Cathay Pacific dropped the Goods of Desire collab after a multi-year run (2012–2016). Ancient history. If you’re still looking for that specific quirky Hong Kong vibe, you’re about a decade late to the gate. Today’s premium cabin landscape is less about “quirky” and more about “lifestyle utility.” Enter American Airlines and their pivot (Fall 2025) to Raven + Lily.
Our take on the current state of the AA long-haul kit. Specifically for Premium Economy. This American Airlines Premium Economy amenity kit shows up on AA international flights / American Airlines international long-hauls. Official info lives at aa.com.
The Brand Pivot: From Blackwood to Austin
AA likes a rotation. We saw the Brandon Blackwood kits. They had a moment. High fashion, sure, but some felt they lacked the durability for a second life after landing.
Raven + Lily is the replacement. Austin-based. Certified B Corp. Basically a B Corp travel brand collab. Ethical fashion. Call it sustainable travel accessories that don’t scream “conference swag.” These started rolling out in Fall 2025. They’re still the standard for early 2026 on AA international flights. Brand site: ravenandlily.com.
AA’s Raven + Lily Premium Economy Kit. Photo: American Airlines
The Pouch: A Sunglasses Case in Disguise
Most amenity kits are just bags. Rectangles with zippers. You land, you shove your chargers in them for a month, then they hit the junk drawer.
The Raven + Lily Premium Economy kit is different.
Design: Magnetic closure. No zipper to snag.
Form Factor: Slim, structured, rigid.
The Intent: Designed specifically to double as a sunglasses case.
The Colors: Typically seen in a deep navy or a burnt orange. Very “Texas sunset.”
It feels premium. It doesn’t have that “free-on-a-plane” vinyl sheen. It’s the kind of thing you actually keep in your carry-on for your real glasses.
What’s Inside: The Joanna Vargas Era
The skincare partnership shifted too. We’re in the Joanna Vargas era now. If you aren’t familiar, she’s a recognized skin care expert.
The PE kit contents:
Joanna Vargas Hand/Body Lotion: Not greasy. Absorbs fast. Essential for that 12% humidity at 35,000 feet.
Joanna Vargas Lip Balm: Standard, but effective.
Socks: The usual. Synthetic. Better than bare feet on the carpet.
Eye Mask: Decent elastic. Blocks the light when your neighbor won’t close the window over the Atlantic.
Earplugs: Because engines + chatty seatmates.
The “Hero” Item: A microfiber cleaning cloth.
Including a microfiber cloth is a pro move. It reinforces the “this is a sunglasses case” utility. It’s a small addition that makes the kit feel thoughtful rather than just a collection of leftovers.
The kits got a late night mention from Seth Meyers.
The PE Value Proposition
Here’s the Intel: The gap between Premium Economy and Flagship Business kits is narrowing.
While Business Class gets more skincare variety and perhaps a fancier bag shape, the actual quality of the Raven + Lily pouch in PE is remarkably high. In some ways, the PE pouch is more “keepable” because of the specific sunglasses case utility.
Compare this to the current United MileagePlus squeeze where everything feels like a grab for your wallet. AA is at least giving you a decent piece of gear for your loyalty.
Context: This Isn’t Your Domestic Hop
Manage expectations. If you’re booked in an american airlines 737-800 first class seat from CLT to MCO, don’t look for the Raven + Lily. Domestic “First” on the 737 is essentially a larger seat and a snack basket. No kit. No Joanna Vargas.
These kits are strictly for:
Long-haul International (777 and 787 fleets).
Select Transcontinental routes (JFK-LAX, etc.).
If you’re flying the 737-800, check our post-sitemap.xml for reviews on what to actually expect on those narrow-body domestic hauls.
The “Missing” Essentials
Is it perfect? No. The minimalist trend has gone a bit too far for some. You won’t find a comb here. No pen for customs forms (though most are digital now). No mouthwash.
It’s a “essentials only” approach. AA is betting you already have a toothbrush you like, but you probably forgot a decent sunglasses case.
Why It Matters in 2026
In an era of Global Entry suspensions and increasing travel friction, the small wins count. A kit that doesn’t immediately become landfill is a win.
Raven + Lily brings a level of “cool” that feels more authentic than the old G.O.D. kits ever did. It’s less about a gimmick and more about a high-quality accessory.
How we envision reuse of this kit. Photo: Modhop (AI)
Final Intel
If you’re flying AA Premium Economy this month, keep the bag. Toss the socks if you must, use the lotion, but the pouch is the prize.
Availability Check: Verified available as of March 2026 on all qualifying long-haul routes.
Join the Conversation
Is the “sunglasses case” design actually useful, or is it just a clever way for airlines to give us smaller bags? Tell us if you’ve actually kept your Raven + Lily kit or if it ended up in the seatback pocket.
Modhop Host & Founder Jake Redman brings years of global exploration and travel tips to the podcast and our videos at Modhop. Jake is also a Producer and Host for SiriusXM.
Published: February 28, 2026 • Updated: February 28, 2026 February 2026. Travel is a grind. Lounges are at capacity. The “exclusive” experience is now a 45-minute waitlist for a lukewarm […]
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