagram feeds took a minute or more most of the time.

Service

The flight attendants who served the premium economy cabin were exceptional, although I can’t recall their specific names (I was too preoccupied with toddler demands).

We faced a situation where my wife had accidentally left our diaper bag at the gate. Because this was an international flight, we were unable to deplane and search for it. The ground agent reluctantly assisted us in our search, but we were unable to locate the bag. Eventually, someone discovered the bag at the security checkpoint in Terminal A-West. The airport eventually sent it back to our home in Florida, though we had to pay for the shipping.

However, the sincere care shown by the 2 assigned flight attendants in our cabin did not go unnoticed. Thanks to the quick thinking of one of the flight attendants, we were able to find a solution for our toddler’s diaper needs during the 8-hour flight. They kindly provided us with female hygiene products, ensuring our daughter’s comfort and protection.

I was impressed by the attentive and considerate service of the flight attendants throughout the flight. It made me gain newfound admiration for the many exceptional employees of American Airlines.

Arrival

After our arrival at Naples International Airport, we disembarked the plane and proceeded down the stairs to board a shuttle bus that transported all passengers to passport control.

Naples Airport Deplane AA PHL NAP
When we arrived in Naples, we deplaned by stairs (no jet bridge) and took an airport shuttle to passport control.

The ride lasted approximately 20 minutes because of runway traffic. However, during this time, I took the opportunity to appreciate the diverse range of aircraft liveries that surrounded us.

Naples Airport Shuttle to Security
I admired various airlines’ livery to pass the time.

Upon reaching passport control, I noticed a designated line for families, which I greatly appreciate about Europe. After swiftly going through it, we promptly made our way out of the airport and hopped into our transfer Mercedes-Benz van bound for Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

Final Thoughts

Would I rather have a lie-flat business class seat for an overnight flight to Europe? Of course, I would. Who wouldn’t?

However, when flying with a large family, finding award availability for 5 people between the U.S. and Italy at reasonable rates can be incredibly difficult. In actuality, I was ecstatic to have secured 5 award seats in premium economy on American Airlines to Naples, Italy, for only 35,000 Alaska miles each.

The seats were well-cushioned and spacious. The 28-seat premium economy cabin was quiet despite its full capacity, and the service on the flight was excellent.

I would gladly choose to fly premium economy across the pond with American Airlines again. It is an excellent option for families who need to book multiple seats while also desiring a comfortable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between economy and premium economy on American Airlines?

Seat size is the main difference between American Airlines economy and premium economy besides price. Premium economy seats recline more because of their bigger width and pitch. Premium economy seats offer a footrest, better pillow and blanket, and an amenity kit on international flights.

 

 

 

 

Does American Airlines serve alcohol in premium economy?

Yes, complimentary alcoholic beverages are available in American Airlines premium economy.

Does American Airlines premium economy get lounge access?

No, American Airlines premium economy passengers don’t get lounge access. However, you can access select lounges with the right card. Check out our guide to the best credit cards for lounge access for more information.

What boarding group is premium economy on American Airlines?

Premium economy passengers are normally assigned group 4 boarding. If a premium economy passenger has AAdvantage elite status that makes them eligible for a better boarding group, they’ll be able to board with the better group.

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About Juan Ruiz

Juan has extensive experience in writing and editing content related to credit cards, loyalty programs, and travel. He has been honing his expertise in this field for over a decade. His work has been featured in various prestigious publications, such as USA Today, CNN Underscored, Forbes and The Points Guy. Juan is the visionary behind JetBetter, a premier award booking concierge service.

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