Which US Airlines Still Have First Class In 2024: As time progressed, air travel underwent a significant shift. It evolved from being a luxury exclusively available to the ultra-wealthy to a mode of transportation accessible to the general public. However, those with deep pockets can still savour the luxurious experience reminiscent of the golden age of commercial flights.
Once upon a time, first-class passengers were treated to a truly exquisite experience in the skies. From savouring their meals on elegant china to enjoying the luxury of real cutlery, not to mention the added convenience of full showers and lavish suites, they truly had it all. However, times are changing, and the era of such extravagant amenities is gradually coming to an end. Airlines are now shifting their focus towards maximising their business class offerings, as it provides a delightful blend of comfort and value for money.
Some airlines continue to prioritise providing top-notch service to their customers. Below are a few American airlines that continue to offer first-class accommodations in 2024.
Note: An airline is recognised as having a “true” first class when it offers separate cabins for both first class and business class. However, some airlines choose to merge these two classes into a single product, which will not be taken into consideration.
Which US Airlines Still Have First Class In 2024
American Airlines
In the United States, American Airlines stands out as the exclusive provider of a top-tier first-class service, with distinct cabins for business and first class. First class is limited to select domestic and international routes served by the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A321T.
The seats in the first-class cabin on these flights are 21 inches wide, providing a generous 62 inches of legroom and extending to a length of 82.5 inches when in lie-flat mode. Passengers can enjoy a range of amenities, including Casper amenities and Bose QC25 Noise Canceling headphones.
One Mile At A Time reported that American Airlines‘ first class is predicted to fail due to its subpar offerings in comparison to other global carriers. Consequently, the lacklustre product fails to attract customers, leading the airline to discontinue it later this year.
First class seats on American Airlines do not provide privacy shades, which is a significant factor for many first class passengers. Moreover, these seats offer only a slight improvement over the carrier’s business class offering. The service provided is also highly inconsistent and fails to meet the standards expected of a “premium” service.
American Airlines’ first class experience offers two notable advantages. Firstly, the Flagship First Dining program presents customers with the opportunity to indulge in restaurant-quality dining options within the luxurious American Airlines Flagship Lounges. Secondly, the Flagship First Check-in ensures a seamless journey for customers, with shorter wait times, expedited security procedures, a dedicated rest area, and enhanced service. These features contribute to an elevated travel experience for passengers.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines no longer provides a “genuine” first class option for its transcontinental and international flights. Nevertheless, a first class service is still offered on domestic flights. The first class experience on domestic flights within the United States falls short of the luxury found on international flights, but it is important to note that the option is still available.
Our attention will be directed towards the cabin of the Airbus A321neo operated by Delta Air Lines. The seating arrangement follows a 2-2 configuration, with each seat measuring 21 inches in width and offering a generous 37 inches of legroom. Notably, the seats are equipped with spacious dividers that effectively enhance the sense of privacy for passengers.
Delta provides passengers with 13-inch seat-back screens that come with Bluetooth capabilities for their in-flight entertainment. In case you’ve left your Bluetooth headphones behind, wired earbuds are available. The first-class cabin received positive feedback regarding the food and service, with most passengers feeling comfortable and appreciated.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines primarily operates as a leisure carrier, offering a first-class cabin on its Airbus A330 aircraft for its premium routes. With the advantage of widebody aircraft, the airline is able to provide first-class seats arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration.
Since 2016, the airline has been providing lie-flat seats in its first class cabin. Passengers in this exclusive cabin not only enjoy the comfort of these seats, but also have access to a delightful selection of food and beverages. To top it off, the exceptional service provided by the friendly and attentive cabin crew adds to the overall experience.
It is unfortunate that the airline does not offer modern connectivity-oriented services such as WiFi and an in-flight entertainment system. Nonetheless, passengers can avail iPads provided by the airline to meet their entertainment demands.
Conclusion
Many US airlines have decided to move away from the traditional first class experience and instead offer a premium business class setup for the majority of their flights. Examples of this include United Airlines’ Polaris and Delta Air Lines’ Delta One services.
This change could bring about either positive or negative results. At times, the transition signifies an improvement, with the new business class seats surpassing the previous first-class offerings of the airline. In essence, this shift is beneficial for consumers as it frequently lowers the overall expenses of flying in business class, making it more accessible to a larger number of people seeking a premium travel experience.
American Airlines is the sole US carrier that provides an authentic first-class experience, although it does not quite measure up to international airlines. Delta Air Lines, on the other hand, has discontinued its first-class service on transcontinental and international flights, but continues to offer it on domestic routes. Meanwhile, Hawaiian Airlines upholds a first-class cabin on select premium routes, boasting luxurious lie-flat seats, delectable cuisine, and exceptional service.
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