Will Premium Upgrades Make Flying Better or Just More Expensive?

The short answer is: both. British Airways is pulling 88 economy seats from each of its A380s to add more premium seating, which means fewer cheap seats on one of the world's most iconic planes. That's great if you're willing to pay up for extra legroom or a lie-flat bed, but lousy if you're trying to snag a last-minute economy award to London. The airline hasn't put any retrofitted A380s into service as of mid-2026, so the squeeze hasn't fully hit yet—but the direction is clear.

Meanwhile, American Airlines is reportedly planning to bring Starlink Wi-Fi to its Boeing 737, 777, and 787 fleets, not just the Airbus narrowbodies it originally promised. That's unconfirmed, but if it happens, it would mean free, fast internet on domestic and long-haul flights for AAdvantage members. American also just announced a massive new Admirals Club at Charlotte, its second-busiest hub, which will be the largest in its network. So yes, the premium experience is genuinely improving—if you have access.

The actionable takeaway: if you're a frequent flyer, now is the time to decide which side of the divide you want to be on. Premium cabins and lounges are getting better, but economy is getting squeezed. Consider whether earning elite status or holding a co-branded credit card (which often includes lounge access) makes sense for your travel patterns. If you mostly fly cheap, expect fewer seats and higher prices on planes like the A380, and more competition for award space.