American Airlines started as a DH-4 biplane, carrying US mail from Chicago to St. Louis, Missouri. By 1937, it had carried its one millionth passenger, and by 1991 it had carried its one billionth passenger. On April 15, 2026, the airline marked 100 years since its first flight.
American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom, said, “Our April 15 centennial celebrations came to life as we marked the 100th scheduled departure of the day at all of our hubs and St. Louis Lambert International Airport. We welcomed customers with memorable gate experiences, including red carpet moments, live DJs, mascots, American x Mastercard co‑branded neck pillows and blankets, a Lavazza coffee pop‑up experience, Q Mixers mocktails and other special giveaways. Senior leaders joined customers at the gate as part of a celebration designed with purpose and pride, bringing our century‑long story of flight to the forefront and celebrating the people who continue to shape our story.”
In celebration, the airline has rolled out a series of acknowledgements along with a variety of commemorative products. These include trading cards designed to showcase various American aircraft (available to customers as of this summer on select flights), amenity kits titled Astrojet™, Silverbird™, and Forward to communicate a specific era of the history of the airline, pyjamas of the same name complete with era-inspired logos, and closed-toe slippers. Furthermore, the airline is introducing an inflight menu inspired by cuisine of the 1920s, featuring dishes such as beef Wellington and caviar blinis (all available through August).
In addition, American is hosting a sweepstakes wherein 100 members will receive 100,000 points from AAdvantage, the world’s first frequent flyer program that is still running to this day. Entry is available at aa100sweeps.com, and members can enter daily for a chance to win.
The centennial collection in its entirety can be found at https://aabrandstore.com/categories/16580/.