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What Flying First Class Is Really Like and How to Decide If It's Worth It

Here's what to expect if you're flying in first class on Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Every time you board a plane, there they are: the flight's first-class passengers. While you were at the gate waiting for your group number to be called (and likely stressing about nabbing space in the overhead compartment ), they were getting settled into their extra-large seats with dedicated carry-on space. And as you sulk past them toward your narrow seat in the back of the plane, they snuggle in under a complimentary blanket and sip Champagne .

That, you tell yourself, is what flying should be like.

But is the extra space and next-level service worth the pricey ticket ? To explore that very question, we've pulled together what it looks like to fly in first class on various U.S. airlines, how flying in first class is different from traveling in business class and economy, and how the benefits change — in some cases, dramatically — when you book first class on a long-haul international flight versus a domestic one.

Benefits of Flying in First Class

First-class passengers enjoy several benefits before they even board the plane. For starters, they don't have to wait in the long economy check-in line, they get free checked bags, and they have an easier time going through security , as that first-class ticket may mean access to a different TSA line.

From there, they get to board the plane first, so they have time to stow their bags and settle in without a line of passengers crowding around. And, of course, on board, they often get extra legroom, a wider seat with a more exaggerated recline, a blanket and a pillow, a plush amenity kit, beverage service that includes alcohol, and better food (and more of it).

Flying First Class on Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines has six onboard experiences : Delta One, Premium Select, First Class, Comfort+, Main Cabin, and Basic Economy, but some offerings and cabins are only available on certain routes. For example, the ultra-luxe Delta One cabin — which has lie-flat seats, lip balm and hand cream by Grown Alchemist, and sleep amenities like an oversized duvet and a comfy down-alternative pillow — is only available on long-haul international flights and select long-haul domestic flights.

Pre-flight Service: Those flying in first class with Delta get Sky Priority service from the moment they enter the airport. That translates to accelerated check-in, security, and baggage handling, plus early boarding.

Baggage: Up to two free checked bags.

Seating: Up to eight inches of extra legroom and up to 5.4 inches of seat recline.

In-flight Service: A dedicated first-class cabin flight attendant and complimentary drinks and a snack. Those flying more than 900 miles can expect to receive a first-class meal box; passengers traveling between 900 and 2,399 miles receive a chef-curated meal and snacks, while flights over 2,300 miles include a full meal service with snacks and several entrées to choose from.

Flying First Class on United Airlines

On flights within the U.S., United Airlines' highest level of service is United First , but on flights from the U.S. to Latin America or the Caribbean (and some U.S. transcontinental flights) United Business is the first-class equivalent. Meanwhile, United Polaris provides the airline's ultimate flight experience — think lie-flat seats, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and slippers.

Pre-flight Service: With United, first-class passengers can use the quicker, shorter Premier Access lines to speed up the check-in, security, and boarding processes.

Baggage: Up to two free checked bags with priority baggage handling, meaning your suitcases get special attention and will be among the first to arrive at baggage claim.

Seating: In United's first-class cabin, expect the most legroom possible, and with United Polaris, get ready for fully reclining seats that convert to a flat six-foot, six-inch bed.

In-flight Service: Beer, wine, and spirits (including a rotating craft beer selection) and access to DirecTV and United Private Screening, for all the latest movies and TV shows.

Flying First Class on American Airlines

Like on United, on American Airlines, the first-class designation marks the highest level on flights around the U.S., while business class is the highest level on shorter international routes, including Bermuda and Canada. On some long-distance flights (both domestic and international), passengers have the option to book seats in Flagship First or Flagship Business classes, which make up the brand's most luxurious product — think lie-flat seats, access to the Flagship Lounge, and a sleep amenity set from Casper.

Pre-flight Service: Those booking a first-class ticket with American will be granted priority access through the airport's most congested areas, from check-in to security to the gate.

Baggage: Up to three free checked bags, depending on the flight.

Seating: In American's first-class cabins, seats are wider and recline farther, although the exact increase varies by flight and aircraft layout.

In-flight Service: In first class, passengers will enjoy menus curated by premier chefs — such as chef and registered dietitian nutritionist Ellie Krieger, who focuses on healthy dishes, and Sam Choy, creator of Pacific Rim cuisine — thanks to the airline's partnership with the James Beard Foundation, along with extra snacks and a beverage service that includes alcohol.

Flying First Class Versus Business Class

On some airlines, like United and American, first-class fares offer the highest level of service on flights across the U.S., while business class provides the highest level of service on shorter-distance international routes (such as those heading to the Caribbean). If a plane has both cabin types, flying business class is typically a step down from flying first class.

Keep in mind that some airlines have a premium economy category (think Delta's Delta Comfort+ ), which tends to fall between economy and business or first class. A premium economy booking may have extra legroom, better meal service, and an increased bag allowance, but the perks can vary.

Flying First Class on Long-haul International Flights

Want the ultimate first-class experience? Save up and book a first-class ticket on a long-haul international flight (or in some cases, a U.S. transcontinental flight). It's on these long routes that you'll find that dreamy elevated flight experience.

While almost all airlines offer lie-flat seats and thoughtful sleep amenities, some of them truly excel at taking things to the next level. First class on Emirates' A380 and Boeing 777 planes , for instance, means flying in a fully enclosed suite with a full bed, an onboard shower, and a first-class bar and lounge. Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways , Etihad Airways, and Air France are all known for their respective first-class service and amenities.

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First Class Flights to Different Destinations

When it’s time to plan your next trip, why not allow yourself to relax before your flight even gets underway? Imagine priority boarding; a cozy, reclinable seat; a drink waiting for you; and most importantly: plenty of legroom. When you purchase a cheap first class flight, you’re invited to experience luxury travel at its finest, complete with premium menus, cocktail service, and added privacy. You’ll deplane feeling fresh faced and well rested, like the ultimate A-lister. And who knows? You could even score a celebrity as your seatmate! But just because you want to tap into the VIP-travel style doesn’t mean you have to fork over a fortune to afford your tickets. When you browse our airfare here at Expedia.com, you can scoop up the cheapest first class flights and still have money to spare.

While flying first class introduces you to the glamorous side of traveling, forget about playing the lotto in order to cover the cost of airfare. At Expedia.com, it’s more affordable than ever to fly in the fancy section, because we offer all kinds of cheap first class tickets for both long and short flights. You deserve the utmost comfort during your flight, so browse through our selection of the cheapest first class tickets to find one that matches your price range and itinerary. Once you find the perfect airfare, it’s time to get into vacation mode—pack up your belongings, stretch out in your luxury seat, and toast to the finer things ahead.

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Best domestic first class airline: Delta, United or American?

There is often a lively discussion among travelers about which U.S. airline — American, Delta or United — offers the best first-class experience. To determine the answer, I recently flew with all three carriers to put them to the test and see how each matched up to the others.

While each airline has both strengths and areas for improvement, one clear winner emerged from my experiences.

First-class comparison methodology

To ensure a fair comparison of similar seats and services, I chose to book discounted first-class tickets on a version of the Airbus A320 in each airline's fleet.

It is important to note that the overall experience would have been enhanced if I had opted for United's Polaris business-class seats on a transcontinental flight or American's A321T premium transcontinental first class or Delta One on a transcontinental flight.

Conversely, the first-class experience would have been compromised had I chosen to fly first class on a smaller regional jet on any of the airlines. For that reason and to maintain fairness, this assessment focuses solely on each carrier's first-class experience on a type of jet they all fly.

Additionally, I selected flights that were generally around three hours in length and included meal service. Catering plays a significant role in the first-class experience, as it involves additional interactions with the crew and, ideally, a satisfying repast.

Here are the flights I booked:

• American Airlines Airbus A321neo : Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for 24,000 AAdvantage miles (worth $360 at TPG's valuations ) plus $5.60 in taxes and fees
• Delta Air Lines Airbus A321neo : Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) for $274
• United Airlines Airbus A320 : SEA to LAX for $254

Now, let me share my impressions of flying with American, Delta and United in their domestic first-class cabins.

Comparing American, Delta and United's first class

As mentioned, I selected flights on a version of each carrier's Airbus A320. The American and Delta aircraft were recently delivered planes (A321neos); while the United plane I flew was around 25 years old (A320), the interior had been updated recently.

United has new recliner seats and seatback entertainment on its Airbus A321neo, but the airline hadn't taken delivery of this aircraft at the time of my travel. However, they are flying now and we'll update this comparison soon with a flight on the new aircraft.

In the meantime, here's a quick overview of how the seats, cabins and amenities in each airline's first-class cabin compare to one another.

Which U.S. airline has the best first-class ground experience?

All three airlines let you check in for your flight 24 hours before departure on their apps to skip the airport check-in lines. All three also let you track the status of your inbound flight to stay apprised of potential delays. Most notably, none of the three carriers offers access to their lounges with standard domestic first-class tickets (i.e. non-transcontinental flights).

American Airlines

American had a priority check-in line, and plenty of agents were available to assist priority customers despite its also being accessible to AAdvantage elite members , Oneworld Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald members and primary Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees ) cardholders.

The gate area was cramped and excessively cold, but since the plane was only two-thirds full, there were plenty of seats with power outlets. Boarding began on time, and as a Group 1 passenger, I was among the first to board.

Delta Air Lines

Delta first-class passengers can use the airline's SkyPriority counters and self-service kiosks, and customer service lines were short. SkyPriority is also available to those in Premium Select , Delta Medallion members , SkyTeam Elite members as well as select LATAM and WestJet elite members.

The gate area for my Seattle flight seemed crowded due to narrow boarding lanes, but there were plentiful seats as the plane wasn't full. The gate agents demonstrated remarkable professionalism and remained composed while addressing passengers' numerous inquiries. There were television monitors that displayed flight information. Despite a slight delay caused by two flight attendants arriving late, the boarding process proceeded smoothly, allowing us to depart punctually. First-class passengers boarded in Zone 1.

United Airlines

United provides a dedicated priority check-in area for those with Premier Access. That includes all Premier status elites and Star Alliance Gold members as well as primary United Club Infinite Card cardholders. The lines for both self-service kiosks and customer service were minimal, and the signage was clear.

The gate area had tons of seating options, and the terminal had high ceilings and large windows with lots of natural light. Certain seats near the gate were equipped with power outlets for convenience.

The two friendly gate agents efficiently managed the boarding process, maintaining good organization. Furthermore, the television monitors near the gate were easy to read and understand, adding to the overall positive experience.

Best ground experience: United Airlines, for a quick check-in process and ample power outlets in the spacious gate area with highly efficient gate agents who kept boarding calm and well-organized

Which airline has the most comfortable first class?

On my flights, each carrier-operated recliner armchairs were arranged in a 2-2 configuration. Now, let's compare their comfort levels and see how they measure up against each other.

American Airlines' A321neo dark-gray leather first-class recliners are sleek and streamlined, and look even sharper thanks to dramatic blue mood lighting. A cabin divider behind the last row of first class is emblazoned with the distinctive American Airlines logo, marking the transition to the economy section.

While lacking built-in seatback entertainment screens, these seats offer an expandable personal device holder for tablets or phones. A seatback USB-A port is conveniently located next to the device holder, which limits cord entanglement. Each seat provides a universal AC power outlet for inflight charging in the center armrest.

The seat control is a single metal button for reclining. You can also adjust the headrest up and down and curl it for neck support. However, your space may be limited by the recline of the passenger in front of you, so watch those electronics!

The foldable metal tray table, which pulls out from the non-center armrest, includes a personal device stand when partially unfolded. It offers ample workspace when fully extended, even for larger devices like a 16-inch MacBook Pro.

First-class passengers and pilots share the lavatory behind the cockpit, which is stocked with upscale D.S. & Durga soap. The lavatory needed attention and remained unserviced during the second half of my flight. The sinks and toilets on the airplane required physical touch for use rather than newer versions that have touchless flush and faucet controls.

Delta has meticulously designed its A321neo domestic first-class seats , placing utmost importance on privacy. Designed with winged shields and with privacy dividers between each pair of seats, there is an intimate and secluded ambience to the cabin.

The adjustable headrest and supportive neck cradle enhance sleeping comfort on long flights. However, the footwell is less comfortable due to limited space caused by the entertainment and power box in the seat-support column.

Unlike the other two airlines, Delta's seats feature 13-inch seatback monitors with a wide selection of movies, TV shows and music. Users can filter movies by duration for convenience. What's more, passengers can pair their personal Bluetooth headphones with the entertainment system, providing a higher-quality viewing experience.

The seat control is a single metal button on the center armrest, allowing recline adjustments. However, there is no forward-cradling feature. Also, while not a common feature on domestic first-class flights, there were no leg or footrests, which reduces ergonomic comfort. The center armrest houses a universal power outlet, USB-A port and cupholder for each passenger.

The foldable tray table that deploys from the center armrest provides a large workspace and accommodates bigger devices. However, sudden adjustments may be needed when the passenger in front reclines to avoid damage to personal devices.

A single lavatory, exclusively for first-class passengers, is behind the cockpit. Grown Alchemist soap and hand cream add a high-end feel. Like on American, the sinks and toilets require physical touch for use.

United's A320 first-class experience lacked the welcoming ambience of the other two carriers, with no mood lighting, which is understandable since this was an older plane.

However, United's seats stood out with their generous legroom, surpassing the personal space of American and Delta by two inches. The extra space was immediately noticeable, and the adjustable headrest added comfort for my neck, allowing me to nap more comfortably.

Despite the absence of built-in seatback entertainment, passengers could conveniently utilize personal devices by placing them on the fold-out tray table stand located within the center armrest. When fully extended, the tray table provides a generous workspace, capable of accommodating larger laptops.

The seat control button on the center armrest smoothly reclined the seatback and slid the seat cushion forward. The center armrest held a power outlet and a phone tray. However, I encountered some challenges with charging my phone as the plug needed to be held in place. The outlets for U.S. plugs may show signs of wear due to frequent use. Fortunately, I had a European-pronged power adapter that allowed my phone to charge without issues.

Each seat had a spacious foldable tray table, providing surface area for larger devices. The window-side laptop holder was especially convenient during meal service.

On the downside, the lavatory lacked updates and exuded a dilapidated 1980s office vibe, and there weren't any no-touch sinks or flush controls.

Most comfortable first class: Delta Air Lines, for thoughtful, privacy-focused seat design and high-end bathroom amenities

Which airline has the best first-class amenities?

Soft amenities were somewhat limited on all three carriers, as no pillows, blankets, amenity kits or paper menus were provided. However, there were some things to note.

American Airlines provides various inflight entertainment options through the AA Inflight streaming portal. Passengers can enjoy 12 stations of live TV, a vast collection of TV shows and movies, including popular titles like "Crazy Rich Asians" and "Carmen," access to Apple Music, Apple TV+ and even Rosetta Stone language classes. While I didn't count how many movies American offered, it was nowhere near as many as Delta.

Additionally, I purchased full-flight Wi-Fi for $29. Although the speeds were not fast enough for uploading photos, I could comfortably send emails and Slack messages throughout the flight.

SkyMiles members receive complimentary Wi-Fi on Delta, enabling smooth switching between laptops and phones without noticeable delays. While the internet speeds were sufficient for tasks like email and Slack, downloading photos proved challenging.

Delta provided basic, wired earbuds to passengers during boarding, but hearing the inflight entertainment system, even at maximum volume, was difficult. It is recommended to bring your own headphones, whether wired or wirelessly connected via Bluetooth, to enjoy the entertainment.

I was very impressed by Delta's selection of 648 movies.

United offers passengers a variety of inflight entertainment options through the United app, and even if the Wi-Fi signal's internet connection is unavailable, as it was on my flight, you can still stream. The app featured 207 movies, TV shows and podcasts, including popular titles like "Avatar" and "The Departed." United didn't have nearly as many movies as Delta.

Unfortunately, the internet remained down for the entire duration of the flight. No announcements were made regarding this issue during the boarding process, leaving me unaware and unprepared without any offline work downloaded.

Furthermore, the lack of internet meant there was no way to track the flight's progress, and the flight deck provided minimal announcements about our journey until the descent.

Best first-class amenities: Delta Air Lines, for offering complimentary Wi-Fi and earbuds as well as its excellent entertainment selection

Which airline has the best first-class food?

On my flights, the three carriers served a hot full meal. American and United let me preorder first-class meals, while Delta took my order on board (the airline is working to expand its preorder options).

American Airlines offers preordered meals on eligible routes, including Philadelphia to San Francisco. After boarding but before takeoff, the flight attendant confirmed my preordered golden roasted chicken with roasted tomato chutney, salted smashed potatoes and haricot verts. The entree was created by James Beard Award-winning author and nutritionist Ellie Krieger with a focus on wellness.

Dinner service on my evening flight started about 20 minutes after takeoff with a hot towel, beverage and mixed nuts. Dinner was served 10 minutes later on one tray with a shrimp appetizer, green salad, warm bread roll, olive oil and butter.

The chicken dish had a bright, citrusy flavor, and the portion size was decent, but the shrimp appetizer tasted more like mayonnaise than seafood.

Complimentary beverages were available, but the lack of a menu made it challenging to know all the options.

After the dinner trays were collected, and about an hour later, a choice of hot fudge sundae, lava cake or fruit and cheese plate was offered. I selected the sundae, which you could customize to your liking with fudge, caramel, nuts, fruit and whipped cream. I went for the classic — hot fudge with nuts, whipped cream and cherries and it hit the spot.

The flight attendants were available for drink requests throughout the flight, and a snack service was offered about an hour before landing with options like Uglies kettle potato chips, honey-roasted pistachios, Stellar mini pretzel braids and sea salt Love corn nuts.

Delta has been working on implementing preordered meals for first-class flights over 900 miles. However, on my flight, I was unable to preorder a meal. Once we reached an altitude of 10,000 feet, a flight attendant started taking meal orders from the back of the cabin. Passengers in the front rows missed out on their preferred choices. Across from me, I noticed a dissatisfied passenger who was disappointed with the remaining lunch options. To compensate for the inconvenience, the flight attendant used a mobile device to offer them bonus miles or a future flight credit.

Approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, the lunch service began with a snack basket and drinks being served. I selected the chicken salad, which surpassed my expectations with a delicious combination of cranberries, walnuts and goat cheese. The portion size was satisfying, and the fruit plate offered ripe selections.

A wide range of complimentary beverages was available, including beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks. Choices included Bacardí Superior rum, Buffalo Trace Distillery bourbon, Bombay Sapphire gin and Miller Lite. Passengers could also select between a Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay or sparkling wine. Those connected to Delta Wi-Fi could access the full menu using a QR code displayed on the seatback monitors.

For dessert, which was also presented on the single meal tray, the prepackaged Bell's triple chocolate chunk cookie from Seattle was soft and chewy. Its touch of sea salt made it the perfect post-lunch treat.

After the meal service, the flight attendants mostly allowed the passengers to enjoy their time, but they remained available to fulfill drink requests.

United's inflight catering still requires significant improvements , as evident on my recent flight.

United Airlines offers preorder meal service for eligible flights over 800 miles during meal times. Passengers can reserve meals up to five days before the flight until 24 hours before departure. Special meals for dietary preferences are also available.

I ordered chicken meatballs, and the flight attendant confirmed my choice shortly after boarding. Lunch began with warm almonds and cashews served about 20 minutes after takeoff, followed by the main course, which was served on one meal tray about 30 minutes later.

However, the chicken meatballs were rubbery and overly salty, and the polenta was overcooked and grainy. Most passengers didn't eat much of their meals either. Some of the other lunch entrees included a cheeseburger and Thai beef salad. All passengers were served the same crumble cake on their trays, which lacked flavor. Complimentary beverages were available, but no menu was provided. The flight attendant fulfilled requests efficiently, but the service lacked a personal touch.

Best first-class food: American Airlines, for James Beard-inspired delicious meals that you can preorder, ensuring you get your top choice

Which U.S. airline has the best domestic first-class product?

Delta offers the latest seats, top-notch, extensive entertainment and a variety of meal choices, even if you can't preorder. Additionally, they provide complimentary Wi-Fi, making it a hard combination to beat.

However, it's important to note that redeeming mileage with Delta can be costly, and recent changes to the SkyMiles program are bound to have a negative impact on many flyers.

Ultimately, determining the best domestic first-class experience depends on personal preference. For most travelers, convenience plays a major role in choosing an airline. If you reside in a major hub city like Houston, Atlanta or Miami, your preferred airline is likely predetermined. Conversely, travelers in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York have a broader range of options.

In the past, I consistently chose United Airlines for my travels. However, due to their perpetual upgrade waitlists, unreliable Wi-Fi, underwhelming food and significant decrease in mileage value , I wouldn't hesitate to fly Delta instead in the future.

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For amenities and superior service you won’t find just anywhere, choose First Class for your next Delta flight. You’ll enjoy a wider, more spacious seat, the flexibility to change or cancel your ticket without change fees (for flights originating in the United States and Canada), Sky Priority® service and a thoughtful travel experience from start to finish. The benefits don’t stop there, either.

Fly and enjoy first class service and amenities.

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Travelicious

9 Ways Flying First Class Can Actually Save You Money, Travel Experts Say

Posted: October 12, 2023 | Last updated: October 12, 2023

After rebounding from the pandemic's travel lull, people are finally hitting the skies again . Unfortunately, as travel rates have increased, so has the cost of flying. According to a 2023 report from the travel company Kayak, travel costs are currently up 35 percent compared to last year. However, that doesn't mean you can't save money while traveling—even if you plan to book a first-class ticket. We checked in with travel and finance experts who shared their top tips for keeping your money in your wallet the next time you spring for a luxury trip. Read on to learn the nine ways that flying first class can actually save you some money in the long run.

RELATED:  11 Worst Days and Times to Fly on an Airplane .

1 You'll save on baggage expenses.

One way that traveling first class can help save you money is on your luggage. Unlike most coach tickets, first-class tickets regularly include at least one or two checked bags for no extra cost.

"While a first-class ticket might be more expensive, the included amenities can sometimes help you save some money you otherwise would have been spending on things like luggage fees," says Carter Seuthe , CEO of My Credit Summit . "With some first-class tickets, you might find luggage fees waived, so if you're planning to fly with a lot of bags or bags that might be subject to excess fees, you can save some money there."

2 You'll save by accruing more travel points.

If you're using the right credit card, spending more on a first-class ticket can save you money on later trips, says Suzanne Bucknam , an experienced travel expert and CEO of the travel company Connecticut Explorer . "If you use a credit card that helps you accrue points when you fly first class, like the United Mastercard, you accrue more rewards points to be used toward future travel," she explains.

RELATED: 10 Airport Security Secrets TSA Doesn't Want You to Know .

3 You'll save by boosting your airline loyalty benefits.

Similar to the points you can earn with the right credit card, you can also save money while flying first class by staying loyal to one airline. Though this is true of flying coach too, opting for first class will expedite the process.

"Many airlines have loyalty programs that provide perks and benefits to frequent flyers, such as free first-class upgrades," explains Justin Crabbe , CEO of the private jet charter service Jettly . "Travelers who fly with the same airline on a regular basis and accumulate points or miles can potentially save money on future flights by redeeming these rewards."

4 You'll save on the airport lounge.

If you were prepared to shell out money to use the airport lounge, a first-class ticket can often save you that expense.

RELATED:  The Last U.S. Airline to Offer First Class Is Getting Rid of It .

5 You may save by booking through a travel agent.

Sometimes how you book your plane ticket can determine how much you pay for it. "Travel agents frequently have access to discounted first-class fares that the general public does not have," says Crabbe. "Travelers can potentially save money on first-class tickets by using a travel agent or taking advantage of discounted fares."

Additionally, you may be able to save money by booking a first-class ticket over the phone by calling the airline directly, rather than booking online.

6 You'll save on hotels for long layovers.

If the only alternative to a first-class ticket is to have a lengthy layover that requires a hotel stay, you may also be able to save money by spending more upfront. A direct flight could be more cost-effective than combining a flight and hotel, so it's important to compare the total expenditures, rather than just the ticket cost, Kroeger suggests.

7 You'll save if you need to change your itinerary.

Changing your travel plans once you've booked your tickets can be extremely costly. Compared to flying coach, first-class tickets tend to be more flexible, says Gareth Boyd , co-founder of Frequent Flyer Credit Cards .

RELATED: Unfair Perks: Plane Passenger Shows How Extreme Turbulence Hits Different in First Class .

8 You'll save by getting a last-minute upgrade.

Another way you can save while flying first class is by going for a last-minute upgrade or flying standby.

"Airlines hate to have unsold seats and will gladly give steep discounts to standby flyers to take any open seat on the plane—including first-class seats," says Ann Martin , the director of operations for CreditDonkey . "This is, admittedly, a gamble, but it's one that can pay off, and even if you don't get a first-class ticket, you're still getting a good deal."

9 You'll save time—and time is money.

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Read the original article on Best Life .

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The Most and Least Affordable Airlines for Flying First Class [2023 Data Study]

Alex Miller

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The Cost of First Class vs. Economy Seats by Airline

The cost of first class vs. economy seats by route, the cheapest airline to fly first class across the busiest routes, methodology, final thoughts.

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Extra legroom, preflight service, and complimentary beer and wine are just a few of the enticing reasons why travelers are willing to splurge on first class tickets. Although flying first class may initially appear to be a significant strain on your budget, the undeniable benefits of a more luxurious flight experience with added amenities cannot be overlooked. So whether you’re flying to Los Angeles or New York, first class may be worth it after all.

To find out, we found the average airfare for economy and first class seats across 4 major U.S. airlines and 12 of the busiest domestic flight routes. Keep reading to see if you should splurge on a first class ticket the next time you travel.

When it comes to booking your flight, it can be challenging to determine which airline offers the best deal for your desired seat. Using Google Flights data, we analyzed average one-way ticket prices for both economy and first class seats across 4 major airlines that offer consistent first class seating options –– Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines –– to determine the airlines where you’ll pay the highest and lowest premiums flying first class. 

We found that on average, passengers traveling within the U.S. can expect to pay a premium of $262.97 per flight (one-way) or over $525 (round-trip) when opting for a first class ticket . 

While Alaska Airlines has the highest average first class ticket price, Delta Air Lines stands out as having the highest premiums for first class tickets. Passengers flying with Delta Air Lines can expect to pay an average of $419.62 for a one-way first class ticket and $135.07 for a one-way economy ticket. This translates to a significant price difference of $284.55. 

Luxury doesn’t come cheap, as Delta Air Lines recently unveiled new first class seats with privacy partitions, adjustable neck cushions, and additional storage space to compete with other legacy airlines. 

Alaska Airlines ($281.25) and United Airlines ($250.25) also demonstrate notable price differences between their first class and economy seats. 

Alaska Airlines is unique in that the airline serves food in its first class cabins on flights as short as 550 miles while most other legacy airlines serve food on flights longer than 900 miles.

On the opposite end, American Airlines is the airline with the lowest premiums for a first class ticket. On average, American Airlines passengers will pay $134.58 for a one-way economy ticket and $370.43 for a one-way first class ticket, resulting in a $235.85 price difference . 

Whether you find yourself traveling frequently for work or embarking on the same vacation route annually, we wanted to provide you with a complete picture of ticket prices for the top 12 busiest domestic routes in the U.S. 

On the New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) route, the average one-way economy ticket is $188.29, while the one-way first class ticket averaged $846, resulting in a price difference of $657.71 . For frequent flyers, this price discrepancy can accumulate rapidly over time and can go a long way toward a downpayment on a home, repayment on student loans, or other financial goals.

Similarly, the Los Angeles (LAX) to Maui (OGG) route exhibited a significant price discrepancy between economy and first class tickets. The average one-way economy ticket for this route is $194.29, while the average one-way first class ticket is $745.29, resulting in a price difference of $551 . These price disparities align with the trend seen in LAX, which experienced a notable 42% increase in the average domestic airfare in 2022.

Several routes also had high price differences between first class and economy seats, such as Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago (ORD) ($327.55) and Newark (EWR) to Orlando (MCO) ($252.83) . 

On the flipside, certain routes such as Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) featured a comparatively smaller price difference between economy and first class tickets. With an average one-way economy ticket price of $94.73 and an average one-way first class ticket price of $187.45, the price difference amounts to only $92.71 . While you may want to pocket $100 and skip the first class seat, there are other ways to upgrade to first class on your next flight. 

If you’re on the hunt for the cheapest first class airlines then look no further! We found the cheapest airlines for first class tickets across the busiest domestic flight routes. This way, you can filter your routes by the airline the next time you purchase plane tickets using Google Flights. 

Alaska Airlines stands out as the most economical option for popular routes such as Los Angeles ( LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) and Las Vegas (LAS) to Los Angeles (LAX) with one-way first class tickets priced at $159 and $164.71 , respectively. First class seating on Alaska Airlines allows you to check in 2 complimentary bags, enjoy free alcoholic drinks, and relax in seats with generous recline and outlets.

American Airlines offers the cheapest first class flights for routes like Los Angeles (LAX) to Maui (OGG) ($650), New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) ($684), New York (LGA) to Chicago (ORD) ($240.71), and Atlanta (ATL) to New York (LGA) ($210.57) . 

If you’re flying coast to coast, investing in a first class ticket can help you get cozy in your seat, recline, and maybe even fall asleep. Plus, who wouldn’t want to enjoy a glass of red wine 35,000 feet in the air?

If you’re a fan of United Airlines , enjoy some of the cheapest first class flights from Denver (DEN) to Las Vegas (LAS) ($246.50) or Phoenix (PHX) ($246.50), Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago (ORD) ($483.21), and Newark (EWR) to Orlando (MCO) ($343.36). 

Learn how to upgrade to first class on Alaska Airlines , American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , and United Airlines in our detailed guides!

To identify the cheapest first class airlines, we obtained ticket price data from Google Flights , focusing on the 12 busiest domestic flight routes within the U.S., according to OAG . 

For each of the 12 routes, we collected data on the cheapest available one-way ticket for both economy and first class seating across 4 U.S. airlines for 7 days. This data collection was conducted for both peak and non-peak departure dates, ensuring a comprehensive representation of pricing trends. The collected prices were then averaged together to get an average one-way ticket price for both economy and first class seating. We excluded certain U.S. airlines from our analysis for the following reasons:

• Hawaiian Airlines: While Hawaiian Airlines does offer first class seating, its flights are primarily limited to travel in and out of Hawaii; therefore, we did not have enough price data for this airline across the 12 busiest domestic routes analyzed in the study.
• JetBlue: While JetBlue does offer first class options with its Mint service, Mint fares are only available on select cross-country and international flights; therefore, we did not have enough price data for this airline across the 12 busiest domestic routes analyzed in the study.
• Southwest: While Southwest does offer Business Select seat options, they are not equivalent to true first class accommodations offered by other airlines.
• Spirit and Frontier: These budget airlines were not included as they do not offer first class seating options.

The data for this study was collected in June 2023.

Flying first class is a luxurious experience unlike any other, but it can come at a hefty price tag. On average, one-way first class tickets cost roughly $260. Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines charge some of the most expensive prices for first class tickets. On the other, hand, American Airlines is one of the cheapest first class airlines and is perfect for popular routes like New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX). Keep our list of the cheapest first class flights handy when you book your next work trip or domestic getaway!

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Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A First-Class Premium Travel Card

What’s on This Page

The bottom line, pros and cons, detailed review, compare to other cards, benefits and perks, drawbacks and considerations, how to decide if it's right for you.

With a big sign-up bonus, elevated rewards on travel and dining, hundreds of dollars in annual credits and other perks, this card is a good choice for frequent travelers.

Rewards rate

Bonus offer

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Ongoing APR

APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable APR

Cash Advance APR: 29.99%, Variable

Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%

Balance transfer fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Foreign transaction fee

• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
• Member FDIC

High rewards rate

Luxury perks

Premium travel protections

Transfer partners

Primary rental car coverage

High annual fee

Requires excellent credit

For avid travelers, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a good deal — even with its $550 annual fee.

Thanks to features such as an annual $300 travel credit, as well as bonus rewards that can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to several loyalty programs, it stands out as one of the best premium travel cards available.

However, to earn the card’s highest rewards rate, you’ll have to make travel purchases through the Chase portal, which can be limiting. And while the card offers excellent overall value for those who spend heavily on travel and dining, if you can't take advantage of its more niche benefits, a different travel card could be a better fit.

» MORE: Full benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Basics

Card type: Travel .

Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Annual fee: $550 .

Ongoing rewards:

10 points per dollar spent on Chase Dining purchases.

10 points per dollar spent on hotel stays and car rentals purchased through Ultimate Rewards®.

5 points per dollar spent on air travel booked through Chase.

3 points per dollar spent on travel and dining not booked with Chase.

1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Through March 2025: 10 points per $1 spent on Lyft (7 points per dollar spent on Lyft plus 3 points per dollar spent on travel).

Foreign transaction fees: None.

Other benefits:

Up to $300 a year in statement credit automatically applied to travel purchases.

Complimentary Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership.

Access to Chase's Sapphire Lounges in select airports.

Multiple hotel and airline transfer partners.

Primary rental car coverage of up to $75,000 for theft and collision damage.

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS credit, worth up to $100.

“Reserved by Sapphire” restaurant-booking feature, which grants cardholders access to reservations at popular restaurants across the country.

Trip delay reimbursement.

Trip cancellation or interruption insurance.

Lyft Pink All Access membership free for two years and 50% off for the third year when you enroll (must activate by Dec. 31, 2024). This is the highest tier membership available from Lyft and retails for $199.

How much is a point worth?

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points earned on this card are worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed for travel booked through Chase. Cardholders can also get more value per point by transferring them to Chase's airline and hotel partners.

Otherwise, points are worth less when redeemed for cash back, gift cards and merchandise.

Big sign-up bonus

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® features the following generous sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

To find out whether you pre-qualify for this card, check out NerdWallet’s pre-qualification tool.

Bonus rewards

Holders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can earn the following:

10 points per dollar spent on hotel stays and car rentals booked through Chase.

5 points per dollar spent on air travel purchased booked through Chase.

Travel and dining-related purchases made through the Chase portal will get you the highest rewards rates, which are lucrative for those who spend heavily in those categories.

And even for travel and dining purchases not made through the issuer, cardholders will still earn bonus rewards.

Plus, if you redeem those points through Chase for travel, they are worth an elevated 1.5 cents, which gives the card an impressive 4.5% effective rewards rate in those popular categories. That's a boon for folks who spend plenty in these areas — in the U.S. and worldwide as well.

Additionally, through March 2025, you can earn a total of 10 points per $1 spent on Lyft (7 points per dollar on Lyft plus 3 points per dollar on travel). That’s one of the highest earn rates you’ll find for ridesharing purchases on any credit card.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit cards for transit spending

Travel statement credit of up to $300

While many premium cards offer airline fee credits for baggage fees and other select purchases, the travel credit of up to $300 on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® covers a much broader range of travel purchases , including taxi rides, campground fees and train fares.

Because this credit is applied automatically, taking advantage of it is effortless. Use this card to pay for a $20 Uber ride and — poof! — that travel credit is applied to your credit card statement right away.

Airport lounge access and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS reimbursement

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , your next layover could be spent in an exclusive lounge with a complimentary cocktail in hand. The card comes with Priority Pass Select membership, with access to over 1,000 airport lounges internationally and meal credits at select airport restaurants and bars. Plus, you'll get access to Chase's own Sapphire Lounges . As of February 2024, there are Sapphire lounge locations in Boston, New York (LaGuardia and JFK) and Hong Kong, plus a Sapphire Terrace location in Austin.

With the card's TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS reimbursement, you can also speed through security and get to those swanky lounges a little sooner. The card offers reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck ($78) or Global Entry ($100) or NEXUS ($50) once every four years.

» MORE: The guide to Chase Lounges

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , you can move points to several other loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio. Transferring points and redeeming them strategically can be incredibly lucrative. NerdWallet values the points earned on this card at more than 1.5 cents per point when transferred to some partners.

Here are Chase’s transfer partners:

Aer Lingus (1:1 ratio).

Air Canada (1:1 ratio).

Air France-KLM (1:1 ratio).

British Airways (1:1 ratio).

Emirates (1:1 ratio).

Iberia (1:1 ratio).

JetBlue (1:1 ratio).

Singapore (1:1 ratio).

Southwest (1:1 ratio).

United (1:1 ratio).

Virgin Atlantic (1:1 ratio).

Hyatt (1:1 ratio).

InterContinental Hotels Group (1:1 ratio).

Marriott (1:1 ratio).

Complementary cards

Like a handful of other Chase cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns Ultimate Rewards® points. That means if you already have another card in the Ultimate Rewards® family, you can generally transfer points to your Chase Sapphire Reserve® , potentially allowing you to get more value on the points earned.

Say you already have the Chase Freedom Unlimited® , which earns a minimum of 1.5% cash back on purchases, but lacks 1:1 transfer partners and bonuses when redeeming for travel through Chase. When you log on to your Chase account, you have the option of moving the rewards earned on that card to your Chase Sapphire Reserve® , where you can then transfer them to partners or book travel for 1.5 cents per point. That could effectively boost your rewards rate on the Chase Freedom Unlimited® to 2.25% or more.

» MORE: How the Chase Sapphire Reserve® fits into the 'Chase trifecta'

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and its lower-priced sibling, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , have had their rewards, perks and bonuses tweaked over the years as the issuer has worked to keep them at the top of travelers' wallets. See our Chase Sapphire cards news page for a rundown.

Sapphire Reserve vs. Sapphire Preferred

If you're looking at the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , you might also have your eye on its lower-cost sibling, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . That card has an annual fee of $95 , but it lacks the same rich benefits.

Which card is the better deal for you depends on your spending. For frequent travelers, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers far more long-term value. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a better choice for those who don’t plan on using so many perks but still want a large sign-up bonus and elevated point values.

For a more thorough breakdown of the differences, read NerdWallet's full comparison of these two cards. Here's how they stack up at a glance:

Restricting rewards

Although the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers competitive earn rates for dining and travel spending, you’ll be able to get the highest rewards rate only if you make purchases through the Chase portal. This can significantly limit your options.

For example, restaurants available to you through the Chase Dining portal will depend on your location. This means that cardholders based in larger cities like New York, for instance, will have more options available to them than those based in smaller areas.

Similarly, to earn the card's 10x and 5x rate for travel-related spending, you’ll have to book through the Chase portal, which can prove limiting compared with buying flights or renting cars directly, for example.

Moreover, if you're not an avid spender in either of the card’s bonus categories, travel and dining, you won’t get much use out of the card. A cash-back credit card that offers more diverse and flexible rewards options would be a better fit.

Somewhat limited lounge choice

If your go-to airport doesn’t have a Chase Sapphire Lounge or Priority Pass lounge, you'll be missing out on a key benefit of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . Capital One offers a similar alternative with the $395 -annual-fee Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card . Cardholders also have access to Priority Pass lounges, plus Plaza Premium Lounges and Capital One Lounges at Dulles International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Denver International Airport.

But if lounge access is a priority for you, a better option might be The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Though The Platinum Card® from American Express has a higher annual fee ( $695 ), this card comes with much broader airport lounge coverage, along with plenty of other top-tier benefits. In addition to giving cardholders Priority Pass Select coverage (once you enroll), the card also offers access to several other lounge networks, including AmEx's own Centurion lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (for folks flying with Delta on the same day). Keep in mind, however, that the Priority Pass Select coverage on this card no longer includes credits to select airport restaurants, unlike the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . The card also offers several other premium benefits and statement credits, including up to $200 in Uber Cash, which can be used toward free Uber rides in the U.S. (up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December). Plus, it comes with a big welcome offer. Terms Apply.

» MORE: Credit cards with airport lounge access

If the $550 fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is too rich for your blood — even with all of its big perks — look to the less-expensive Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card instead.

As mentioned earlier, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has an annual fee of $95 . It has the same 1:1 transfer partners as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and a similarly robust sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. Although it lacks the most attention-grabbing perks, such as the $300 travel credit, it's ideal for folks looking for a versatile travel card with a lower price. Check out NerdWallet's best credit card deals to see how these cards stack up.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best no-annual-fee travel credit cards

Spending $550 a year on a credit card is a big deal — and probably isn’t worth it in this case if you’re not a frequent traveler. But if you fly often and can take advantage of the card's many perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is worth every penny.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

No appetite for actively managing your credit card travel rewards? This card gives you a flat 2 miles per dollar spent on most purchases. Redeem miles to "erase" any travel purchase at a penny per mile. There's a great sign-up bonus, and the annual fee is $95 .

Looking For Something Else?

Methodology.

NerdWallet reviews credit cards with an eye toward both the quantitative and qualitative features of a card. Quantitative features are those that boil down to dollars and cents, such as fees, interest rates, rewards (including earning rates and redemption values) and the cash value of benefits and perks. Qualitative factors are those that affect how easy or difficult it is for a typical cardholder to get good value from the card. They include such things as the ease of application, simplicity of the rewards structure, the likelihood of using certain features, and whether a card is well-suited to everyday use or is best reserved for specific purchases. Our star ratings serve as a general gauge of how each card compares with others in its class, but star ratings are intended to be just one consideration when a consumer is choosing a credit card. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® 10 earns points per dollar spent on Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards®, 10 points per dollar spent on hotel stays and car rentals purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 5 points per dollar spent on air travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®; 3 points per dollar on dining and travel not booked through Chase and 1 point per dollar everywhere else. But rewards alone aren't enough to justify the hefty $550 annual fee. The card comes with an array of travel perks that can significantly reduce the cost of carrying it.

For its higher fee ( $550 , versus $95 for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ), the Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns richer bonus rewards, provides more perks and protections (travel credits, airport lounge access and more) and gives you a higher point value when you redeem for travel (1.5 cents apiece versus 1.25 cents). Both cards offer the option of transferring points to about a dozen airline and hotel loyalty programs.

If you’ll use the travel perks — like the $300 annual travel credit and lounge access — and maximize the way you earn and redeem points, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can be a good value . If you don’t travel much, you're better off with a different card.

You’ll need excellent credit to qualify for this card. That generally means a score of 720 or better, but credit scores alone do not guarantee approval. Your income and other factors will also be considered.

When you pay for your rental car with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , you’ll get primary collision damage and theft protection up to $75,000. The card also offers trip delay/cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and emergency medical evacuation.

You can transfer Ultimate Rewards® points earned on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® to 13 travel partners , including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Marriott, Hyatt and IHG.

Chase issues some of the better rewards credit cards on the market, including outstanding options in travel, cash-back and small-business cards. See the best Chase cards here .

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Delaware/Ocean City has a lot to offer any who lives there. If you love the feel of sand between your toes and the cool ocean breeze, not to mention Mini Golf, Go Karting, Jolly Rogers, Kite Flying, Great Food, Water Sports, a 2.5 mile long boardwalk, Longwood Gardens, the wildlife at Brandywine Creek State Park or the many museums in Delaware, then this is the place for you!

Experience Virginia

Known to be in the top 10 wealthiest states in America. Virginia offers a one of a kind experience to the open minded traveller looking for adventure. Comprised of North and South Virginia you have an opportunity to live and work close to the beautiful Virginia Beach or Washington DC.  This state has a lot to explore from white river rafting, to expeditions in the Seneca Caverns, shopping at the many affordable brand-name outlets, to the thrills of Water Country and Kings Dominion. Experience Virginia like you have never experienced it before!

You might ask…

Is registration open.

Registration for the Summer 2024 period is now closed. You may sign up for the Summer 2025 season below.

Why is our program fee so low?

First Class C.T.E works directly with your Employer who discounts your program fees.

What types of jobs do we offer?

First Class offers a variety of summer job opportunities:

• Lifeguarding (Premium Job opportunity)
• House keeping
• Restaurant positions
• Amusement Park attendants

When is our deadline?

We have a limited number of vacancies. Once all positions are filled, registration closes. Sign up early to guarantee your spot.

Can I have a second job?

Second Jobs are permitted by your sponsor; however, it is required that you contact them to vet and approve your second job.

Where will I live?

Your employer provides housing and you pay rent.

Can I find my own housing?

Yes you can; however, all housing must be vetted and approved by your sponsor.

Is lifeguard training provided?

Yes! All lifeguards are training here in Jamaica and given a license before attending there embassy interview.

SIGN UP FOR SUMMER 2025

Sign ups and registrations for the 2024 season are now closed but you  can sign up in advance for the 2025 season.

Requirements:

• Must be between 18 – 28 years old;
• Full-Time College Student doing 12 or more credits each semester;
• Valid passport that expires after March 31, 2025
• Must pass swim test. (for lifeguarding)

LIFEGUARD JOBS

Work as a lifeguard this summer at a swimming pool in the USA. Take advantage of our amazing summer program.

Lifeguard in states such as: Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Texas and South New Jersey!

We will teach you all you need to know from how to swim to many cool lifesaving skills .

Jobs in a wide variety of industries such as restaurants, hotels, amusement parks, stores and much more!

Limited spaces available .

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Etihad's mammoth Airbus A380 has returned to the US after nearly retiring. Take a look at its exclusive $24,000 'The Residence' first-class suite.

• Etihad Airways has returned its beloved Airbus A380 to New York amid booming demand.
• The decision comes after the airline nearly retired the quad-engine superjumbo during the pandemic.
• Etihad's A380 boasts the world's only three-room suite, complete with a bedroom and shower.

Eithad Airways' popular Airbus A380 has returned to the US after the pandemic nearly forced it into retirement .

On Monday, the mammoth plane took off from Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport at about 3:20 a.m. local time and landed at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport more than 14 hours later, just after 10 a.m. ET.

This is the first time Etihad's quad jet fleet has flown the route since 2020 and represents its official re-entry into the US market after four years. The superjumbo also flies between Abu Dhabi and London.

According to Etihad, the A380 will boost capacity between the two metropolitan cities as it takes over one of the two flights presently serving New York-JFK — the second operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

"Our North American portfolio has continued to exceed expectations with the second daily JFK flight introduced last year performing well," Etihad CRO Arik De told Business Insider in December when the route was first announced.

With its return, deep-pocket US travelers once again have access to the A380's crown jewel: The Residence.

Take a look at what up to $50,000 gets you on a roundtrip flight between New York and Abu Dhabi in Etihad's one-of-a-kind first-class suite.

Exclusively installed on its mammoth A380, The Residence is the world's only three-room suite on a passenger plane.

The entire suite can accommodate up to two passengers and is located on the second level of the superjumbo .

Other carriers like Singapore Airlines offer first-class cabins with a separate bed , but Etihad takes luxury to a new level.

According to De, the Residence is only available by upgrading a first class ticket. Fares were priced at over $20,000 one-way pre-pandemic.

When booking on Etihad's website in December for a flight between New York and Abu Dhabi in mid-May, its first-class apartments were priced between roughly $9,000 and $10,000 each way, with another $3,000 per leg on top for the Residence, totaling about $24,000 .

Looking again on Monday, it appears the Residence is already booked up on most days for May, as it cannot be added to first-class bookings .

Demand for The Residence is booming — helping make Etihad's A380 an 'overall commercially profitable venture in New York.'

"We had our first bookings within minutes of the announcement that the A380 was coming to New York," De told BI. "It's a famous experience, and there are plenty of people out there who want to sample it, either as a dream one-off or as part of their overall travel mix."

The first space in The Residence is the livingroom with a giant flatscreen television and a multi-person couch.

The living room has a sliding door to ensure full privacy from the rest of the aircraft.

The space is designed to accommodate up to two people.

Here, travelers can eat, work, or watch movies.

A dedicated cabin crew team serves The Residence passengers. They will set up the dining table and serve meals, as well as prep the space for sleeping.

Passengers will be served luxury meals, including things like caviar, steak, champagne, and wine.

However, the butler service formerly offered in The Residence will not return, aviation journalist Andreas Spaeth said on X in mid-November after an interview with Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves.

Etihad confirmed to BI that a butler would not be onboard.

Down the hall from the living room is The Residence's private bathroom, complete with a shower.

"[The Residence] is a great experience for everyone, whether they are flying for business or pleasure or both," De told BI. "Flights between Abu Dhabi and New York are over 13 hours long, and people flying for business want to arrive refreshed and relaxed."

Monday's flight took a northern route across Russia, putting the trek at more than 14 hours, according to FlightAware.

Showers are rare onboard airliners because the water adds extra weight, with Emirates as the only other carrier offering one.

Like Etihad, Emirates has a first class suite complete with a shower spa. The rival UAE carrier is so loyal to its A380 that it recently announced a $1.5 billion investment to keep them flying.

The last room of The Residence is the bedroom.

The double bed is another rarity onboard commercial jetliners.

Qatar Airways famously flies a double bed in its QSuite business class, voted the best in the world by Skytrax last year.

Considered one of the most luxurious airline offerings in the sky, travelers were worried when Etihad's A380 nearly retired.

The A380's poor economics and fuel-hungry quad-engines make it an expensive jet to fly, and many carriers have ditched it for more efficient twinjets like the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A350.

Fortunately, the surge in demand for air travel in 2022 prompted Etihad to add it back to the fleet.

"We are entering a new phase of sustainable growth to meet the demands of our customers, and the A380 is the right aircraft to meet capacity demands on very select routes," De told BI. "We brought it back on our London services earlier this year, and saw tremendous commercial success, with guests loving the experience."

Etihad's new A380 route will be the second in its network following the return to London in July 2023.

According to Cirium data, Etihad has been flying three of its A380s between Abu Dhabi and London as of October, but one was plucked to serve the New York-JFK route.

De told BI that Etihad has a total of four planes in service and, in the short term, "will deploy them where it makes the most sense."

De told BI that the decision to add the A380 to NYC came after the second frequency proved commercially successful.

"Given the commercial performance, and the popularity of the aircraft with our guests, we feel now is the right time to bring the A380 on to our service to New York," he said.

Although some of its A380s are flying again, six of Etihad's 10 superjumbos are still parked but remain 'in reserve.'

The six jets are sitting in airports across France and Spain, according to Planespotters .

"We are focused on sustainable expansion going forward, and having the option of drawing on our A380 fleet is an element of that," De told BI, noting Etihad plans to double its fleet size to 150 planes and carry 33 million passengers by 2030. "We will make sure we choose the right aircraft to achieve that, and the A380s will be part of that mix for a while."

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Find First Class Flights to the United States

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Good to Know - First Class Flights to the United States

Faqs for united states first class flights, what is the most popular airline offering first class flights to the united states.

Among KAYAK users, American Airlines is the most popular airline offering First Class seats on flights to the United States.

Which airlines offer First Class tickets on flights to the United States?

Traveling to the United States and want to offer yourself a First Class experience? Depending on the origin, the following airlines offer seats in First Class: American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta.

How does KAYAK find such good deals on First Class tickets to the United States?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to the United States for economy class as well as First Class travelers.

How much is a first class flight to the United States?

First class tickets to the United States differ in price depending on the departure airport. On average, first class fares cost $1,233 for a return trip to the United States, while the cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $127.

What is the best airline for first class flights to the United States?

The highest-rated airline by KAYAK users offering first class flights to the United States is Delta, with an overall rating of 8.0.

Top tips for finding first class flights to the United States

• The most expensive day to fly First Class to the United States is Friday, while the cheapest is Thursday.
• To get a below average price, try to book at least 1 week in advance of your departure date.

Top 5 airlines flying to the United States

Landing was kinda fast and my ears were plugged for days after.

Paid for early bird. Basically paid for nothing. Would have been in the same spot regardless since the entire plane family preboarded between A and B. If they can’t give you A they should be required to refund the early bird fee. Also I don’t know what the issue is with the flight attendants but their attitudes need to change.

Southwest is always good and effective. Would be nice if they raised the pre-boarding age a couple years. Would hate to have our 7 year old daughter sit by a complete stranger because of a goitch when i check in and get a late boarding number.

It was good. I wish you had gluten free snacks for my husband.

2 hour delayed departure, then sat on the tarmac for 30 minutes waiting for a gate in SRQ

As always it was a pleasure to fly on southwest.

Excellent! There was a delay due to the weather and they did all they could do to keep us comfortable & updated. Thank you!

Would have liked screens on the back of each seat.

With COVID still around, I wish they wouldn't bunch us up so much at the boarding gates.

Seat were uncomfortable. Snacks were a bag of hard mix things.

The messaging about the change in flight destination and options for getting to SFO was poor. There should have been frequent updates. When I spoke to the boarding agent moment before we were supposed to board, he was flippant and offered no help before the announcement was made that transportation would be arranged. It was as poor of an experience that I've ever had.

This leg was better than the previous leg mostly because I upgraded my searing and the crew was nicer

I like that we took off on time and arrived a bit early. I like that I could gate check my bag and board early. I don't like how crowded the flight was. I had ok leg room, but could feel every move of the person next to me. And the aisles are very narrow. The gate and flight crews were terrific.

I was not given a seat when I bought the ticket. I know airlines are trying to squeeze every penny out ot the customer, but we are buying a seat on the airplane, right? I find this irritating with all airlines, but especially Alaska because I fly it so often. No sense of customer use and loyalty.

The cabin temperature was very warm. Flight attendant did not help when my 3 YO needed to go to the bathroom and it was close to landing time. She knocked and opened the door. I would appreciate more empathy towards the situation.

I’m a first time mom and traveled with my 18mo old boy and it was not a great experience with the flight attendants. They were not friendly or helpful at all. It’s hard enough traveling with a toddler and have people be rude and unkind does not help.

The cabin stewart took care of my garment bag and then made sure I did not forget it on my way out. The stewardess gave me water after I missed the earlier service (I was asleep). I received good service overall.

Both flights from NYC to SFO were delayed more than an hour. No wifi, no screens/movies etc. The crew was nice.

I missed my flight and was not able to rebook. I switched to jet blue for a same day flight. Both legs were cancelled. Unacceptable.

Held up on the first leg of our flight the captain asked everyone to remain seated so that we and two others could deplane quickly to catch out tight connection which we did successfully.

I'm a larger, athletic guy (6'2", 260lbs powerlifter) and I found the seats incredibly uncomfortable with minimal leg room, especially in a window seat. Now, I full understand that being smaller may change my view but even if I was 80lbs less, my legs would be the same size and I was sandwiched between my seat and the seat in front of me.

Horrible. This was not first class. This was a connecting flight whi h was late. My original flight never came. I hated the fact that delta gave me a connecting flight from New York to Orlando Florida. No meals and the television screens were not working. There wasn't even any power to charge your phones. This is NOT FIRST CLASS DELTA!!! Do better next time!

This flight was ridiculous. I had to have a connecting flight from New York to orlando Florida??? The flight left late and because it was a short flight there was no first class amenities. I had one alcohol drink. The flight crew was fine, but it sure did not feel like first class. Delta to me dropped the ball by giving me a connecting flight. By the time we got to Raleigh we would have missed the next flight. Lucky for me the flight never came so now I was stuck waiting for a later flight that came in late also.

Flight was delayed an no one make an announcement about it., they only have Coca Cola and nothing else., the food that was served was cold… very bad experience and service

Seat back monitors and outlets were dead and not working.

Service was good for such a short flight. Small plane but smooth flight.

The flight was delayed but we got to our final destination.

Uncomfortable seats on 14 hour flight. Mediocre food. On time and great crew.

public website still broken for years randomly blocking browsers with privacy options active after loading a page maybe once. check-in on laptop was almost impossible but eventually randomly worked. had to print pass at airport since couldn't get back in to load digital pass on mobile firefox or chrome. red eye flight so smooth onboarding, plenty of room to spread out, easy offboarding. onboard wifi instructions mention vpn can cause problems connecting but fails to also mention private dns. no printed or built in menu list, seems weird to require personal device to point at qr code link for menu which does not even allow direct ordering. people with health condition risk related dietary restrictions trying to avoid for example cholesterol and sugar are left guessing what they can order either way without nutritional info highlights (cranberry juice was minute maid cocktail with as much suger as typical can of soda). tap to pay wasn't working and always seems sketchy to manually enter card info. good movie variety, so limited tv was okay.

The helpful attitude of the staff, and being a wheelchair passenger everyone was helpful and understanding. The trip was made comfortable by the upgraded seat which was given without my request, that was a great surprise. Thank you Delta.

Terrible. Flight was cancelled due to the weather in the east and sout east(florida). Did not get any compesation of any kind. According to them, it was not under their control so I lost all the money paid for the 2 fairs from Raleigh, NC to Orlando, Fl.

There were multiple delays but JetBlue tried to make the boarding and departure process as quick and efficient as possible. The crew was as detached from reality as could be, meaning: not very friendly and just doing things by the numbers.

Nothing. Jet Blue is a great choice for me And I’m going to miss flying with them Since I travel to Lima Peru very often 😞😞😞

40 minute delay before take off after boarding flight. Bright lights throughout night flight due Issues with light panels. In flight Entertainment nonfunctional

Another horrible Jet Blue experience. This airline has suffered the biggest decline of all from best to worst. TVs didn’t work (again). internet was temperamental. Boarded late and couldn’t get organized to serve snacks.

I hate their constant delays! It’s as if I cannot confidently make plans for timing when I'm traveling with them. I slept through it, so all I can say is it was good.

There was no wheelchair or wheelchair escort at the gate..unacceptable

Did not wait long for wheelchair and attendant to arrive after checking in. Wheeled down to plane Was greeted with a smile when entering the plane Choice of snacks was very limited to 2 items. Seats are uncomfortable. My butt was sore after the 1st hour of flying. Needs better cushioning at seats.

Did not wait long for wheelchair and attendant to arrive after checking in. Wheeled down to plane Was greeted with a smile when entering the plane Choice of snacks was very limited to 2 items.

One hour delayed departure resulted in problems with planned ground transportation at my destination.

No water for a 5 hour flight entertainment not working seats with little room for knees when person in front of me reclined kept bumping my knees.

I did not like anything, first time I use company and for sure it will be the last time, they charge for simple operations that any other average airline wouldn't charge.

The good thing is the flight was on time and the crew was really nice. They can work better the arriving with staff

The inflight entertainment did not work on a 6 hour flight The cel phone chargers did not work There was a 45 minute wait for the luggage to get off the plane.

Seat space was terrible no food on a six hour flight

There was no bag included in the reservation. The price was double. Not properly advertised

Awful. I checked in online and there was no option to pay for baggage, at the airport when I checked in my baggage was received and Iwas not charged. When I got to LA during the boarding process I was told I didn't pay for baggage, the crew resolved I was let in the plane. When I got to my final destination my baggage was not there. It took me two days to receive my baggage. Bad service ever!

There was no food or drink service, couldn’t even get a glass of water for free. It was a long and expensive flight to not offer food or beverage on the plane.

There is no food. There is no in-inflight entertainment. The seats are cardboard. The airline is a living hellscape.

My experience was amazing! They helped my elderly mother board on early through a wheelchair and were accommodating to have us sit together since our seats were in different locations. When landing at the airport in GUA they were very helpful with full of hospitality.

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Is Southwest going to start assigning seats? CEO says the airline is weighing changes.

Southwest Airlines is considering doing away with open, single-class seating on its aircraft.

In an interview with CNBC , ahead of the airline’s first-quarter earnings call on Thursday, CEO Bob Jordan said the company is weighing options for cabin reconfiguration to address its recent revenue shortfall.

“We’re looking into new initiatives, things like the way we seat and board our aircraft,” Jordan told the network.

Southwest has long differentiated itself from other airlines with one class of seating and little variability – no extra legroom seats or first class on its 737 fleet. But now, Jordan said it may be time to change the strategy.

Cruising Altitude: Another Boeing plane issue? Don't fall for the headlines.

“Customer preferences do change over time,” he told CNBC. He acknowledged the airline hasn’t made any decisions on implementing a new strategy but said studies about what they could do have yielded “interesting” results. 

For now, the only reliable way for Southwest customers can get their seating preference is to pay extra for an earlier boarding position. Southwest Airlines does not currently assign seats and passengers claim their real estate as they board the plane in an assigned order. 

During Thursday's earnings call, Jordan confirmed the airline was exploring updates to its seating and boarding processes. He also announced Southwest would be ending service to Syracuse, New York; George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (the airline will still serve William P. Hobby Airport); Cozumel, Mexico and Bellingham, Washington. Jordan cited underperformance in those markets as the reason for their closure.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].