Flight Review: American Airlines AA27 – Business Class (787-8 Dreamliner)

Route: LAX to HND

Flight Time: ~11 hours

Aircraft: Boeing 787-8

Seat: Flagship Business (rear-facing seat, 2A)

1. Seat & Cabin Layout: Disappointing Design for Long-Haul

American Airlines Boeing 787-8 Business Class Seatmap from aerolopa.com

American’s 787-8 business class uses the older Zodiac (now Safran) Concept D seats, and they’re a letdown by today’s standards. The 1-2-1 configuration offers direct aisle access, yes, but that’s about the only modern perk.

The real issue is the seat rocking. Since these are paired seats with shared platforms, any movement from the passenger next to you is transferred to your seat. Even small shifts—like someone adjusting their blanket—will literally jostle you. It’s incredibly distracting, especially when you’re trying to sleep.

The seats feel narrow and confined, with limited foot space in the cubby. If you’re tall or broad-shouldered, you’ll feel squeezed. And the cabin just feels tired—less polished than competitors on the same route like ANA or JAL.

Seat 2L

2. Sleep Quality: Mediocre at Best

Despite being lie-flat, the seat doesn’t provide much actual rest. The cushion is thin, the seat creaks when it moves, and again, the shared platform means you’re constantly reacting to your neighbor’s movement.

Noise levels were average for a 787, but the inconsistent lighting from crew walking around and other passengers made the cabin feel chaotic rather than restful.

3. Food & Service: Passable, Not Premium

Meal service was slow and disorganized. The appetizer and main course were served more than two hours after takeoff. Presentation was fine, but nothing tasted fresh—bland, reheated, and forgettable. The “beef filet” was overcooked and rubbery. Breakfast before arrival? A soggy croissant and some fruit.

Crew professionalism varied. One FA was helpful and friendly, but another was curt and rushed, as if everything was a chore. You don’t get the sense that you’re in a premium cabin.

4. IFE & Wi-Fi: Functional but Dated

The touchscreen was laggy, and the resolution looked like something from 2015 (because it is). Selection was decent—some recent movies and a few TV series—but don’t expect anything cutting-edge.

Wi-Fi was available for purchase, but speed was inconsistent. At times, it completely cut out. Uploading photos or trying to send files? Forget it.

5. Final Verdict: A Weak Flagship Experience

AA’s 787-8 on this LAX–Tokyo route is not competitive with the likes of JAL or ANA. The seat design is outdated, sleep is interrupted by poor engineering, and service is inconsistent. If you’re burning miles or stuck with AA, it’s tolerable. But if you’re paying cash—or have a choice—go elsewhere.

Rating: 2.5/5

Pros: Direct aisle access, lie-flat seat, long-haul route coverage

Cons: Rocking seat design, average food, tired cabin, inconsistent crew, poor sleep quality