AA 737 MAX 8 Biz Class: Miami to Aruba

The AA 737 MAX 8 Biz Class: Miami to Aruba review is an in-depth evaluation of the premium travel experience offered on this specific route. It covers every aspect of the journey—from ground services and check-in at Miami International Airport to the in-flight comfort, dining, and service aboard American’s modern 737 MAX 8 aircraft. These AA 737 MAX 8 Biz Class: Miami to Aruba reviews aim to inform travelers about what they can expect when flying in business class between South Florida and the Caribbean island of Aruba, offering insights into value, amenities, and overall satisfaction.

Tropical escapes start long before takeoff—and on this route, the luxury begins the moment you arrive at the airport. Think priority check-in, lounge access, spacious seats, and curated service—all while cruising above turquoise waters. This isn’t just a flight; it’s a sneak peek into paradise, wrapped in the polished shell of American Airlines’ newest narrowbody aircraft.

This AA 737 MAX 8 Biz Class: Miami to Aruba dives deep into the full journey experience, highlighting how American Airlines combines convenience, comfort, and Caribbean charm. Whether you’re redeeming miles or booking a getaway in cash, this review helps you decide if the Boeing 737 MAX 8 business class is truly worth the splurge on your next sun-soaked escape.

Miami to Aruba Flight Review – Worth the Splurge?

Flying to paradise should feel special from the moment you step into the airport. When I booked my American Airlines Business Class ticket from Miami to Aruba, I wondered if the premium experience on this relatively short Caribbean hop would justify the price tag. Having flown this route several times in economy, I was curious to see how the Boeing 737 MAX 8 business class would compare, especially given American’s mixed reputation for consistency in their premium travel experience.

This comprehensive review covers my entire journey from booking to arrival, with honest insights about whether this premium cabin is worth your hard-earned dollars or miles for your next trip to Aruba.

See Also: Review: Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 Economy (AUS-MSY)

The Route: Miami to Aruba at a Glance

Before diving into the details, here’s what you need to know about this popular Caribbean route:

Flight Details	Information
Flight Number	AA 1028
Aircraft	Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Registration N313SB)
Route	Miami International Airport (MIA) to Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)
Flight Duration	2 hours 40 minutes
Departure Time	12:55 EDT (November 2, 2024)
Arrival Time	15:35 AST (November 2, 2024)
Distance	1,205 miles
Business Class Configuration	2-2 configuration (20 seats)

How I Booked My American Airlines Business Class Ticket

For travelers looking to experience this premium cabin, you’ve got options. I compared both cash and miles for this booking:

• Cash fare: $800 one-way (ouch!)
• AAdvantage miles: 25,000 miles + $5.60 in taxes
• Redemption value: Approximately 0.9¢ per mile

I ultimately chose to redeem AAdvantage miles for this trip, as I’d been sitting on a healthy balance from previous work travel. While not the most spectacular redemption value, using miles took the sting out of paying nearly a thousand dollars for a relatively short flight.

Pro Tip: I’ve found that Miami-Aruba business class award availability often opens up about 3-4 weeks before departure, particularly on weekday flights. Set alerts on the American Airlines mobile app if you’re flexible with dates.

The Ground Experience at Miami International

Check-In Process: Smooth Sailing with Digital Tools

My journey began with digital check-in through the American Airlines mobile app the day before departure. American has significantly improved their digital experience over the past year, and the process was seamless:

1. Completed the Aruba ED Card (required travel authorization) through the app link
2. Verified my passport using the app’s scanning feature
3. Received my mobile boarding pass instantly

For international travel, I always prefer to visit the check-in counter anyway to verify documents and check my bag. The Priority Check-In line at MIA’s Terminal D had just two people ahead of me, and I was assisted within minutes.

The agent efficiently verified my passport and Aruba ED Card completion, tagged my bag with a Oneworld Priority tag, and directed me to security. Total time from entering the terminal to completing check-in: 8 minutes.

Security: TSA PreCheck Makes All the Difference

Having TSA PreCheck is practically essential at MIA, especially during peak travel times to the Caribbean. The regular security lines stretched through the terminal, while the PreCheck lane had me through in under 5 minutes.

One thing to note: MIA’s Terminal D is currently undergoing renovations (scheduled through late 2025), so some security lanes may be temporarily relocated. Follow the updated signage carefully.

Lounge Experience: Choosing Between Options

Business class passengers on this route have two primary lounge options:

1. Admirals Club (included with business class ticket)
2. Amex Centurion Lounge (if you have an eligible American Express card)

Admirals Club Review

Located near gate D30, the Admirals Club at MIA offers a spacious environment with runway views. Morning visits typically feature a breakfast spread with:

• Oatmeal station with toppings
• Fresh fruit
• Pastries and bagels
• Cold cuts and cheese
• Yogurt parfait station

For my afternoon departure, the food selection included:

• Tomato soup
• Caesar salad
• Hummus and crudités
• Cheese cubes and crackers
• Cookies and brownies

The bar service begins at 8am, with complimentary house wines, draft beers, and well liquors. Premium options are available for purchase.

The lounge was moderately busy but not overcrowded when I visited. I easily found a quiet corner with power outlets to catch up on work before boarding. Wi-Fi connectivity clocked in at 85 Mbps download/45 Mbps upload—plenty fast for video calls or streaming.

Worth noting: The Admirals Club has shower facilities, which is a nice touch if you’re connecting from a long-haul flight before heading to Aruba.

Boarding Process: Priority Access in Action

Boarding for AA1028 began 45 minutes before departure at Gate D11. American’s boarding process follows a group system, with business class passengers (Group 1) boarding after Concierge Key members and passengers needing assistance.

The gate area was well-organized with clear signage for each boarding group. The Group 1 line was short, and I was on board within minutes of the first boarding announcement.

As I entered the aircraft, a flight attendant greeted me by name (an impressive touch!) and directed me to my seat, 3F.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 Business Class Cabin

Cabin Layout & First Impressions

American Airlines configures their Boeing 737 MAX 8 with 20 business class seats in a 2-2 configuration across five rows. The cabin features American’s standard blue and gray color scheme, which feels corporate but inoffensive.

The cabin was immaculately clean, with no signs of wear despite this aircraft (N313SB) being delivered to American in 2019. The modern LED lighting system creates a pleasant atmosphere, though it’s not as sophisticated as what you’d find on widebody aircraft.

What immediately struck me was how the narrow-body aircraft makes for a more intimate premium cabin experience compared to larger planes. With just 20 passengers maximum, service feels more personalized.

The Business Class Seat: Comfortable but Not Lie-Flat

Let’s be clear: this is a domestic first class/regional business class seat, not a Flagship Business Class product with lie-flat capabilities. For a 2-hour 40-minute flight, however, that’s perfectly adequate.

Key seat specifications:

• Seat width: 21 inches
• Seat pitch: 37 inches
• Recline: Approximately 5-6 inches
• Upholstery: Synthetic leather in navy blue
• Adjustable headrest with side wings
• Seatback pocket with literature
• Tray table that folds from the armrest
• In-seat power (AC and USB-A)
• Small shared console between seats

The seat offers significant improvement over economy in terms of width and legroom. I’m 6’0″ tall, and had no issues stretching my legs fully without touching the seat in front.

Seating comfort: The cushioning is firm but comfortable for a short-to-medium flight. The synthetic leather upholstery is smooth and well-maintained, though it can get warm after a few hours.

Storage options: Limited to a literature pocket (fits a small tablet) and minimal space in the center console. There’s no dedicated laptop storage compartment when the tray table is deployed, which is disappointing.

Best Seats in the Business Class Cabin

Based on my experience and cabin layout, here’s my recommendation for seat selection:

• Best seats: Row 2 (2A/2F) – Away from galley noise but still receiving prompt service
• Runner-up: Row 3 (3A/3F) – Mid-cabin position with good service flow
• Avoid if possible: Row 5 (5A/5F) – Close to economy lavatory with potential for noise/traffic

See Also: Review: American Airlines New 787-8 Economy Los Angeles (LAX)-Miami (MIA)

Lavatories: Basic but Clean

Business class passengers primarily use the forward lavatory, which is standard-sized for a 737 aircraft. It featured:

• Basic amenities (hand soap, paper towels)
• No special amenity kits or premium products
• Clean and well-maintained throughout the flight
• No waiting during my two visits

In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity

Entertainment System: Modern but Limited

Each seat features a personal entertainment screen measuring approximately 12 inches, with:

• Touchscreen interface
• Remote control in the armrest
• Good resolution and brightness
• Responsive touch functionality

The in-flight entertainment (IFE) selection included:

• 95+ movies (mix of new releases and classics)
• 80+ TV shows (mostly single episodes rather than full seasons)
• Music channels
• Moving map with flight information

While the system is modern and user-friendly, content selection falls short compared to international carriers like Emirates or Qatar. For a Caribbean flight, it’s perfectly adequate.

American provides complimentary earbuds, but they’re basic quality. I’d strongly recommend bringing your own noise-canceling headphones.

Wi-Fi: Reliable Performance

The aircraft offered Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the flight, priced at:

• $12 for the full flight
• $10 for streaming-quality (higher speed)

I purchased the streaming package and ran speed tests:

• Download: 15-18 Mbps
• Upload: 4-5 Mbps
• Ping: 750-900ms

These speeds allowed for smooth video calls, though with noticeable latency. I was able to catch up on emails and even stream a half-hour YouTube video without buffering issues.

Dining Experience: Above Average for Regional Service

Pre-Departure Service: A Warm Welcome

As I settled into my seat, a flight attendant offered a pre-departure beverage choice of water, orange juice, or sparkling wine. I opted for the sparkling wine, which was served in a proper glass (not plastic) – a small touch that enhances the premium feel.

Main Meal Service: Thoughtfully Presented

Approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, the food & beverage service began. For this afternoon departure, lunch was served.

The meal was presented all at once on a single tray, containing:

• Appetizer: Chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon wedge
• Main course: Herb-roasted chicken breast with pesto cream sauce, roasted potatoes, and broccolini
• Side: Mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette
• Dessert: Chocolate mousse cake
• Warm bread roll with butter

Beverage service included:

• Full selection of soft drinks
• Beer (Heineken, Miller Lite, Sam Adams)
• Wine (two whites, two reds)
• Basic spirits
• Coffee, tea, and water

The chicken was surprisingly tender and flavorful—not dried out as airline chicken often is. The vegetables maintained their texture, and the sauce complemented the dish well. Portion size was ample without being excessive.

While not a culinary masterpiece, the meal was several notches above domestic economy offerings and felt appropriate for the flight duration.

Mid-Flight and Pre-Arrival Service: Attentive Throughout

Throughout the flight, the crew passed through the cabin offering water refills about every 30 minutes. About 45 minutes before landing, they distributed warm cookies and a final beverage service—a nice touch to end the flight on a sweet note.

See Also: Review: United 757 Business Class Newark to Los Angeles

Cabin Crew Performance: The American Airlines Difference

The service quality on American Airlines can vary dramatically based on crew. On this flight, I experienced one of the better AA crews I’ve encountered.

The service stood out for being:

• Proactive and attentive without hovering
• Addressing passengers by name
• Responsive to call buttons (under 30 seconds)
• Genuinely friendly rather than procedural

My empty glass never sat for more than a few minutes, and when I requested an extra bottle of water for landing, it appeared almost immediately with a smile.

Case Study: On a previous Miami-Aruba flight in economy, I experienced indifferent service and had to request basics like water multiple times. This business class experience showcased how proper staffing ratios and premium cabin training can dramatically improve the passenger experience.

Sleep Comfort: Ideal for a Quick Nap

While not designed for serious sleeping, the seat recline was sufficient for a comfortable nap. The cabin was kept at a pleasant temperature, and noise levels were moderate—mostly engine hum and occasional galley noise.

American provides a small pillow and light blanket in business class. The blanket was surprisingly soft and adequately sized, though the pillow is quite minimal. For a daytime Caribbean flight, this setup works fine.

Arrival Experience: Smooth Landing in Paradise

We touched down at Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) right on schedule. Business class passengers were first to deplane, which is particularly valuable at Aruba where immigration can build long queues quickly.

My priority-tagged bag was among the first dozen on the carousel, appearing about 15 minutes after I cleared immigration. The entire arrival process, from aircraft door to exiting the terminal, took approximately 25 minutes.

Value Assessment: Is American’s 737 MAX 8 Business Class Worth It?

The big question: Is this premium product worth the price differential over economy?

The Cost-Benefit Analysis

For this route, business class typically costs:

• Cash: 2-3x economy fare ($800-900 vs. $300-350)
• Miles: 25,000 miles vs. 15,000 miles for economy

What you get for the premium:

• Priority check-in, security, and boarding
• Lounge access
• Significantly more comfortable seat
• Enhanced food and beverage
• Dedicated lavatory
• Priority baggage handling
• Double AAdvantage miles earning

When it’s worth splurging:

• Special occasions (honeymoons, anniversaries)
• When you need to work during the flight
• When you have miles to burn
• If you value a stress-free airport experience
• When connecting from a long-haul international flight

When to save your money/miles:

• Solo leisure travel on a budget
• When award space is available in economy but not business
• Very early morning flights when you plan to sleep anyway
• When Admirals Club access isn’t important to you

Competitive Landscape: How American Stacks Up

American isn’t the only carrier flying to Aruba from the US. Here’s how their business class compares to key competitors:

• JetBlue: Offers Mint service (superior seat) on select Aruba routes, but not from Miami
• United: Similar product but usually with older interiors
• Delta: Comparable product with generally more consistent service
• Southwest: No business class option

Final Rating: 7.5/10

American Airlines’ Boeing 737 MAX 8 Business Class offers a solid premium experience for this popular Caribbean route. While not revolutionary, it delivers meaningful upgrades in comfort, service, and amenities that enhance the journey to paradise.

Strengths:

• Clean, modern aircraft
• Comfortable seating for a 3-hour flight
• Efficient ground services
• Good meal quality
• Reliable Wi-Fi

Weaknesses:

• Limited storage at the seat
• Basic entertainment selection
• Inconsistent service quality (though excellent on my flight)
• No dedicated amenity kit

Would I fly this again?

Yes – but preferably using miles rather than cash. The experience significantly enhances the journey without breaking the bank when using points, making it a reasonable splurge for vacation travel.

See Also: Review: LOT 787-9 Business Class New York (JFK)- Warsaw

Practical Tips for Readers

• Best seats: Choose row 2 for the optimal mix of cabin position and service
• Bring your own: Noise-canceling headphones make a big difference
• Lounge strategy: If you have access to both, visit the Centurion Lounge for better food, then the Admirals Club for a quieter space to work
• Plan ahead: Complete your Aruba ED Card the day before to streamline check-in
• Baggage smart: Even with priority tags, pack essentials in your carry-on as Aruba occasionally experiences baggage delays

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a significant difference between the 737 MAX 8 business class and other AA narrow body business class products?

A: Yes, the MAX 8 features American’s latest domestic first class seats with improved power outlets, entertainment screens, and slightly more modern design compared to older 737 or A320 family aircraft.

Q: Do business class passengers get expedited immigration in Aruba?

A: No, Aruba doesn’t offer fast-track immigration for premium passengers. However, being first off the plane gives you a head start.

Q: Is the Admirals Club included with a business class ticket to Aruba?

A: Yes, international business class tickets include Admirals Club access for the passenger only (no guests).

Q: How far in advance should I book to get award space in business class?

A: For Miami-Aruba, booking 6+ months in advance or within 3-4 weeks of departure typically yields the best availability.

Q: Are there power outlets at every business class seat?

A: Yes, each seat has both AC power and USB-A ports, though the placement between seats means you might need to disturb your seatmate to plug in.

Conclusion

This AA 737 MAX 8 Biz Class: Miami to Aruba review with seat details, food, service, and in-flight experience in simple words. shows that flying to paradise can be just as relaxing as the destination itself. From the smooth check-in at Miami to the warm arrival in Aruba, American Airlines offers a solid business class experience. The seats are comfortable, the service is friendly, and the flight is short yet satisfying.

In this AA 737 MAX 8 Biz Class: Miami to Aruba we’ve seen what makes this route stand out. If you want extra space, better food, and a peaceful start to your island trip, this cabin upgrade is worth it. For travelers looking to make the most of their journey, business class on the 737 MAX 8 is a smart and stylish choice.

Have you flown American’s 737 MAX 8 business class to the Caribbean? Share your experience in the comments below!

Disclosure: This flight was booked with my own AAdvantage miles, and American Airlines was not informed about this review.