Is It Really Business Class If Your Amenity Kit Is A Cardboard Box? American Airlines Says Yes

16.01.2024 - 18:09 / forbes.com / Airlines

In a recent shift that has ruffled feathers in the frequent flyer community, on some flights American Airlines has replaced its customary fabric or plastic zippered business class amenity kits with cardboard boxes. This decision, ostensibly driven by ecological considerations, has sparked lively discussions in the FlyerTalk community. Members are voicing their skepticism, viewing the change as a cost-cutting measure, not a genuine environmental effort.

The change matters to flyers who have find creative after-use for these kits. From organizing cables and electronic gear to storing makeup, the little bags have enjoyed a second life in the hands of many travelers. For the road warriors who accumulate these kits more frequently than they can repurpose them, though, the change might come as a relief. These frequent flyers often leave the kits on the aircraft or discard them when they pile up at home.

For the occasional flyer, a quality amenity kit isn’t just a collection of travel essentials; it can be a cherished memento of a premium experience. It’s something tangible that extends the luxury of a business or first-class journey long after the flight.

Personally, I lean toward this sentiment. I’ve used a Bogner amenity bag from a Lufthansa flight daily for years. Similarly, various United Polaris bags have found their way into my travel gear and home storage, repurposed for cables, electronics, toiletries and small items. But, I admit I’ve also given away or discarded many more of these little kits.

One kit style I didn’t save was from United. They briefly experimented with bulky metal tins for their kits. Although unique and theoretically reusable - who doesn’t like a nice metal box? - these tins were hard to store in carry-on luggage and prone to dents. I never asked, but I’d guess the flight attendants found them impractical too.

Airlines that distribute quality, branded reusable bags with good zippers and internal organization maximize that chance that the flyer will re-use the bag or give it to someone who will.

The reactions to American Airlines' new amenity kits remind us of the tricky balance airlines must strike. They need to be environmentally responsible and cost-effective, while also maintaining the perception of luxury for their front-cabin passengers. The packaging for a business class amenity kit is definitely a "first world problem" that affects a small fraction of the flying public, but it tells us something about how airlines approach customer experience.

As airlines battle for customer loyalty, these seemingly minor details can become significant differentiators. Whether these cardboard boxes will be welcomed as a sensible, eco-friendly step or seen as a downgrade in the passenger