It’s an International Business Class Seat. Most Carriers offer only Their Domestic seats
U.S. carriers see the Caribbean with double vision. From a mileage redemption standpoint, the region falls in the international category. But from a seat standpoint, it’s an extension of the U.S., with most carriers offering the same First and Business Class seats that they use on domestic flights. The seats are far inferior to international offerings. First Class seats typically have around 37 inches of pitch—international seats have 59 and more—and they only recline 6-8 inches.
The one exception is American, which offers its international Business Class seat to the Caribbean from New York and Miami, routes on which it flies B767-300s and B757s. The seats recline to flat but in that position are canted about ten degrees, are 20 to 21 inches wide (23 to 26 with the armrest down), and have 59 inches of pitch.
Return on Miles: American’s Business Class fares on these routes range from $750 to $1,500 (plus taxes and fees) to the destinations in the chart to the right, which means a low return on miles. For example, from Los Angeles to Santo Domingo, American’s Business Class fare is $1,488, and from New York to San Juan is only $732. However, an award ticket on both routes costs 60,000 miles—a return of only one cent from New York. You’re smarter to pay cash. (From LA, the return is a bit better, as the return is 2.5¢. If you need miles, transfer them from Starwood or Diners Club.)
Connections: JFK and Miami are the places to make them. From SFO to Montego Bay, Jamaica, American requires a change in Dallas, Miami, or JFK. Changing planes in New York, to AA1193, gets you the best seat.
Little-known Routes with the Best Seats Offering More Value
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