American’s 777-300ER (extended range) is their long-haul international aircraft used on their flagship services, most notably to London Heathrow from JFK and LAX.
The aircraft features a First Class, Business Class and Economy Class Cabin, with both forward cabins featuring their lie-flat products. In Business, it’s a reverse herringbone product, with each seat angled away from the aisle, situated in a 1x2x1 configuration.
Since most folks flying this plane are either using Systemwide Upgrades or miles to move from Economy to Business, I thought it would be advantageous to discuss the two best Business Class seats on this aircraft.
The diagram below shows the Business Class cabin, through row 8. You’ll notice rows 3 and 4 are in what’s commonly referred to as the “mini-cabin” since it’s the Business Cabin but with only 2 rows, making this area feel much more private than the rear, with 10 rows. In front of row 3 lies First Class, divided by a bulkhead and curtain.
Clearly, this mini-cabin is the best of the two choices to sit in, but there are two seats that I think trumps them all – 3A and 4A.
3A
Both 3A and 4A have their own full overhead storage bin, but 3A abuts the First Class bulkhead and curtain, making this seat fairly private in terms of movement, since there’s not a ton of walking between the two cabins. Seats 3D and 3G sit directly across from 3A, though.
4A
4A is unique in that it is off centered a bit, and across from it on the other side of the aisle is actually a wall of the galley. So, because there’s no person sitting across from you, there’s a fairly exclusive feeling to this seat. The lavatory is directly behind it, but I find that there is minimum impact on your seat privacy here. This seat also has the advantage of being the closest to the door used for embarking and disembarking. If you want off the aircraft first, this is the seat for you.
Jamie Larounis is an avid traveler, blogger and miles/points educator. Traveling well over 100,000 miles a year and staying in hotels for over 100 nights, he leverages miles, points and other deals to fly in first class cabins, and stay in 5-star hotels. The Forward Cabin shares his experiences, musings, reviews, tips, tricks, resources and industry news with you, the fellow traveler.
the bathroom behind 4J is much nicer and larger
My wife and I have these two seats booked on a return from. HKG to DFW soon. I’ve heard a few minor complaints in the mini cabin of the overhead AC unit being rather noisy. Still looks good to me.
It is definitely better to fly in the mini cabin. If those seats are unavailable, avoid 11A or 11J as they do not have access to windows. I like 12A/12J for windows and 14A/14J for slightly more space due to nothing behind the seat.
Hi! Travelling as a couple on a red eye EZE-MIA. All seats are open in both the mini biz and main cabin — except for 3D and 4G unfortunately.
Am leaning toward 4D and 4G over the main biz cabin. But, given it’s a red eye, am a little concerned at the noise from the galley right behind, which some people cite as a problem.
We do like the idea of being in the mini cabin though! What do you think?