Latest news with #BrandonBlackwood
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
The Future of American Airlines Travel Starts Today
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. More than 200 customers made the trip from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX) today aboard American Airlines' new Boeing 787-9. The plane's takeoff marked the start of a new chapter in the company's aviation history. The flight coincided with the launch of American's new international and domestic summer travel routes. "We're excited that you are part of the beginning of this plane's journey," American's Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden said in a note to passengers on Flight 2012. "Everything you see on board today was designed with you in mind: from the design details to Bluetooth connectivity to state-of-the-art entertainment, your comfort is our priority." The plane seats 244 passengers. It features American's redesigned Main Cabin and reimagined Premium Economy cabins, which are designed to deliver a more premium experience to passengers. Flagship Suite seat onboard an American Airlines plane. Flagship Suite seat onboard an American Airlines plane. American Airlines In the Main Cabin, there are 4K monitors with Bluetooth connectivity and USB Type-C and AC power ports at every one of the 161 seats. Premium Economy's 32 passengers get that plus a privacy headrest with wings, adjustable calf and footrests, wireless charging and water bottle storage. Fifty-one Flagship Suite seats are available on the plane. They offer personal storage space, a wireless charging pad, privacy door, chaise lounge feature, reading light mirror and trinket tray. Booking one of these seats also gets you additional perks like Priority check-in, security, boarding and baggage handling. International flyers also get access to American's Flagship lounge and a multi-course meal, pillow and duvet blanket. Flagship Suite Preferred seats build on the Flagship Suite offers with 19 percent more bed space and 42 percent more living area. There are just eight of those seats available. Brandon Blackwood for American Airlines amenity kit. Brandon Blackwood for American Airlines amenity kit. American Airlines Brandon Blackwood amenity kits will be available through early September for passengers in several fare classes. Flagship First and Flagship Suite Preferred customers receive a compact travel version of Blackwood's trademark Portmore handbag, made of denim and with a wraparound zip closure. Flagship Business and Flagship Suite seats fliers get a black pouch with red accents along the zipper and Blackwood's signature checkered pattern on the interior. Premium Economy passengers receive a blue and white checkered pattern kit. American's upgraded offerings debut at a time when the industry's luxury and premium offerings are receiving upgrades across the board. From added onboard amenities like a large snack area to finer linens and better food and beverage options, domestic and international airlines are finding new ways to appeal to customers.
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Travel + Leisure
03-06-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
American Airlines Debuts New Amenity Kits With an Iconic Hollywood Designer
American Airlines' amenity kits are getting a Hollywood makeover. In a limited-edition release, the airline will debut three new styles by celebrity designer Brandon Blackwood, whose styles have been worn by stars like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Lucy Liu, Megan Thee Stallion, and Heidi Klum. 'I remember how excited I would get as a child, racing to find my seat and eagerly searching for the amenity kits,' the 33-year-old trending fashion designer told Travel + Leisure, noting that he often traveled and moved around the world since his stepdad was in banking. 'Each kit felt like a little treasure trove, filled with varied, thoughtfully designed items that brought me so much joy and curiosity.' His goal while taking on this collaboration was to 'recreate that same feeling of excitement and wonder,' aiming for styles that meld functionality with whimsy. 'I wanted every kit to spark that sense of curiosity I once had as a child, bringing a smile to travelers,' he added. The complimentary kits will be available on select summer flights starting in mid-June and running through September for passengers in premium classes flying between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, and the Middle East, as well as on domestic cross-country and Hawaii flights. Premium economy travelers will receive a blue-and-white pouch in Blackwood's trademark checkered pattern, while those in Flagship business will be treated to a black pouch with red accents including the checkered design on the inside. The most coveted kit will be reserved for Flagship first class passengers, who will receive a mini version of Blackwood's viral Portmore bag, made of denim with a wrap-around zipper. 'The Portmore backpack holds a special place in my heart as one of the very first styles I created and the bag that truly put us on the map,' Blackwood said. He scaled down the design for the airline as an ode to his brand's 10th anniversary. 'It was a journey to take such an iconic bag and reimagine it for this significant moment in our history—this feels like a rebirth of a classic.' Brandon Blackwood with the his full American Airlines amenity kits. Lexi Lambro/American Airlines Inside each kit will be a curated selection of skincare products, including Buttah lip balm and towelette and Pholk lotion. The collaboration is the second of the Texas-based carrier's limited-edition kits, which started in 2024 with women-owned B Corp company Raven & Lily in partnership with Stand Up to Cancer and helped raise $4.3 million for the nonprofit. The opportunity marks a profound moment for Blackwood, who was on the 2024 Time 100 list for revolutionizing the fashion industry with the End Systemic Racism tote. 'Being a first to do something is always such a milestone, especially at this scale,' Blackwood told T+L of the opportunity as a Black designer to work with a brand like American Airlines, which he's long adored. 'Every first my brand has done has helped spotlight other brands of those that look like myself. It gives hope, spreads awareness, and shows that there is so much overlooked talent that's waiting to show up and show out.' For those who have long supported his brand, he hopes they'll 'feel a sense of pride and see a reflection of both themselves and our brand in the kits,' while he hopes those happening upon his designs for the first time will see the kits as a 'warm welcome…inviting everyone to share this beautiful experience together.' The partnership is a choice that the airline is excited to bring to their passengers for the summer travel season. 'Brandon's bold, fashion-forward designs are the perfect addition to our amenity kit collection, especially as we see our premium customers skewing younger, which is in line with Gen Z investing in luxury items and experiences,' the airline's chief customer officer Heather Garboden said in a statement obtained by T+L.
