Embraer 175 American Airlines First Class Guide (2025)

I often find myself curious about how regional jets stack up against bigger aircraft when it comes to comfort and service. One plane that sparks plenty of discussion is the Embraer 175 American Airlines First Class cabin. Travelers love this aircraft for its balance of size, comfort, and efficiency, and it’s often described as the “perfect baby bear” of domestic flying. Let’s walk through what makes this experience worth considering.

Getting to Know the Jet

We should start with the basics. The Embraer E175 belongs to the E-Jet family launched in the early 2000s. American Airlines today operates about 125 of these E175s and 40 of the slightly smaller E170s. The passenger capacity usually ranges between 76 and 88 depending on configuration.

These planes aren’t brand new anymore, but they’re still relatively young. For example, tail number N236NN had its first flight in August 2016, making it eight years old as of March 2025. Another, N252NN, first flew in April 2017 and is now seven years old.

Where These Jets Fly

They typically specialize in mid-range routes that don’t need a larger aircraft. Think of flights like Pittsburgh to New York (340 miles, just 1 hour 36 minutes) or longer hauls like Denver to Los Angeles (about 3 hours).

• Current longest route: Phoenix to Appleton, WI (just under 1500 miles).
• Short routes that vanished: San Diego to Los Angeles used to be a quick 25-minute hop but disappeared after Compass Airlines ceased operations during the pandemic.
• New routes: Twice-daily service between Carlsbad (CLD) and Phoenix (PHX).

This flexibility is part of why the E175 stays in the fleet it can handle everything from commuter flights to nearly cross-country hops.

A Look Inside the Cabin

I think the first thing people notice is the seating. The First Class cabin comes in a 1-2 layout across four rows, totaling 12 seats. If you’re lucky enough to snag seat 1A, you’ll find over 40 inches of legroom with extra privacy on the single side. Seats measure about 20 inches wide, plush leather, and more comfortable than what you’d find even on some mainline 737 jets.

Economy has no dreaded middle seats thanks to the 2-2 configuration. Main Cabin Extra (rows 8–13) offers 34-inch pitch, while standard economy (rows 14–23) sits tighter at 30 inches.

Overhead Bin Quirks

They designed the bins differently on each side. In First Class, the overhead on the D & F side is very spacious and swallows a standard 20–22-inch carry-on headfirst. The A side, however, is so small it fits little more than a jacket or backpack. If you travel heavy, choose wisely.

Food and Drinks in the Sky

We all remember when flying First Class meant hot meals and warm nuts. Before the pandemic, breakfast options included bagels with lox or egg salad sandwiches, while lunch brought noodle salads or deli-style sandwiches.

Things changed during the early 2020s. Blankets, pillows, and pre-departure drinks mostly disappeared. Meals shifted to “boxed meals” with items like a small salad, a dip, or packaged snacks. On some routes, you might just get a snack basket or packets of nuts. Drinks are still complimentary in First Class, but choices are simpler than before.

In-Flight Entertainment and Wi-Fi

We don’t get seatback screens here. Instead, streaming entertainment is available on personal devices at no charge. Movies, TV dramas, sitcoms, and documentaries are easy to load once you’re above 10,000 feet.

Wi-Fi costs anywhere between $8 and $18 an hour, though T-Mobile customers already get it free on phones. American Airlines also announced that starting January 2026, Wi-Fi will be free for all AAdvantage members. That’s a game-changer for regular flyers.

Perks for Frequent Flyers

I noticed that elite status makes these flights much better. Executive Platinum status brings complimentary upgrades, Main Cabin Extra seats, and priority everything check-in, boarding, and baggage delivery. Upgrades on the E175 almost always clear.

Qantas status holders also enjoy oneworld perks like lounge access and even a 96kg baggage allowance for Emerald members. These benefits can easily save over a thousand dollars across a few trips.

Travel Costs and Miles

We often compare cash versus miles, and the E175 routes show why travel hacking works. For instance:

• Pittsburgh to New York First Class: 15,000 British Airways Avios (worth about four cents per point).
• Denver to Anguilla: 12,000 AA miles plus about $20 in fees.
• Last-minute PIT-JFK fares: $600+ for Business, $400+ for Economy.

With elite status and smart use of miles, travelers report savings well over $1,000 in value.

Airport Experiences

We can’t forget the airports that shape the journey. Denver stands out with its tent-like roof and infamous “Blue Mustang” sculpture with glowing eyes. LaGuardia Terminal B now features a stunning Aquatique water display, while St. Louis welcomes flyers with a view of the Gateway Arch.

On the flip side, Miami’s airport security is described as “atrocious,” sometimes taking nearly an hour even without long lines. Smaller airports like Anguilla feel relaxed but lack conveniences like mobile boarding passes.

Comfort Beyond the Seat

These regional jets board quickly, which reduces stress and sometimes allows for early departures. Window seats often give amazing views Colorado mountains, Manhattan’s Central Park, or St. Louis’s Gateway Arch. And because there are fewer passengers, flight attendants tend to be younger, friendlier, and sometimes even entertaining.

Final Thoughts

We can say that the Embraer 175 American Airlines First Class is not just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about a balance comfort, privacy, and efficiency wrapped into one small but mighty jet. Yes, the food isn’t what it once was, and the bins can be quirky, but the seating comfort, frequent upgrades, and upcoming free Wi-Fi keep it competitive.

For anyone choosing between a cramped regional jet and this one, the E175 wins almost every time. If you’re planning your next trip, keep this aircraft in mind you might find it’s the sweet spot of domestic flying.

FAQs

References

1. American Airlines – Official Site. Fleet and aircraft details.
2. Embraer – Manufacturer Information. E-Jet family specifications and history.
3. Pat’s Travel Reviews (2019, 2023). First-hand reviews of E175/E170 First Class.
4. Rosemary’s Travel Notes (2025). American Airlines Embraer 175: Elite Status Perks.
5. U.S. Department of Transportation. Airline passenger data and route distances.
6. American Express – Official Site. Platinum Card benefits and offers.
7. Qantas Frequent Flyer Program. oneworld status benefits.
8. Airports Council International. Details on Denver, LaGuardia, Miami, Pittsburgh, and Anguilla airports.
9. American Airlines Press Release (April 15, 2025). Announcement on free Wi-Fi for AAdvantage members starting 2026.
10. Traveler reports and flight logs (2016–2025). Aircraft ages, flight times, and onboard experience.

Disclaimer: Information about American Airlines’ Embraer 175 First Class is based on available data and traveler reviews. Services, routes, and amenities may change. Always confirm with the airline before booking.

Author: Jasper Bruxner

Jasper Bruxner is an aviation travel expert with years of experience reviewing airlines and regional jets. He shares first-hand insights into cabin comfort, routes, and perks to help travelers make smarter flying choices.