Review: American Boeing 737-800 Business Class (AUS-SJD)

The American Boeing 737-800 Business Class 2 is a premium travel experience designed to offer superior comfort, priority services, and an upgraded in-flight environment for passengers flying on one of the most widely used aircraft in American Airlines’ fleet. This american boeing 737 800 business class 2 provides spacious seating, enhanced meal service, and exclusive perks that set it apart from the standard economy cabin. With a 2-2 seating configuration, passengers can enjoy more personal space, priority boarding, and a relaxed journey—ideal for both business and leisure travelers.

Flying in Business Class isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about experiencing travel at its finest. Imagine skipping long lines, settling into a plush leather seat, and enjoying a pre-departure drink as the bustling airport fades into the background. Whether you’re heading to the stunning beaches of Los Cabos or returning from a productive business trip, American Airlines’ 737-800 Business Class transforms an ordinary flight into a seamless, stress-free experience.

This american boeing 737 800 business class 2 will cover every aspect of the journey—from booking and check-in to the in-flight service and arrival experience—giving you an in-depth look at what to expect. With priority boarding, premium seating, and an upgraded meal service, this cabin offers more than just extra legroom—it delivers a refined way to travel. So, if you’re wondering whether the American Boeing 737-800 Business Class is worth it, read on as we break down every detail of the trip from Austin (AUS) to Los Cabos (SJD).

Is American Airlines Business Class Worth It?

Flying between Austin and Los Cabos presents travelers with several options, but how does American Airlines’ domestic Business Class measure up on this popular vacation route? I recently experienced the Boeing 737-800 service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and documented every aspect to help you decide if the premium is worth the price.

This american boeing 737 800 business class 2 review covers everything from booking to arrival, with particular attention to what makes this experience different from standard economy service. Let’s dive into the details of this 3-hour international hop to Mexico’s popular beach destination.

The direct flight between Austin and Los Cabos is part of American’s expanding focus on leisure routes from its growing Austin mini-hub. Flight AA1004 operates daily during peak seasons, offering a convenient non-stop option for Texans heading to the Baja peninsula.

What immediately sets this route apart is that despite being relatively short at just over three hours, it’s branded as Business Class rather than First Class due to its international designation. This small distinction actually impacts several aspects of the service, from meal offerings to amenities.

“The difference between domestic First and international Business on these narrowbody routes isn’t always clear to passengers, but it typically means a slightly enhanced service level due to the international designation.” – American Airlines flight attendant

Booking Experience

I secured our tickets via Google Flights, which directed me to AA.com for the final purchase. At the time of booking (approximately 6 weeks before departure), roundtrip Business Class tickets were priced at $874 per person – a $574 premium over the Main Cabin fare.

Alternatively, this route typically requires 25,000-30,000 AAdvantage miles each way for Business Class redemptions, yielding a value of approximately 1.9-2.3 cents per mile – slightly above average for domestic premium cabin redemptions.

See Also: Flight Review: Delta A321neo First Class from BOS to SFO

The booking process through American’s website was straightforward, though I noted a few key points about this route:

• Seat selection is included with Business Class fares
• The aircraft featured the standard recliner-style domestic First seats (not lie-flat)
• Meal pre-ordering was available 30 days before departure
• Travel booking was simple but required creating an account for full features

Fare Comparison Table:

Cabin Class	Cash Price	Miles Required	Approx. Value Per Mile
Business Class	$874	25,000-30,000	1.9-2.3¢
Premium Economy	$574	15,000-20,000	1.9-2.4¢
Main Cabin	$300	12,500-15,000	2.0-2.4¢
Basic Economy	$280	Not Available	N/A

Airport Experience in Austin (AUS)

Check-in at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport was swift thanks to dedicated premium cabin counters. On a Monday morning, I waited less than 3 minutes before being helped by an agent. Business Class includes a generous 2 checked bags allowance (up to 70 lbs each), though I traveled with just carry-ons.

Security was equally efficient. The TSA PreCheck line moved steadily, taking approximately 7 minutes from entry to clearing the checkpoint. Austin’s airport has significantly improved its premium passenger flow in recent years, making the ground experience much more pleasant than at larger, more congested American hubs.

With extra time before boarding, I explored the terminal’s pre-flight offerings. While American doesn’t operate an Admirals Club in Austin (a notable weakness for premium passengers), the terminal offers several quality dining options. I stopped at Jo’s Coffee for a quick caffeine fix and browsed the Texas-themed shops near Gate 28 where our flight would depart.

Airport Services for Business Class Passengers:

• ✓ Priority check-in counters
• ✓ Priority security line access
• ✓ Priority boarding
• ✓ Two free checked bags (70 lbs each)
• ✗ No dedicated lounge access

Aircraft Details

Our aircraft, N904AN, had arrived from Dallas/Ft. Worth that morning. This particular 737-800 was delivered to American in April 2013, making it nearly 12 years old at the time of my flight – middle-aged by fleet standards.

American’s Boeing 737-800 fleet has undergone refresh cycles, with this aircraft featuring the post-merger interior that includes:

• Updated seat upholstery and cabin panels
• Boeing Sky Interior with improved LED lighting
• Larger overhead bins compared to older models
• Wi-Fi capability and power at every seat

The aircraft can accommodate 172 passengers across three cabins:

• 16 Business Class seats (2-2 configuration)
• 30 Main Cabin Extra seats (3-3 with additional legroom)
• 126 Main Cabin seats (3-3 standard configuration)

The Business Class Cabin

The Business Class cabin configuration features four rows in a comfortable 2-2 arrangement, creating a total of 16 seats. This layout is standard for American’s 737 fleet but feels noticeably more spacious than the 3-3 arrangement in economy.

Upon boarding, the cabin’s separation from the rest of the aircraft was immediately apparent. A dark blue curtain divides Business from Main Cabin Extra, creating a sense of exclusivity even on this smaller aircraft.

The cabin aesthetics reflect American’s current design language – navy blue leather seats with light gray accents and subtle red stitching. While not the most inspired interior design, it presents a clean, professional appearance that’s held up well.

Passenger Comfort is enhanced by:

• Private feeling despite not having true suite-style seats
• Reduced noise levels compared to the rest of the aircraft
• Dedicated flight attendant for just 16 passengers
• Better air quality in the forward cabin section

Seat Features & Comfort

The seat features in Business Class measured 21 inches wide with 38 inches of pitch – significantly more generous than the 17-inch width and 30-inch pitch found in economy. Each seat reclines approximately 5 inches and includes an adjustable headrest with flexible wings for sleeping support.

Notable seat amenities include:

• Universal power outlets beneath the center armrest
• USB charging port in the seatback
• Extendable leg rest and footrest
• Tray table that extends from the armrest
• Dedicated overhead bin space
• Seat pocket with entertainment device holder

The seat comfort level was quite good for a domestic recliner product. The padding strikes a good balance – firm enough for proper support during a 3-hour flight, yet soft enough to remain comfortable throughout. The leather upholstery appeared well-maintained with no visible wear or tears.

For sleeping, the seat allows a decent recline but falls far short of the lie-flat products found on American’s widebody aircraft. For a daytime flight to Mexico, this wasn’t problematic, though taller passengers (over 6’2″) might find the legroom more constraining when trying to nap.

Pre-Departure Experience

The pre-flight experience began with a warm greeting from the purser, who addressed me by name – a small touch that sets premium service apart. Within minutes of settling in, the flight attendant offered a choice of pre-departure beverage: water, orange juice, or sparkling wine served in plastic cups (a standard practice for ground service).

A refreshing cold towel followed the drink service – unusual for a relatively short domestic flight and a pleasant surprise that reflected the international service standards.

The boarding process was well-managed, with Business Class passengers completely settled before the main cabin boarding began. Our flight attendant took meal orders in advance of departure, working from front to back based on elite status within the cabin.

Onboard amenities provided included:

• Pillow (small but plush)
• Blanket (thin but adequate for the cabin temperature)
• Bottled water
• No dedicated amenity kit (unlike longer international services)

In-Flight Entertainment

The in-flight entertainment system on this 737-800 relies on personal device streaming rather than built-in screens. American’s approach focuses on their app-based entertainment system called “American Airlines Entertainment,” which passengers access via their own smartphones, tablets or laptops.

The content library included:

• 150+ movies (including recent releases)
• 300+ TV episodes
• Limited music selections
• Basic flight tracking

Wi-Fi performance was reasonable throughout the flight, provided by Viasat with speeds averaging 15-20 Mbps – sufficient for streaming but with occasional buffering. The service was priced at $19 for the full flight or $10 for one hour, though Business Class passengers received a promotional code for complimentary access.

The lack of built-in screens feels increasingly dated as competitors upgrade their narrowbody fleets with seatback entertainment. For passengers without devices or those who prefer not to deplete their batteries, this represents a significant drawback.

Food & Beverage

Meal service began approximately 40 minutes after takeoff. Business Class passengers received printed menus with two main course options:

1. Southwest Chicken Bowl with black beans, corn, and cilantro-lime rice
2. Mediterranean Veggie Wrap with hummus and roasted vegetables

Both were served with a side salad, warm bread roll, and chocolate chip cookie for dessert.

I selected the chicken bowl, which arrived well-presented on a single tray with proper tableware – ceramic plates and metal cutlery, a step up from the plastic found in economy. The portion size was appropriate for lunch, and the quality surpassed my expectations for domestic airline food, with the chicken remaining moist and flavorful.

Drink options included:

• Full bar service with premium spirits
• Four wine selections (two red, two white)
• Beer (domestic and Mexican options)
• Standard non-alcoholic beverages

The meal options rotation changes monthly on this route, though the format remains consistent. American doesn’t offer the more elaborate meal service found on their longer international routes, but the quality was perfectly acceptable for a medium-haul flight.

Mid-flight, the crew offered additional drink refills and a snack basket containing packaged items like nuts, cookies, and chips – a nice touch that economy passengers didn’t receive.

Service Elements

The inflight services were delivered by a crew of four, with one flight attendant dedicated to the Business Class cabin. Our attendant, Maria, demonstrated professionalism throughout the flight with the right balance of attentiveness without hovering.

Key service observations:

• Passenger-to-crew ratio of 16:1 in Business (versus approximately 52:1 in economy)
• Proactive drink refills without needing to request them
• Addressing passengers by name throughout the flight
• Quick response to call buttons (under 30 seconds)

The service timing was well-paced – meal service didn’t feel rushed, yet efficient enough to allow for relaxation time afterward. When I requested an additional blanket, it was provided immediately with a smile.

American’s service culture can vary significantly between crews, but this team clearly demonstrated the more polished international service standards rather than the sometimes perfunctory approach found on shorter domestic routes.

Sleep Experience

While a full sleep isn’t typically expected on a 3-hour daytime flight, comfort for napping remains important for many travelers. The seats offer sufficient recline to achieve a relaxed position, though nowhere near the flat bed experience of long-haul business class.

The cabin remained at a comfortable temperature throughout the flight – slightly cool but mitigated by the provided blanket. Noise levels were managed well, with the Business cabin’s forward location providing some buffer from engine noise.

For those seeking to rest, I recommend:

• Seats 3A/3F or 4A/4F (rear of the cabin) for fewer disturbances
• Bringing noise-canceling headphones (not provided by the airline)
• Using the adjustable headrest wings for neck support
• Requesting an additional blanket if needed

Arrival Experience in Cabo (SJD)

Our aircraft arrived at Los Cabos International Airport 7 minutes ahead of schedule. Business Class passengers benefited from priority deplaning, exiting before other cabins were released.

San José del Cabo’s airport has expanded significantly in recent years to accommodate growing tourism, but immigration can still present long lines during peak arrival periods. Business Class passengers receive priority immigration cards that allow access to a dedicated line, saving approximately 20-25 minutes during our busy midday arrival.

The real advantage emerged with baggage claim. Priority-tagged Business Class bags appeared within 10 minutes of reaching the carousel, while many economy passengers waited 30+ minutes for their luggage.

The airport offers several ground transportation options, though American Airlines doesn’t provide any dedicated transfer services for Business Class passengers at this destination.

See Also: Review: American Boeing 737-800 Business Class (AUS-SJD)

Value Analysis

At $874 roundtrip versus $300 for Main Cabin, is American’s Business Class worth the $574 premium on this route?

The premium experience delivers these concrete benefits:

• Time savings: Approximately 45-60 minutes total through priority services
• Space: 4 more inches of width and 8 more inches of legroom
• Comfort: Enhanced seating, pillows, blankets
• Meals and drinks included (potential $30-50 value)
• Two checked bags included ($70 value if needed)
• Wi-Fi included ($19 value)

For leisure travelers, the main consideration is whether these comfort elements justify nearly tripling the fare. For most casual travelers, the premium is difficult to justify on pure economics.

However, specific traveler profiles might find significant value:

Who should consider upgrading:

• Taller passengers who struggle with standard legroom
• Business travelers whose time savings justify the cost
• Those with elite status who might receive complimentary upgrades
• Passengers using miles for redemptions (often better value than cash)
• Travelers who highly value comfort and service

Case Study: The Johnson Family Vacation The Johnson family of four was originally booked in Main Cabin for their annual Cabo trip. When offered $300 upgrades per person at check-in, they calculated:

• Family of four = $1,200 total upgrade cost
• Value of included bags = $280
• Value of meals and drinks = ~$200
• Value of priority services = subjective They decided against the upgrade, determining the tangible benefits only recouped about 40% of the cost for their particular needs.

Tips for Maximizing Your Experience

If you do book Business Class on this route, here’s how to get the most value:

Best Seat Selection:

• Solo travelers: 2A or 2F for balanced service timing
• Couples: Row 3 offers the most private feeling
• Avoid Row 1 if you plan to store items under the seat (no forward storage)

Booking Strategies:

• Fares typically drop 4-6 weeks before departure if the cabin isn’t filling
• Upgrade offers at check-in often provide better value than booking Business outright
• Tuesday/Wednesday departures generally offer the lowest premium cabin pricing

Status Benefits:

• AAdvantage Platinum members and above are eligible for complimentary upgrades on this route
• Executive Platinum members should use Systemwide Upgrades on longer international routes where possible

Meal Planning:

• Pre-order meals when available (opens 30 days before departure)
• Special meals must be requested at least 24 hours in advance
• Breakfast flights typically offer less impressive options than lunch/dinner services

American Airlines’ Boeing 737-800 Business Class between Austin and Los Cabos delivers a solid premium experience that falls somewhere between domestic First Class and true international Business Class.

Strongest aspects:

• Efficient priority airport experiences
• Comfortable seating with adequate personal space
• Attentive crew with personalized service
• Reasonable food quality

Weakest aspects:

• Lack of lounge access in Austin
• No built-in entertainment screens
• Limited amenities compared to longer international flights
• Difficult value proposition at full fare

Overall rating: 7.8/10

For most leisure travelers, the premium is likely only worth it when:

1. Upgrades are available at significantly reduced rates
2. You’re using miles for redemption
3. You particularly value comfort and service on vacation flights

The experience itself is pleasant and comfortable, but doesn’t deliver the transformative premium experience that might justify the price differential for most travelers.

See Also: Review: United Boeing 737-800 First Class | Comfort & Perks

FAQs

1.What is the seating configuration in Business Class on the Boeing 737-800?

Business Class features 16 recliner seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration, offering ample space and comfort.

2.Are in-flight entertainment screens available in Business Class?

American Airlines has removed seatback entertainment screens from many Boeing 737-800 aircraft; however, passengers can stream content to their personal devices using the onboard Wi-Fi.

3.Is Wi-Fi available on the Boeing 737-800?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available throughout the aircraft, allowing passengers to stay connected during their flight.

4.What are the seat dimensions in Business Class?

Business Class seats offer a pitch of 38 inches and a width of 21 inches, providing enhanced comfort.

5.Does the Boeing 737-800 Business Class have power outlets?

Yes, each Business Class seat is equipped with AC power outlets and USB ports for charging devices.

Conclusion

Flying in post/american-boeing-737-800-business-class 2 is a great experience for travelers who want comfort and convenience. The spacious seats, priority boarding, and in-flight services make the journey more enjoyable. Whether you are flying for business or leisure, this cabin offers a relaxing way to travel. With extra legroom and better dining options, passengers can feel refreshed when they arrive at their destination.

If you value comfort in the air, post/american-boeing-737-800-business-class 2 is a great choice. It provides a premium experience without the high cost of first class. The combination of personal space, attentive service, and upgraded amenities makes flying more enjoyable. For frequent travelers, this option is worth considering for a smooth and pleasant journey.

Have you flown this route in Business Class or Main Cabin? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!