This specific designation refers to a scheduled passenger air service operated by American Airlines. Such designations uniquely identify a particular flight route, date, and scheduled time of departure and arrival. For instance, a flight number differentiates the 8:00 AM departure from New York to Los Angeles from the 9:00 AM departure on the same route.
Precise flight identification is essential for various operational and logistical purposes. It allows passengers to book and track their journeys accurately, facilitates baggage handling and aircraft maintenance scheduling, and provides vital information for air traffic control and airport operations. Historical flight data associated with a specific number can also be valuable for analyzing performance, identifying trends, and improving safety measures.