American Airlines Adds Pajamas and Mattress Pads to Business Class

Key Takeaways

• American Airlines restores pajamas and mattress pads for business class on select long-haul international routes from summer 2025.
• Eligible routes include flights to Australia, New Zealand, East Asia, India, and the Middle East, enhancing comfort for 12+ hour trips.
• This change reverses 2024 cutbacks and aims to improve premium service against competitors like Delta and United.

American Airlines Brings Back Pajamas and Mattress Pads to Business Class: What Travelers Need to Know in 2025

American Airlines is making a major change for business class travelers on select long-haul international flights, starting later in the summer of 2025. After a year of customer complaints and stiff competition, the airline will once again offer pajamas and mattress pads to business class passengers. This move is part of a larger effort to improve the premium experience and win back travelers who expect more comfort and luxury when flying long distances.

This update comes as American Airlines rolls out its new Flagship Suite business class seats and upgrades many onboard amenities. The decision to bring back these comfort items reverses a controversial cutback from 2024, showing that the airline is listening to its customers and responding to what they want.

Let’s break down what’s changing, who benefits, and what this means for the future of business class travel with American Airlines.

Who Gets Pajamas and Mattress Pads? Routes and Eligibility

Starting later this summer, business class passengers on certain long-haul international routes will receive pajamas and mattress pads as part of their in-flight experience. These routes include flights between the United States 🇺🇸 and the following destinations:

• Australia 🇦🇺: Sydney (SYD), Brisbane (BNE)
• New Zealand 🇳🇿: Auckland (AKL)
• East Asia: Seoul Incheon (ICN), Shanghai (PVG), Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT)
• India 🇮🇳: Delhi (DEL)
• Middle East: Doha (DOH)

These routes are some of the longest in American’s network, often lasting 12 hours or more. The airline is focusing on these flights because travelers on these routes spend a lot of time in the air and value comfort and rest.

In addition to pajamas and mattress pads, business class passengers on these flights will continue to receive:

• Slippers
• Dual-sided pillows (one side stays cool, the other is traditional)
• Premium duvets (high-quality blankets)

These items are already standard on these routes, but the return of pajamas and mattress pads marks a big step up in comfort.

Why Is American Airlines Making This Change?

The decision to bring back pajamas and mattress pads is not just about adding a nice touch. It’s a direct response to customer feedback and competitive pressure. In spring 2024, American Airlines removed these items from business class as part of a cost-cutting plan. Many frequent flyers and travel experts criticized this move, saying it made the airline less appealing compared to rivals like Delta and United.

Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer, has been credited with leading this change. She and her team have listened to what customers want and are working to make American Airlines a top choice for premium travelers. Kim Cisek, Vice President of Customer Experience, also emphasized that the airline is focused on creating a premium onboard experience based on feedback from both customers and employees.

This change is part of a larger trend at American Airlines. The company has recently reversed other unpopular decisions, such as bringing back standby flexibility for all passengers and improving lounge access and amenities. These steps show a renewed focus on customer satisfaction and loyalty.

When Will the New Amenities Be Available?

The rollout is scheduled for “later this summer” in 2025. As of July 3, 2025, American Airlines has not announced an exact start date, but preparations are underway. The enhancements will be available on all eligible long-haul flights, whether the plane has the new Flagship Suite seats or the older business class seats.

This means that if you book a business class ticket on one of the listed routes for travel after the rollout, you can expect to receive pajamas and a mattress pad as part of your in-flight experience.

What’s Included in the Business Class Experience?

Business class passengers on eligible flights will receive:

• Pajamas: These are designed for comfort during long flights. In the past, American Airlines offered pajamas in multiple sizes, though there were sometimes complaints about limited sizing in first class. Details about business class sizing for 2025 have not yet been released.
• Mattress pads: These add an extra layer of softness to the seat, making it easier to sleep.
• Slippers: Comfortable footwear for walking around the cabin.
• Dual-sided pillows: One side stays cool, which can help with sleep, while the other side is more traditional.
• Premium duvets: High-quality blankets for warmth and comfort.

For travelers in the new Flagship Suite Preferred seats (the first row of the new business class cabin), there are even more premium amenities. These include larger amenity kits and enhanced bedding. Right now, these seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but American Airlines may turn them into a paid upgrade in the future.

How Does This Compare to Other Airlines?

American Airlines is not the only carrier offering pajamas and mattress pads in business class, but its new policy is more generous than some competitors. For example, United only gives pajamas to business class passengers on flights longer than 14 hours. American will offer them on slightly shorter long-haul routes as well.

This move helps American Airlines close the gap with Delta and United, both of which have invested heavily in their premium cabins. By bringing back these comfort items, American is signaling that it wants to be seen as a true premium carrier, not just a budget option.

Industry experts and frequent flyers have welcomed the change. Many say it corrects a “foolish cutback” and shows that American is serious about improving its premium product. Some experts have even suggested that American should extend mattress pads and pajamas to transatlantic flights, following the example of Air France.

What’s the Bigger Picture? Background and Context

The return of pajamas and mattress pads is just one part of a larger effort by American Airlines to improve its premium offerings. In 2025, the airline is also introducing new business class suites with doors, called Flagship Suite. These new seats will debut on Boeing 787-9s, 777-300ERs, and Airbus A321XLRs, with more planes being updated over time.

American is also updating its amenity kits, rotating brands and products based on customer feedback. The airline has made it clear that it will continue to listen to travelers and make changes as needed.

These changes come at a time when airlines are competing fiercely for high-paying business class customers, especially on long-haul international routes. By offering more comfort and better amenities, American hopes to attract more premium travelers, justify higher fares, and improve customer loyalty.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

For business class travelers, the return of pajamas and mattress pads means a more comfortable and restful flight. Long-haul travel can be exhausting, and small touches like soft bedding and comfortable sleepwear can make a big difference.

Here’s what you can expect if you’re flying business class on an eligible American Airlines route:

1. Book your ticket: Make sure your flight is on one of the eligible routes listed above.
2. Check your flight details: The new amenities will be available on all relevant flights, no matter which type of business class seat is on your plane.
3. Ask the crew: If pajamas and mattress pads are not handed out automatically, you can request them from the cabin crew.
4. Enjoy your flight: Use the enhanced bedding and sleep amenities to rest and arrive refreshed.

For American Airlines, this move is about more than just comfort. It’s a way to stand out in a crowded market, attract more premium customers, and build a reputation as a top-tier airline.

For the airline industry as a whole, American’s new policy sets a higher standard for business class service, especially on long-haul routes. Other airlines may feel pressure to match or exceed these offerings to stay competitive.

What About Immigration and International Travel?

While the return of pajamas and mattress pads is mainly about comfort, it also ties into the broader experience of international travel. Long-haul flights often connect travelers to important destinations for work, family, or immigration purposes. A more comfortable flight can make the journey less stressful, especially for those who are moving to a new country or traveling for important business.

Travelers flying to countries like Australia 🇦🇺, New Zealand 🇳🇿, India 🇮🇳, and others often face long immigration lines and paperwork after landing. Arriving well-rested can help travelers handle these challenges more easily. For those interested in official immigration information, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website provides up-to-date guidance on entry requirements and procedures for travelers arriving in the United States 🇺🇸.

How to Stay Updated and Get More Information

For the latest updates on these changes, travelers can visit the American Airlines official newsroom or contact customer service at 1-800-433-7300 (U.S. and Canada). The airline’s official website, aa.com, also provides details on routes, amenities, and booking options.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of a larger trend in the airline industry, where companies are reversing unpopular decisions and investing in premium products to attract and keep high-value customers.

Summary Table: American Airlines Business Class Soft Product Enhancements (2025)

What’s Next? Future Outlook and Pending Changes

Looking ahead, American Airlines plans to continue upgrading its business class experience. The new Flagship Suite seats with doors will become more common as more planes are updated. The airline will also keep updating its amenity kits, possibly adding new brands and products based on what travelers want.

There is also a chance that American could expand these premium amenities to other routes, such as transatlantic flights, if customer response is strong and competition increases. For now, the focus remains on the longest and most important international routes.

Practical Tips for Business Class Travelers

• Book early: These premium routes are popular, especially with the new amenities.
• Check for updates: Visit the American Airlines newsroom or website before your flight to see if there are any changes to the amenities.
• Request what you need: If you don’t receive pajamas or a mattress pad automatically, don’t hesitate to ask the cabin crew.
• Keep your items: Pajamas are usually yours to keep, so you can use them again on future flights.

Conclusion: A New Era for American Airlines Business Class

The return of pajamas and mattress pads to American Airlines business class marks a big step forward for the airline and its customers. By listening to feedback and investing in comfort, American is showing that it values its premium travelers and wants to compete with the best in the industry.

Whether you’re flying for business, moving to a new country, or visiting family abroad, these changes promise a more comfortable and enjoyable journey. For the most current information, always check the official American Airlines newsroom or contact customer service before your trip.

For official immigration and travel information related to entering the United States 🇺🇸, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

With these upgrades, American Airlines is setting a new standard for business class travel, making long-haul flights more restful and enjoyable for everyone on board.

Learn Today

Business class → A premium flight cabin offering more comfort, amenities, and services than economy class on airlines.
Mattress pads → Soft layers added to seats or beds to improve comfort and help passengers sleep better during flights.
Flagship Suite → American Airlines’ premium enclosed business class seat with doors and enhanced amenities debuting in 2025.
Long-haul flights → Airline routes typically lasting 12 hours or more, often international and requiring enhanced passenger comfort.
Amenity kits → Packages of travel essentials like toiletries and comfort items provided to premium cabin passengers.

This Article in a Nutshell

American Airlines returns pajamas and mattress pads to business class on select long-haul routes in 2025, enhancing luxury and comfort for passengers. This move reverses unpopular 2024 cuts and targets high-demand international flights, improving rest and premium experience amid fierce airline competition and growing customer expectations.
— By VisaVerge.com