first class travel in the us

Simple Flying

5 things to know before you fly in first class with american airlines.

From spacious seats and an exclusive airport experience to a specially curated menu, here's what you can expect when flying first class with American.

• American Airlines offers two types of first-class cabins: standard domestic First and Flagship First, which offers a more exclusive experience.
• Flagship First passengers receive perks like private check-in, expedited security line access, and access to premium Flagship First lounges.
• Flagship First seats are spacious and comfortable, with amenities like swiveling seats, high-quality headphones, and special travel essentials.

Back in the day, when things were simpler, there was a clear distinction between first class, business class, and economy. And while the difference between economy and premium cabins still exists, the lines are fast blurring between business and first-class cabins.

A dedicated ‘true’ first class (one that exists in addition to a business class cabin on the same plane) is rapidly slipping out of trend, primarily because the latest business-class cabins on modern jetliners have become highly competitive. Still, some global carriers, including American Airlines , offer them on select aircraft. So what can you expect if you’ve booked an American first class ticket? Let’s find out.

1 Two kinds of first class on American Airlines

The carrier’s flagship first differs from regular domestic first.

When it comes to premium cabins, and first class in particular, American’s onboard product can vary depending upon the route you fly and the aircraft deployed on it. American offers two kinds of first-class cabins:

• First : Yes, that's what it's called – just ‘First.’ These are essentially domestic premium cabins that the airline markets as first class and can be found on domestic flights, except for some regional planes.
• Flagship First : These are what some might call ‘real’ first-class seats as they exist alongside a business class cabin on the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A321T (transcontinental) aircraft.

According to American Airlines’ website, the domestic First seats are available on flights across 50 US states, with eligible fare classes being J, D, I, C, and U on 2-cabin aircraft. Purists, however, might argue that these aren’t ‘real’ first-class seats as they could be compared to a business-class product of many other airlines.

Then there’s the Flagship First, which is actually a separate cabin from a business class on the same aircraft. These are more exclusive lie-flat seats that can be found on the carrier’s Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A321T planes.

The Flagship First – International is for popular long-haul routes operated by the 777-300ER to Europe, Australia, and Asia, among others, while the Flagship First – Transcontinental is operated by both the 777 and A321T between the following destinations:

• Los Angeles (LAX) – New York (JFK)
• San Francisco (SFO) – JFK
• JFK – Orange County (SNA)
• LAX – Boston (BOS)
• LAX – Miami (MIA)

2 Check-in experience

Flagship first customers get private check-in and access to an expedited security line.

For Flagship First passengers, the exclusive treatment starts at the airport itself, with dedicated facilities at Chicago O'Hare (ORD), London Heathrow (LHR), Los Angeles (LAX), and Miami (MIA). New York (JFK) doesn’t have an exclusive Flagship First Check-In but has something similar, which it shares with British Airways.

This service can also be used by Flagship Business Plus passengers and those with elite status, such as American AAdvantage Concierge Key members. The entire check-in experience is quite pleasant and relaxed, and passengers can expect to be taken to the front of the security line.

In all, if you’re holding a Flagship First ticket, you can expect an exclusive check-in area, free check-in for two bags with priority tags, attentive and personalized assistance along with expedited security access.

Domestic First also comes with a speedy check-in, security, and boarding, but the Flagship First experience is definitely more elevated.

3 Flagship First lounge and dining

Premium and exclusive lounges that also offer fine-dining options.

A Flagship First ticket holder will have access to Flagship First lounges, which are considered a step up from the American Admirals Clubs. Currently, Flagship First lounges are at airports in Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and Dallas Forth Worth.

While the lounges offer a premium experience such as personalized service, cocktail bar, premium seating, and even shower suites, there’s an additional service, called Flagship First Dining, at lounges in Dallas, Miami, and Los Angeles.

This is an elevated experience with a proper sit-down, restaurant-quality dining service, and the carrier says the dishes are made from locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also expect signature wines, craft beer, and hand-crafted cocktails.

Flagship First Dining is temporarily closed at LAX but can be experienced at Dallas/Fort Worth airport’s Terminal D daily from 12:00 to 22:00 and at Concourse D at Miami airport daily from 13:00 to 22:30.

Review: American Airlines Flagship First Dining In New York

4 first class seats, seats on flagship first differ from domestic first.

On American’s 777s, the Flagship First cabin has eight lie-flat seats in two rows in a 1-2-1 configuration . If you’re a solo traveler, the window seat will ensure more privacy. But the middle seats also provide enough private space due to a privacy partition in between, which can be lowered if you’re traveling in a pair. The A321T offers seats in five rows of 1-1 configuration.

These seats are definitely bigger than those in business class, although most reviews point out that the overall value seems only marginally higher. The seats can swivel by as much as 90 degrees by the push of a button, and there’s an ottoman that can also be used as a buddy seat.

These seats also come with a tablet to control its functions, a USB outlet, and Bang & Olufsen headphones. Passengers can also expect travel essentials from design and lifestyle brands Shinola and D.S. & Durga, as well as pillows and blankets on transcontinental first class and additional amenities, such as pajamas, slippers, and mattress pads on international first class.

Domestic First on the carrier offers bigger seats than the main cabin (pictured below), but they do not convert into lie-flat beds. Still, the extra legroom can be quite comfortable for longer flights.

5 In-flight dining

Domestic first has a premium menu, but the flagship first takes it a step further.

While airplane food can be a hit or a miss, it is almost always exciting when the flight attendant comes by with the food cart. American charges a premium for its first-class cabins, so it tries to offer a more extensive menu for its high-paying customers.

According to the airline’s website, domestic First passengers will have options like mixed nuts, charcuterie plates, and short rib, as well as grain bowls and heart-healthy entrée salads. Of course, meal service can vary greatly depending on the duration of the flight.

Flagship First travelers have the luxury of choosing when they can eat their multi-course meals. American has partnered with award-winning chef Sam Choy to inspire its meals for this cabin, and the menus also feature exclusive dishes designed by elite chefs in partnership with the James Beard Foundation.

A Look At American Airlines' First Class Meals & Drinks

Also, the premium cabins are stocked with a variety of beers, wines, and spirits that go well with the inflight menu. The airline does offer a disclaimer that these are served on flights with full drink service and that the number of drinks served may be limited.

Have you traveled on American Airlines’ first class? What was your experience like? Please leave a comment below.

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The Main Differences Between Business Class vs. First Class — and Tips for Booking Each

Here's what to know about each premium cabin type — and how to book them.

Business Class

Domestic first class, international first class, how to book (or be upgraded to) business class, domestic first class, and international first class.

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If you're tired of flying in economy, it might be time for an upgrade. For a more enjoyable flight, booking a premium cabin — that is, business class, domestic first class, or international first class — provides vast improvements. But each of the cabins offers a fairly different experience, and it's important to know what to expect with each. Here's everything you need to know about the premium cabins available on planes today.

• Typically lie-flat or angled seats
• Multicourse plated meal service
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Extra baggage allowance
• Lounge access
• Amenity kits
• Business class seats, amenities, and services vary greatly per airline and aircraft
• Usually a very expensive option
• No complimentary upgrades

Business class is a premium cabin available on international long-haul flights . Seats are typically lie-flat or angled, not just recliners, offering far more space than in the economy or premium economy cabins . Service is elevated both in the air, from free alcohol to plated multicourse meals, and on the ground, from priority check-in and boarding to lounge access. But not all business-class cabins are created equal. Some more outdated products lack in seat comfort and privacy, while newer ones might include closed-door suite-style seats with extra space. Even within an airline, business-class cabins can vary greatly on different aircraft. Pricing is dramatically greater than economy, often thousands of dollars no matter the route.

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• More spacious and comfortable seats
• Often served plated meals
• Complimentary upgrades for elite status holders
• Not as expensive as business class or international first class
• Typically no lie-flat seats
• Lounge access is not guaranteed

Domestic first class is the top cabin on domestic flights and some short-haul international flights. On most airlines and aircraft, this means you'll sit in a recliner-style seat that offers more space and legroom than economy. Some transcontinental flights, however, may have business-class lie-flat seats, but this varies based on the airline and aircraft. On flights that are a few hours or longer, you'll be served plated hot meals, and on all flights, alcohol is complimentary. Before your flight, you'll receive priority check-in services (including extra baggage allowances), but you usually won't receive lounge access. You'll be one of the first groups to board your plane. The tickets cost more than economy, of course, but they're typically not as expensive as business-class fares — perhaps a few hundred up to a thousand dollars.

• The most privacy, with some seats being fully enclosed
• Fine dining
• First class-only lounges at some airports; general lounge access at others
• Only available on certain airlines and aircraft
• The most expensive option

International first class is the ultimate flying experience — it's the best cabin across the board on commercial aircraft, ranked above business class, and it has the price tag to match. Many airlines don't even offer an international first class; a few notable ones that do have the product include Singapore Airlines , Etihad, and Air France. What makes the cabin so exceptional is the space and privacy of each seat. On some airlines, first-class seats are private suites with closed doors. The dining experience is usually elevated beyond that of business class, with fine wines and over-the-top menu items. As with business class, you'll receive a number of perks on the ground, from priority check-in to exclusive lounge access — some airlines have special first-class lounges that are not accessible to frequent fliers or business-class travelers. And, of course, expect to board in one of the first groups. You'll find this type of first-class cabin on international long-haul flights only — and solely on certain routes on certain airlines.

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You likely already know you can select any of these classes instead of the economy cabin when booking a flight. And you're probably also aware you can use either cash or miles to purchase seats in business or first class.

But what you might not know is that on most airlines, there are other ways to score an upgrade — though it likely won't be free.

Paid Upgrades

It's often possible to pay for upgrades to business or first class in cash or miles later on, depending on availability — and they might be cheaper than the full price at booking. "A lot of airlines these days will tempt you with an option to upgrade during the check-in process that sometimes can be cheaper than buying a business ticket outright," Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going , tells Travel + Leisure . "If this is your game plan, don’t always count on the ticket being downright cheap. It will still be more expensive than your original ticket price, and it all depends on if there is any availability in a higher class."

Even after check-in, you can ask an agent at a transfer desk if you're on a layover or a gate agent if there are any paid upgrades available. "Sometimes, airlines have unsold premium seats that they're willing to upgrade passengers to at a lower cost," Kristin Winkaffe, founder of Winkaffe Global Travel , tells T+L. "It's a bit of a gamble, but it's always worth politely inquiring at the gate if any upgrade options are available. This method can be especially fruitful if you are traveling during off-peak times."

Meet the Expert

Katy Nastro is a travel expert at Going, a website that finds flight deals to more than 900 destinations around the world.

Kristin Winkaffe is the founder of Winkaffe Global Travel, a travel agency with a focus on sustainability and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Bidding on Upgrades

Additionally, some international airlines allow you to bid on upgrades to premium cabins before your flight. "It's like an auction; you make an offer, and if it's accepted, you get upgraded," says Winkaffe. "The key here is to make a reasonable bid, keeping in mind the flight duration and destination."

Free Upgrades

If you're a "regular" passenger, you probably won't get a free upgrade. "Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that dressing nicely will afford you an automatic upgrade. This is a travel myth that might have been true decades ago, but is just not the case today," says Nastro.

But if you're a frequent flier with elite status, complimentary upgrades are one of your perks — on domestic flights and limited short-haul international trips, that is. Elites can request to be added to the complimentary upgrade list on certain flights, with seats doled out based on availability. "A warning for these methods, though — you will need to fly quite a lot to really reap the rewards of elite status," says Winkaffe. "It's a long-term strategy, but definitely rewarding for those who travel often."

There is one rare case in which you may be able to score a free upgrade without status: accepting a voluntary bump on an oversold flight. "When a flight is oversold, you may see the airline ask for volunteers to switch, and likely will sweeten the deal with cash," says Nastro. "To sweeten the deal even more, inquire whether they would be able to upgrade you on the alternate flight if you give up your seat. No guarantees this will work, as sometimes policies prevent it, but it doesn't hurt to ask."

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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.

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Find deals on international First Class flights from the United States

Good to know - first class flights to worldwide, faqs for worldwide first class flights, what is the most popular airline offering first class flights to worldwide.

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

Which airlines offer First Class tickets on flights to Worldwide?

Traveling to Worldwide 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, Alaska Airlines and Delta.

How does KAYAK find such good deals on First Class tickets to Worldwide?

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 Worldwide for economy class as well as First Class travelers.

What is the best airline for first class flights to Worldwide?

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

Top 5 airlines flying to Worldwide

Southwest is going downhill. I'm more apt to fly other airlines now. And I'd appreciate it if your gate agents didn't invent non-existent laws. If Southwest is having issues getting flight crews, you need to go out of your way to accommodate passengers instead of saying it's weather related and not in your hands. We can all see the other carriers are getting their planes off the ground and to/from the cities/regions you claim are weather-impacted.

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.

Flight was delayed 2 hours. Other than that, it was a good flight.

Sat on tarmac for 30 minutes despite staring at three empty gates, one of which we eventually pulled into

The flight was mostly smooth and quiet. No seatback screens.

Great flight. No problems. Everett Airport was so easy to get into and out of. Great alternative to SeaTac. Alaska was excellent!

I enjoyed the leg room at my seat, but I was in an exit row.

There was an older male crew member that was very rude to me when doing the last checks before pulling back from the terminal. There is a polite way to tell someone to put their bag under the seat. It was Mother’s Day and my mom has recently passed so it was a tough morning for me in general. There was no need to make for the snide remark “ I don’t know how many times we have said this already” as you walked away. I had held it together all morning and this interaction brought me to tears. love Alaska Airlines and this is the first time I’ve had a negative experience.

Flight itself was great! Snacks are never really good; in this case, the "butter braids" and Biscotti cookie were both hard. The attendants' were good. We felt we found a good deal on the cost. The check-in process was very smooth: Alaskan Airlines always does a good job. Boarding was pretty timely, too. We fly Alaskan whenever possible and will continue to do so.

The process was professional and really informative. I personally did not find any issue with thr process from start to finish.

Flight cancelled an hour before takeoff due to "unscheduled maintenance". New flight makes me have to wait for 5 hours in the airport, at a gate totally on the other side of where I'm at, requiring me to take a tram to get from the N terminal, to the C terminal. After waiting for 5 hours I'm informed my new flight is no longer at the gate I'm at, but instead is back in the N terminal where I was previously.

It was fine since it ensure we went to our destination in time.

Awful. Flight was continuously getting delayed and gates kept changing without any reason. Flight was delayed for more then 3 hours

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 plane was so outdated, that it made it uncomfortable. The temperature was hot during the whole flight

Happy attentive flight crew. All in all good flight the night flight works well. Getting into Mexico City early so you don't get caught up it all the immigration and custom ques, additionally, this helps when exiting the airport and crossing the city to your final destination. All works very well and would do it again

Some entertainment and food/snack service would have been nice

All the pessengers should be wait in a line útil the creo and piloto are arrived.

Planes seat could be bigger very uncomfortable for tall humans.

Atraso de dos horas y media con vuelos sobre vendidos

1 hour waiting for suitcases to come out traveling in business class and food in business class is a sandwich? Avoid Aeromexico .

Newer plane with large seats. No meal, but snacks were plentiful. Inflight entertainment was good but movies were dated.

No space reserved for anyone who didn’t have underseat in front of them. Made it inconvenient to get the backs secured. No inflight entertainment in the 190. Bring your own! Food was excellent and we were surprised to get a full breakfast.

Run out of snack choices. Why are the seats not padded for your butt? Are we sitting on blocks of wood or metal for $250-300 a pop? This ain’t spirit. Let’s get it together people

Safe and on time were the positives. The plane wasn't cleaned before boarding, there was garbage and food on the floor and in the seat pocket. The TV screen was small and the picture fuzzy, audio quality was poor. Seatbelt was fraying and seat did not recline properly. No charging ports near the seats,

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.

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USA TODAY 10Best

How much does it cost to fly first class?

December 28, 2022 // By Katie Jackson

By Katie Jackson December 28, 2022

First class passengers may be a dying breed – earlier this year, American Airlines joined Delta and United in doing away with first class on international flights – but as long as there are travelers willing to pay for a premium experience, it will exist in one form or another.

What you can expect to pay

You can pay as little as $300 to fly first class round trip from New York to Chicago or Washington, D.C. If you’re looking at flying a longer route, such as New York to Los Angeles or Seattle to Atlanta, you’re looking at spending at least $1,100.

Flying first class to Hawaii is slightly pricier. Round-trip tickets to Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii’s busiest airport, average about $1,200 from Los Angeles, $1,900 from Atlanta and $2,800 from New York. First class flights to other islands average $100-$200 more. And first class flights to Alaska? You’re going to have to shell out at least $1,000 (unless you’re flying from Seattle where first class round-trip tickets to Anchorage start at just $650).

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Where flying first class really starts to get expensive is when you involve a passport stamp. The following are the average prices of round-trip international first class tickets from the U.S.:

Europe: $8,000

Asia: $16,000

South America: $11,000

India: $11,000

Australia: $21,000

Africa: $14,000

Mexico: $1,300

What you get for your money

Most first class passengers enjoy priority service at check-in, TSA screening and boarding. Some airlines, including Delta and United, even offer priority baggage handling, so your luggage comes out first. Most first class tickets also include complimentary checked bags, wider seats with more legroom and complimentary food and beverages (including alcohol). Lounge access typically depends on the route, but it never hurts to ask. Here’s what you can expect to get with a first class ticket on popular U.S. airlines:

Alaska Airlines : First class passengers get to check two bags for free and earn 75% more Mileage Plan™ bonus miles for their trip.

American Airlines : First class passengers get two free checked bags (three for Flagship® First), free in-flight entertainment and premium dining. They also have access to Flagship Lounges and, in some cases, the Admirals Club.

Delta Airlines : Check up to two bags for free and indulge in fresher food options. First class seats, some of which offer up to 8 extra inches of legroom, all feature outlets and passengers receive complimentary earphones.

Hawaiian Airlines : Hawaiian Airlines’ first class is called premium. Premium passengers are treated to seats that lie completely flat, in-seat power, signature cocktails and fresh cuisine prepared by Hawaiian chefs.

JetBlue : JetBlue calls its first class service Mint. All Mint seats boast aisle access and lie flat. Book a seat in the front row Mint Studio and enjoy free entertainment on your private 22-inch screen (the largest TV on any U.S. airline). Mint passengers also get to borrow noise-isolating headphones, and they get to keep a wellness kit, snooze kit and "touchdown treats."

Southwest Airlines : Southwest’s most premium class is Business Select, but it’s a far cry from first class, so don't bother if you're looking for luxury.

United Airlines : United First passengers receive two free checked bags and enjoy premium leather seats with a center console. When it comes to entertainment, they have complimentary access to United Private Screening and DIRECTV (more than 100 channels).

Virgin Atlantic : First class on Virgin Atlantic is called Upper Class. Upper Class passengers enjoy seats that convert into beds and have access to the airline’s exclusive social spaces like The Loft and The Booth (available on select Airbus A350s).

How to fly first class for less

Scott Keyes, founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights , gave USA TODAY 10Best his top three tips for flying first class without paying top dollar. They include:

Fly in February : It’s the least popular month for global travel, so you won’t have to compete with as many travelers for limited first class seats.

Go where the deals are : You may want to go to Japan, but if the airlines are offering major discounts on flights to Hong Kong, consider traveling there instead.

Fly to Portugal : Portugal’s flagship airline, TAP, offers some of the best sales on transatlantic first class flights. Compared to other airlines traveling to Europe, save an average of $1,000-$1,500 per ticket.

About Katie Jackson

Katie Jackson is a full-time travel writer and editor whose work has been published by USA TODAY, Travel & Leisure, The Sunday Times, Fodor's and Outside Magazine. She's lived in Southeast Asia, Europe and Central America but home is currently in Montana where she dotes on her massive Leonberger and spends most of her free time hiking and cycling. Her favorite destinations include Northern Thailand, Tenerife and South Africa. 

Read more about Katie Jackson here.

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The 21 Best International First Class Airlines in the World

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What makes an international first class airline great, the 21 best international first class airlines and cabins, final thoughts.

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At Upgraded Points, we get a lot of questions about which are the “best” first class airlines. While there’s no objective answer that will please all travelers, we believe it’s worthwhile to create a list of our favorites.

This list of the best international first class airlines will serve as a guide for you to start dreaming about your next first class flight purchase with points and miles.

Keep in mind that we listed first class products that we personally think are the best based on our own experiences, industry research, and opinions of fellow travelers.

There are many different aspects that make first class flights special.

For many of these airlines, the first class experience starts on the ground before you even get to the airport! Some airlines provide first class passengers with chauffeur service to the airport and access to magnificent first class lounges.

That being said, this guide is not limited only to first class flights that are bookable with points. As you will find out, we include flights like the SWISS Air first class, which cannot ordinarily be booked with points.

We considered the following aspects of a first class flight when determining each ranking:

• Ground experience (ground transportation, lounge experience, and immigration or customs escort)
• Hard product (seat size, comfort level, amenities, inflight monitor, cabin configuration, privacy, and more)
• Soft product (food and beverage, amenity kit, and attentiveness of service staff)
• Award pricing and availability

Hot Tip: Want to access more than  1,200 airport lounges across 130 countries (without flying Business or First Class?) The Platinum Card ® from American Express  is the #1 card for lounge access .

Without further ado, let’s get into our list of the best international first class airlines and cabins. Remember that while we attempted to make this ranking as objective as possible, this list is still our opinion.

We’ll provide an overview of the flagship product mentioned in each ranking, explain the best ways (if applicable) to book with points, and describe why we believe it deserves its ranking.

1. Etihad Residence on the A380

The Etihad Residence is without a doubt the most phenomenal commercial flight experience you can have . When you reserve the Etihad Residence, you get 3 separate rooms aboard the A380: a living room, bedroom, and shower room.

Your double bed is 6′ 10″ long, your living room (actual seat) has a leather double seat sofa plus a 32″ inflight monitor, and your bathroom is your own private oasis with a full-height shower and vanity.

You’ll also have a private butler — to call this pampering is a complete understatement.

You’ll be able to request customized food ahead of time, utilize a luxurious chauffeur, and pretty much request anything (legal) you want!

This product is absolutely nuts. Unfortunately, you can only find it on the A380, of which Etihad flies 1 to the U.S. on the New York City (JFK) – Abu Dhabi (AUH) route.

Here are the other routes you can take that are serviced by the Residence-equipped A380:

• Abu Dhabi (AUH) – London (LHR)
• Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Paris (CDG)
• Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Sydney (SYD)

Contrary to popular belief, you can actually fly on the Etihad Residence with points — you’d just need around 1-3 million Etihad Guest miles each way .

Psst… award availability is very good! I guess it has something to do with the fact that 1-3 million miles present a high barrier to entry, so most people don’t have enough points to be able to afford this luxurious experience.

2. Air France La Premiere on the 777-300ER

Air France calls its long-haul first class “ La Première .” It’s operated on the A380 and 777-300ER, but you should never fly on Air France in the A380, as its premium cabin products are not near as nice.

On the other hand, Air France’s 777-300ER business and first class products are quite sensational.

La Première includes one of the best ground experiences, including tarmac transfers in luxury cars and access to a beautiful lounge in Paris. It’s also one of the only flights that separate seats with curtains, and your area comes with a desk lamp for reading after the lights are dimmed.

You’ll enjoy exquisite and phenomenal French dining along with ridiculous exclusivity and privacy.

To even book La Première, you have to hold elite status with Air France/KLM Flying Blue . Keep in mind that holding the lowest-tier, Flying Blue Silver, will also enable passengers to book La Première (albeit at an exorbitant price).

If you’ve got your heart dead-set on booking La Première with points and also have secured Flying Blue Silver, at minimum you can expect to pay 200,000 Flying Blue miles one-way on flights between the U.S. and Europe.

Here are the routes to/from the U.S. where you can fly La Première on the 777-300ER:

• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Paris (CDG)
• Houston (IAH) – Paris (CDG)
• Miami (MIA) – Paris (CDG)
• San Francisco (SFO) – Paris (CDG)
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Paris (CDG)
• New York City (JFK) – Paris (CDG)

There are also some very intriguing routes that operate La Première on the 777-300ER, such as to/from São Paulo (GRU) and Luanda (LAD).

All in all, it’s extremely difficult to book La Première with points, but there are periodically promotional prices that discount this product to a more manageable price.

3. Emirates New First Class Suites on the 777-300ER

Emirates is known for having more glitzy and over-the-top first class products. With stiff competition from Singapore Airlines and Etihad, they’ve been tasked with continuously innovating more luxurious experiences.

They have therefore rolled out the new 777-300ER First Class Suites. With 6 suites per aircraft in 2 rows configured in a 1-1-1 arrangement, these suites have caught the frequent flyer world by storm.

These First Class Suites are the first seats that feature a fully-enclosed seat with floor-to-ceiling walls , which means 1 thing: total privacy.

On top of this, you’ll enjoy classic Emirates luxury including Bvlgari amenities, Emirati fine-dining, virtual windows (on middle seats), personal climate controls, on-demand dining via your personal tablet, and beautiful cabin finishes thanks to Mercedes-Benz.

Find Emirates’ new First Class Suites on 777-300ER’s flying these routes:

• Dubai (DXB) – Frankfurt (FRA)
• Dubai (DXB) – Hamburg (HAM)
• Dubai (DXB) – Geneva (GVA)
• Dubai (DXB) – Brussels (BRU)
• Dubai (DXB) – London-Stansted (STN)
• Dubai (DXB) – Tokyo-Haneda (HND)
• Dubai (DXB) – Vienna (VIE)

Unfortunately, there are no planes with the new first class suites on flights to or from the U.S. — the 777s flying to the U.S. don’t have these products yet.

To be sure that the flight you’re booking is actually equipped with the new First Class Suites, here’s what the seat map will look like on ExpertFlyer :

The best way to book these suites is to find a cheap flight, typically through a routing like Colombo (CMB) – Geneva (GVA). Check out this itinerary, which is ridiculously cheap at $3,400 round-trip for 22 hours in Emirates’ new First Class Suites.

Hot Tip: Need help booking? See our guide on the best ways to book Emirates First Class using points.

4. Singapore Airlines’ New First Class Suites on the A380

Flying on Singapore Airlines is something that the Upgraded Points team is very familiar with — we’ve flown both the new and old A380 suites.

Needless to say, we love flying on Singapore Airlines. Though the ground experience isn’t as refined as Air France’s La Première, you do get access to The Private Room at Changi Airport (SIN), which features a-la-carte dining.

Singapore’s new A380 First Class Suites features your own private seat, along with a separate bed that which you can turn into a double bed with 2 seats. You can utilize a personal tablet to control lighting, request service, and more.

Arranged in 3 rows of 2 seats for 6 suites total, these A380 First Class Suites are very exclusive. You can swivel and recline your chair and slide a door closed to make your suite super private (though not fully enclosed with floor-to-ceiling doors like Emirates’ 777 new First Class Suites).

The luxurious Lalique amenities along with the 32″ television monitors make this a must-experience for everyone. Don’t forget to sip on unlimited Krug or Taittinger Champagne!

Singapore Airlines is pretty consistent about releasing award seats , but unfortunately the new A380 is only flown to select destinations from Singapore .

Currently, these new A380 suites are flown on 5 routes.

• Singapore (SIN) – Hong Kong (HKG) 
• Singapore (SIN) – London-Heathrow (LHR)
• Singapore (SIN) – Zurich (ZRH)
• Singapore (SIN) – Sydney (SYD)
• Singapore (SIN) – Shanghai (PVG)

If you’re willing and you find award availability, you can fly on the old A380 suites (which we’ll get to later) and the new A380 suites in a single itinerary. Here’s an example route that Alex flew:

• New York City (JFK) – Frankfurt (FRA)
• Frankfurt (FRA) – Singapore (SIN)
• Singapore (SIN) – Sydney (SYD) 

Bottom Line:  Singapore Airlines’ ultra-luxe new A380 First Class Suites are a great way to fly on flagship routes to Hong Kong (HKG). Unfortunately, partner award availability is nonexistent, so you’ll need to use their own mileage system. Luckily, they are an American Express transfer partner , Chase transfer partner , Citi transfer partner , and Marriott transfer partner .

5. Lufthansa First Class

Update: Lufthansa has decided to retire half of its Airbus A380 fleet, and the remaining 7 A380’s will not return to service until 2022. When brought back, the A380’s will only serve the Munich hub and not the Frankfurt hub.

Rightfully, Lufthansa is an airline that turns heads with its first class . Though its business class (which doesn’t feature direct-aisle access for all seats) leaves much to be desired, the first class is certainly top-notch.

Lufthansa’s hard product isn’t anything terribly special; it’s the soft product that makes all the difference here.

You can expect some fantastic food, a polished First Class Lounge featuring a cigar bar, and an unforgettable ground experience featuring Porsche tarmac transfers.

Award availability isn’t released to partners until around 15 days before departure date.

Hot Tip: Need help booking? See our guide on the best ways to book Lufthansa First Class using points.

6. Cathay Pacific First Class

Cathay Pacific is an airline that holds a special place in my heart as a Hong Konger, and the luxury afforded by Cathay Pacific in first class is fantastic.

They’ve got industry-leading seat width at 36” wide , and a 2-row cabin on the 777 with a 1-1-1 configuration. These seats are massive and can fit up to 3 people comfortably .

You’ll enjoy one of the most comfortable lie-flat beds in the sky, plus caviar, champagne, and a level of service that’s far too rare nowadays.

You can book this with American Airlines miles ,  Alaska miles , Cathay Pacific Asia Miles , and British Airways Avios . And if you’re interested in routes to/from the U.S., don’t miss our Definitive Guide to Cathay Pacific U.S. Routes .

Hot Tip: Also, make sure to check out our guide on the best ways to book Cathay Pacific first class . 

7. Japan Airlines First Class

Japan Airlines is an airline that I will never be opposed to flying. They’ve got a retro look on their first class product , ranging from the lounges to the brown leather armchair.

Their food and beverage are top-notch, featuring the discontinued (and very expensive) Hibiki 17 whisky.

All first class passengers on long-haul flights receive Bose noise-cancellation headphones , multi-course (almost like kaiseki) meals, Shiseido wellness kits in addition to amenity kits, Cristal champagne (on U.S. routes), and super comfy pajamas.

Japan Airlines is excellent about releasing close-in award availability — they release pretty much all of their unoccupied seats a day or 2 before departure . They’re also excellent about releasing consistent award seats farther in advance.

Some of the best ways you can book Japan Airlines first class are with American Airlines miles, Japan Airlines miles, and Alaska miles.

Hot Tip: Not sure which rewards card is best for you? Read our expert opinions on the best travel rewards credit cards in our deep-dive post!

8. ANA First Class

ANA’s first class is similarly exquisite — almost like a pod with an inordinate amount of privacy.

You’ll enjoy a great variety of food and beverage when flying ANA’s first class; the seat itself has tons of storage and features some great engineering. The sacrifice in having all this storage and handy compartments is that window seats only have 1 window, as opposed to the 2 or 3 windows in other airlines’ first class seats.

One drawback in this seating configuration is that the seats are actually a little too private — to the point that if you’re traveling with someone else, talking to them might be difficult . On the plus side, they offer Samsonite amenity kits, which is a nice collectible item.

ANA releases plenty of award availability far in advance, since their general philosophy is not to release award seats right before departure — they’d rather fly the seats empty. As a result, your best bet is to book far in advance .

There are many ways to book ANA first class , and each has benefits and drawbacks.

• Booking directly with ANA gives the best award availability and great award rates. Unfortunately, you can only book round-trip tickets.
• Virgin Atlantic gives the best first class award prices, by far.
• You can also book with Air Canada Aeroplan , United MileagePlus , or Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer .

Hot Tip: Check out our review of ANA’s inaugural Airbus A380 “Flying Honu” flight in first class and our review of ANA’s The Suite first class on a Boeing 777-300ER .

9. Emirates First Class Suites on the A380

The Emirates A380 First Class Suites have captivated the frequent flyer world for many years. When it first came out, it was a game changer for first class flights — especially with the inflight shower spa.

These suites are equipped with gold and wooden finishes, Bvlgari amenities, your own private mini-bar, and more. Emirates offers bottomless caviar and Dom Perignon champagne, a very long seat, the famous inflight shower spa, and fantastic onboard entertainment.

The only drawback to these First Class Suites is that the seats are actually not that wide at 23”. Also, the food can be hit-or-miss. Overall, though, this is a very blingy product that will certainly make for special memories.

Emirates also historically offered a chauffeur service, though that’s no longer the case, even for award bookings made with Emirates miles.

Generally, Emirates is very good about award availability, especially far in advance. Close-in award availability is less consistent, but still possible.

The best way to book Emirates first class without paying surcharges is with Alaska miles , which is still ridiculously expensive. Some other ways to book with surcharges include Emirates Skywards , Japan Airlines miles , and Korean Air .

Hot Tip: Consider also going to a destination that prohibits fuel surcharges, such as Australia or New Zealand.

10. Etihad First Class Apartments

The Etihad First Class Apartments are a classic version of Middle Eastern luxury. Though the airline is struggling to make ends meet, it’s still possible to fly this product…for now.

These Apartments are pretty similar to Singapore Airlines’ new A380 suites (see #4 above), except that your Apartments seat doesn’t swivel like the one in the Singapore product.

In the Etihad First Class Apartments, you’ll find a separate armchair and 6’10” bed. There are beds that connect with each other so you can make it a sort of double bed — though there will still be a wall halfway through that separates the 2 people.

You can also enjoy the shower and bar aboard the flight, as well as a meeting room/lounge and en-suite vanity. Acqua di Parma is typical for the Apartments amenity kit (a legitimately fantastic skincare line).

Etihad is very reliable when it comes to award availability for up to 2 passengers in the First Class Apartments. Unfortunately, the only route you can find it on in the U.S. is from New York City ( JFK ) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) , just like on the Etihad Residence (see #1 above).

Though there are many ways to book Etihad First Class with points — you can use American Airlines miles , Etihad miles , and Asiana miles for some great deals.

If you’re flying internationally, try out the Apartments on a non-U.S. flight to get access to more award availability.

Here are the remaining A380 routes that feature the Apartments:

11. THAI Airways First Class

Here’s the thing about Asian carriers: the hard products on first class may not be as cutting-edge or “blingy” as on the Middle East carriers, but the soft product and service are almost unbeatable.

This is the case for a carrier like THAI Airways, which operates a bunch of planes that have a first class product: 747s , 777s, A380s, etc.

The hard product in first class is pretty similar, though the A380 seats are actually a bit larger (definitely not the case for business class). The 747 has more private seats, but they’re a tad smaller. It all depends on your personal preferences.

THAI Airways is also one of the few airlines that provide Rimowa amenity kits, which I go nuts for (it’s a strange obsession, I know).

The best way to summarize THAI Airways first class is that you’ll be treated like royalty . Say hello to buggy transport in the airport, complimentary 60-minute massages, free flow of Dom Perignon, and great inflight amenities (like those Rimowa kits!).

The only problem is that their inflight Wi-Fi isn’t free — and it’s not cheap either.

THAI Airways doesn’t operate any flights from the U.S.; we would highly suggest departing from Bangkok (BKK) to experience the First Class Lounge (and massage).

You can use Avianca LifeMiles or United miles to book THAI Airways first class. There’s some phenomenal value to be had here, particularly between Bangkok and Australia/New Zealand or Tokyo.

12. Garuda Indonesia First Class on the 777-300ER

Garuda Indonesia is the flag carrier of Indonesia, and they equip a select number of 777-300ER’s with their flagship first class product.

It is notoriously difficult to book this Garuda first class product . Actually, it’s difficult to book SkyTeam first class flights in general, so Garuda isn’t alone here. Still, it’s especially difficult even compared to other SkyTeam Airlines .

If you do manage to snag a first class flight, you can expect chauffeur service, perfect customer service at every point of your trip, a fantastic hard product, and an onboard feast.

Interestingly, Garuda Indonesia is a transfer partner with Citi ThankYou Rewards , and they have in the past offered 90% off first class award bookings , which is frankly ridiculous. Be warned, though — the normal one-way first class award prices are off-the-wall expensive. Like, 190,000 miles one-way from Jakarta to London expensive.

Garuda Indonesia only operates this product on a few flights:

• Jakarta (CGK) – London (LHR)
• Jakarta (CGK) – Amsterdam (AMS)
• Jakarta (CGK) – Jeddah (JED) 
• Bali-Denpasar (DPS) – Tokyo-Narita (NRT)
• Jakarta (CGK) – Tokyo-Haneda (HND)

13. Singapore Airlines A380 “Old” First Class Suites

Singapore Airlines has 2 variants of their First Class Suites. We talked above about the new First Class Suites on the A380 (see #4 above), but the “old” First Class Suites on the remaining A380 routes are still phenomenal.

There are 4 rows of suites, with rows 2 and 3 in a 1-2-1 configuration and rows 1 and 4 in a 1-1 configuration on the sides of the aircraft. The middle seats are the ones that can be converted into a double bed , so consider that when choosing your seat(s).

It’s honestly difficult to complain because Singapore Airlines executes the big things extremely well. You may experience poor Wi-Fi connectivity or a slightly “dated” product, but seriously? These are insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

The Singapore Suites amenities are typically Lalique, the inflight monitor measures at 23”, both Krug and Dom champagne are offered, and a glorious pre-booked service called Book The Cook is customary (hello, lobster thermidor!).

All in all, this product is excellent. But the saver availability on the New York City (JFK) – Frankfurt (FRA) route is pretty sparse. You can generally find 1 seat far in advance, though finding 2 seats in advance is pretty challenging.

If you’re willing, you can fly from Singapore and experience Singapore Suites as well as try the Private Room, which is a super exclusive lounge.

Find these suites on the old A380s, which are operated basically anywhere the new A380s are not. I know that’s not a great answer — but here are some of the routes:

• New York City (JFK) – Frankfurt (FRA) – Singapore (SIN) 
• Auckland (AKL) – Singapore (SIN)
• Beijing (PEK) – Singapore (SIN)
• Delhi (DEL) – Singapore (SIN)
• Mumbai (BOM) – Singapore (SIN)
• Melbourne (MEL) – Singapore (SIN)
• Osaka (KIX) – Singapore (SIN)

Want the scoop on flying Singapore Airlines U.S. based routes? Check out our guide on every Singapore Airlines route to/from the U.S. (including plane types).

14. Qantas First Class

Qantas is one of the hottest airlines, and for good reason. Between their impeccable safety record and dominant position as a leading airline, there’s no secret that flying to Australia and flying on Qantas go hand in hand.

The best way to get there? Qantas first class, of course.

Qantas has SK-II amenities, a swiveling first class seat in a private 1-1-1 configuration, Martin Grant pajamas, and one of the most comfortable beds in the sky.

This can’t be emphasized enough: if there’s one flight you can bet you’ll definitely sleep on, it’s most likely Qantas first class. On top of the long flight times, this makes for a cozy experience in your seat.

Additionally, the Qantas First Class Lounge, (particularly the Los Angeles (LAX) location), is one of the best first class lounges in the world. If flying on these few select routes, you may also be eligible for a chauffeur service:

• Sydney (SYD) – London (LHR)
• Melbourne (MEL) – London (LHR)
• Perth (PER) – London (LHR)

Unfortunately, it’s becoming exceedingly difficult to find award availability on Qantas first class from the U.S., especially for more than 1 passenger.

Hot Tip: You can utilize Alaska miles, American Airlines miles, Japan Airlines miles, and Asia Miles as the best ways to book Qantas first class .

15. SWISS Air First Class on the 777-300ER

Lufthansa deserves a ton of credit for being the dominant player in first class to Europe. However, not far behind is SWISS International Airlines, which is also owned by Lufthansa Group, the parent company of Lufthansa Airlines.

We discussed earlier that Lufthansa’s partner award inventory is released only a maximum of 15 days before departure, so it’s generally impossible to plan far ahead. Still, it’s very possible and probable to book Lufthansa first class if you’re flexible.

But this isn’t the case with SWISS International Airlines. You can’t book SWISS first class unless you possess top-tier Senator or HON Circle elite status with their frequent flyer program, Miles & More .

So for most of us, it’s completely out of reach. Still, it’s great to talk about one of the fanciest first class products out there.

SWISS International Airlines operates the A340, A330, and 777 with first class. Their flagship product (read: best product) is on the 777-300ER

The ground experience in Zurich is spectacular, featuring transportation in Mercedes-Benz cars, a private passport control, and a stunning First Class Lounge filled with amazing a-la-carte dining

Unfortunately (!), they don’t drive you to the tarmac to board your flight, but the distance is just a few hundred feet anyway 😉

Once onboard, you’ll have a large and elegant armchair welcoming you as your new abode on your long-haul flight. Seats are arranged in 2 rows in a 1-2-1 configuration, featuring a 22” width (which increases when you use the lie-flat setting) and 80” of bed length.

You’ll be afforded a generous amenity kit featuring La Prairie amenities, Zimmerli pajamas, a selection of caviar, and other excellent cuisines.

SWISS International Airlines first class features sliding doors, which is an advantage over Lufthansa first class — you’ll get a ton more privacy in your first class flight.

16. Singapore Airlines First Class on the 777-300ER

Both Singapore Airlines’ old and new A380 Suites are a huge crowd pleaser, but Singapore Airlines also operates the 777-300ER on a select few routes to and from America.

It may not be as private as the first class suites on the A380, but the 777-300ER first class is extraordinarily luxurious in its own right. There’s only 1 row in a 1-2-1 configuration, making this cabin extremely private with a total of 4 seats .

Seats measure out to a massive 35” wide and 81” long when turned into a bed. This width is just 1” short of Cathay Pacific, which holds the record for widest first class seats.

Expect Salvatore Ferragamo amenities, comfy pajamas, excellent inflight entertainment, Bose noise-canceling headphones, Dom Perignon champagne, and Singapore’s signature Book The Cook service.

Award availability for this first class product is generally pretty good, since much of the attention is drawn to the A380 First Class Suites.

Here are the routes you can take to/from the U.S.:

• San Francisco (SFO) – Hong Kong (HKG) – Singapore (SIN)
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Tokyo-Narita (NRT) – Singapore (SIN)

Hot Tip: Need help booking? See our guide on the best ways to book Singapore Airlines First Class using points.

17. Korean Air Kosmo Suites 2.0

Korean Air flies a whole slew of planes to America: the 747, 787, 777, and A380. They also have Kosmo Suites and Kosmo Suites 2.0 — these are fantastic, and in first class on all planes except the 787 Dreamliner.

Kosmo Suites 2.0 have sliding doors that enclose each individual seat, unlike the regular Kosmo Suites on the A380. As a result, you really want to fly on Kosmo Suites 2.0 when you can (offered on the 747 and some 777s).

Here’s the best way to describe Korean Air first class: completely satisfying in the air but somewhat disappointing on the ground. The lounge experience when flying Korean Air first class is generally poor, and special transport is nonexistent.

But it’s a whole different ball game as soon as you step onto the plane. Here’s what to expect onboard:

• 2006 Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé Champagne , which is not only delicious but also ~$350 per bottle
• Delicious caviar
• DAVI by Mondavi amenities and ridiculously comfy pajamas (they might be the best in the sky)
• A diverse food and beverage selection that will make you drool
• Fantastic service

Seriously — Korean Air’s first class would be a contender for one of the best first class products in the world if it would improve its ground experience.

Fly them from places like Atlanta (ATL), San Francisco (SFO), Chicago (ORD), New York City (JFK), and Las Vegas (LAS).

Hot Tip: You can book Korean Air first class primarily with Korean Air SKYPASS miles . Rates are generally reasonable if you don’t book during peak season.

18. Asiana Airlines First Class on the A380

Asiana Airlines is one of the biggest competitors of Korean Air — they share a common hub airport and fly to a lot of the same destinations. So it’s actually best to compare Asiana first class with Korean Air first class.

First, Asiana offers fewer routes, as it’s a smaller airline. They fly the A380 to just 2 cities: Los Angeles (LAX) and New York City (JFK).

There are 3 rows of 4 seats each in a 1-2-1 configuration with sliding doors, allowing you to have a very private experience. The seats are very large, measuring 25.2” wide and 81” long in bed mode.

You’ll enjoy caviar, solid dining options, a large seat, lots of privacy, and unpolished luxury with Asiana Airlines’ A380 first class product .

Asiana Airlines first class also offers a ridiculous amount of award availability, and it’s an unpretentious way to fly first class comfortably. The amenities aren’t as luxurious as Korean Air’s, but it’s dramatically easier to book.

19. Oman Air First Class

Oman Air, which is one of the undeservedly forgotten Middle Eastern carriers, recently revealed their new 787-900 Dreamliner, which features a first class suite that looks ultra chic.

There are 2 rows with 8 seats total in a 1-2-1 configuration, each with a sliding door you can use for the utmost privacy. The food is amazing and the ground experience (in Muscat, Oman) is reputed to be stunning.

Just like Japan Airlines, Oman Air serves Cristal and Grand Siecle, which is fantastic. Of course, caviar is a given in this first class.

You get your own mini-bar beside your seat, but the main storage is in shared lockers, which is interesting. Cabin finishes are sensational, with marble even being used at the side table next to the seat.

Some of the drawbacks include poor Wi-Fi (OnAir), lackluster bedding and headphones, and limited route options.

Hot Tip: Check out our guide to using Etihad Guest miles , which is a partner with Oman Air, to book Oman Air first class.

20. Qatar Airways First Class on the A380

Although Qatar Airways is world-renowned for their new QSuites business class (which could actually qualify as a first class product), it’s their A380 first class that’s one of the most underrated flights out there.

We did a review on the Sydney (SYD) to Doha (DOH) route , where you can read more details and get a better idea of what it’s like to fly this product.

The A380 is a ridiculously fun plane to fly on – Qatar decorates their cabins super well, includes great amenities, and has a beautiful first class lounge in Doha.

They also have a super fun bar onboard. Best of all, there’s tons and tons of award availability!

21. China Eastern Airlines First Class

The very last product is one that has significantly improved over the years, especially when it comes to the soft product. It’s one of the few airlines to feature double beds in first class .

China Eastern’s hard product was already fantastic, with the double beds enclosed in suites that have sliding doors (which is the best of any Chinese airline).

The seat itself is actually quite large at 26.5” wide and 79” long. There are 6 seats across 1 row in a 1-1 configuration on the sides, a bar in the center, and 1 row in a 1-2-1 configuration.

Passengers receive Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kits…but the soft product pretty much maxes out there. The first class service seems to be very inconsistent, though it’s going to be the most comfortable way to fly first class to China and a great way to use your China Eastern miles.

Overall, there’s a ton of variation among first class across the world’s major airlines. We’ve analyzed the major first class products and put together a list of the best first class products here.

Remember that a different plane can have a completely different first class , even if it’s on the same airline.

Now you know which of the most aspirational first class airlines to book your award travel on!

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best first class cabin in the world.

Our vote would have to go to the Etihad Residence on the A380, which is without a doubt the most phenomenal commercial flight experience you can have . When you reserve the Etihad Residence, you get 3 separate rooms aboard the A380: a living room, bedroom, and shower room.

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About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

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10 Ways To Elevate Your Travel to a First-Class Experience (Without the Price Tag)

Posted: August 1, 2023 | Last updated: December 14, 2023

You can feel like you’re traveling first class without spending thousands of dollars.

By earning travel rewards and making savvy decisions, you can find plenty of ways to elevate your travel experience while keeping your wallet intact.

Let’s explore how to boost your flights and hotel stays so that you can travel in comfort and style.

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

Book travel with points and miles

To start, there’s typically no easier way to save money on travel than by using credit card rewards.

Rather than dishing out loads of cash for your next flight or hotel stay, consider lowering the cost with valuable points and miles. Then you can relax, knowing your bookings didn’t break the bank.

Pro tip: The top travel credit cards make it easy to earn points and miles on purchases you already make, such as gas and groceries.

Get expert advice on making more money - sent straight to your inbox.

Sign up for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or CLEAR Plus

If you want to help reduce the hassle of airport security lines, look into Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR Plus.

Being a member of one of these programs could help reduce your time in airport lines. You’ll also feel like a mini-celebrity as you walk past people in the general line through a reserved lane.

The Global Entry program includes TSA PreCheck, giving you access to two different programs. And depending on the airport, you can use CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck program benefits to reduce your time further.

Take advantage of airport lounge access

Many travel credit cards provide airport lounge access, which can completely change how you spend your time at the airport.

Your waiting experience at the airport usually consists of loud and busy waiting areas, expensive food, and searching for a place to sit.

Instead, enjoy the semi-private atmosphere of an airport lounge, where you’ll typically enjoy free food and drinks in a comfortable chair.

Financial Fitness: 5 signs you're doing better financially than the average American

Use airline or travel credits

Some travel credit cards provide airline credits you can use toward incidental purchases on flights, like checked bags and in-flight refreshments.

Other cards provide travel credits that work toward just about any travel-related purchase, including flights, hotel stays, and car rentals.

These credits help you avoid paying more out of pocket and elevate your experience, like picking preferred seats ahead of time.

Use hotel credits

Similar to airline credits, hotel credits are designed for use on applicable hotel stays. That could mean using a hotel credit to lower the cost of your room or towards a room upgrade.

You might also consider using a credit card hotel credit to do something out of the ordinary, such as paying for dinner at the fancy in-hotel restaurant or raiding your room’s minibar.

Pro tip: Keeping track of your points and credits while making plans on how to maximize your use of them can eliminate some money stress from your trip. 

Qualify for flight upgrades

Some credit cards qualify for free seat upgrades over other passengers. That could be huge if we’re talking about moving into a business or first-class cabin from economy.

You may also qualify for free seat upgrades if you have a certain elite status with specific airlines.

And you don’t necessarily have to travel or spend money like crazy to earn elite status. It could be as simple as using online shopping portals (like AAdvantage eShopping) for purchases you have already planned.

Travel Secrets Revealed: 7 nearly secret things to do if you fly Southwest

Apply free hotel night awards

You might not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a hotel night, but what about using a free hotel night award or certificate you receive each year from a credit card?

In most cases, you must pay an annual fee for a credit card with this type of benefit. But the free night award can easily offset the yearly cost if you remember to use it.

Get priority boarding

Something doesn’t feel quite right about being the last person to board a flight and having to check your carry-on bag because “there’s no more room.”

To help avoid this situation, consider airline credit cards with priority boarding benefits. This could help you get on your flight faster, giving you time to find space for your bags and settle in.

Check your bags for free

As if paying for a flight wasn’t expensive, you must also pay checked baggage fees with many airlines. But that’s not the case if you have a credit card with a free checked bag benefit.

This benefit typically applies to the first checked bag for you and a specific number of people traveling on the same reservation.

That means you could be the hero for the whole family or group of friends on your next flight. Not to mention, you’d avoid a potentially hefty baggage fee.

Earn up to 5% cash back when you shop with these leading credit cards

Relax in your room with late checkout

With specific credit cards and elite status benefits, you could find yourself checking out of hotels at 4 p.m. or a similar time.

Late checkouts are especially welcome if you’ve enjoyed a hotel stay and don’t have any urgent reason to leave.

That could be the case if you have a later flight to catch or want to soak up as much hotel time as possible on your vacation.

Enjoy free or discounted breakfast

Some hotels already offer complimentary breakfast to guests, but many don’t.

Rather than spending a potentially outrageous amount of money to start the day, consider leveraging credit card benefits to discount the cost of your hotel breakfast.

Use an elite status benefit to access a club lounge serving free breakfast to certain guests or simply receive an allotment of breakfast credit each morning at a hotel restaurant.

Choose the right seat

Traveling on an economy fare won’t typically compare to business or first class, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be comfortable.

If you research your upcoming flight ahead of time — including checking out the seat map for your plane — you might be able to find seats that are preferable to others.

That could mean more legroom or not being close to loud parts of the cabin, such as bathrooms or crew areas.

Pay no interest until nearly 2025 with these credit cards

Bring your own snacks

Having your own food on hand could make all the difference if you tend to get peckish or don’t like airplane food. 

Rather than being hungry and uncomfortable, you can reach into your bag of goodies whenever you want to satisfy your cravings. Plus, it can help you keep more money in your bank account if your other option is buying premium foods.

Pack first-class gear

Pack a travel pillow for more comfort, and consider noise-canceling headphones to help yourself relax. If you know you get cold on planes, bring a small blanket to keep you warm.

You might already have some or all of these things, so it’s a matter of remembering to pack the right gear before you’re tempted to spend a small fortune at an airport store.

Travel during the off-season

Depending on your destination, traveling during peak season can be a lot busier. That could include having fully-booked flights, giving you no option of moving around.

Traveling during the off-season could give you some space on your flights, letting you spread out in empty rows or at least have an open seat next to you. Plus, you can get better rates and keep more money in your wallet .

Bottom line

Traveling on a budget can provide a first-class experience if you follow tips and tricks to elevate your experience.

It’s a win-win situation because you enjoy your trip even more without paying absurd amounts of money.

One of the first steps to starting with points and miles is checking out the top credit cards to see what makes the most sense in terms of helping you earn the most rewards for your next trip. 

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• 7 things to do if you're scraping by financially.
• 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

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Complete guide to earning and redeeming Avianca LifeMiles

Editor's Note

While navigating a foreign airline's frequent flyer program may seem daunting, your savings on award trave l can be significant. This is particularly true for Colombian airline Avianca and its surprisingly valuable LifeMiles frequent flyer program .

LifeMiles offers highly appealing redemption rates for Star Alliance awards and additional unique features that make this program worth your attention. Let's delve into everything you need to know about Avianca LifeMiles.

How to earn Avianca LifeMiles

Cardless recently launched two new LifeMiles-branded credit cards in the United States:

• Avianca LifeMiles Elite American Express Card : Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles — 60,000 miles awarded after $4,500 spent in the first 90 days and an additional 40,000 miles after $25,000 spent in the first 365 days. Earn 3 LifeMiles per dollar spent on Avianca purchases, 2 LifeMiles per dollar spent on dining and non-Avianca travel, and 1 LifeMile per dollar spent on all other purchases. Other benefits include a 10% award redemption discount on Star Alliance flights, 500 bonus LifeMiles each month, a 25%-off award redemption discount on Avianca flights and Star Alliance Silver status for as long as you have the card. Annual fee: $249.
• Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card: Earn a bonus of up to 40,000 LifeMiles after spending $3,000 with the card in the first 90 days. Earn 2 LifeMiles per dollar spent on Avianca purchases, groceries and restaurants, and 1 LifeMile per dollar spent on all other purchases. Other benefits include Star Alliance Silver status for as long as you have the card. Annual fee: $99.

The information for the Avianca LifeMiles Elite and Avianca LifeMiles cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The cards details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

You can also transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points, Capital One miles, Bilt Rewards points, Wells Fargo Rewards points and Citi ThankYou Rewards points to your LifeMiles account at a 1:1 ratio. These transferable rewards programs sometimes offer transfer bonuses .

Additionally, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio. Unlike with most major programs, you won't receive the 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer; LifeMiles was one of the programs that lost this feature in 2022.

Beyond credit cards, Avianca often offers regular discounts on LifeMiles purchases . In the past, we have seen prices drop as low as 1.2 cents per mile, although the typical sale price ranges from 1.3 to 1.35 cents per mile. These rates are significantly lower than TPG's valuation of LifeMiles at 1.7 cents each. While buying points speculatively is generally not recommended, these sales can be a good option if you have a specific redemption in mind.

If you frequently travel on paid tickets with Star Alliance carriers , it might be worth considering crediting your miles to Avianca. This can be advisable if you find more value in the LifeMiles program than in other options like United MileagePlus or Air Canada Aeroplan . Crediting your miles to Avianca is also beneficial if you don't travel enough to earn elite status but still want to maximize your redemption opportunities.

Related: Where to credit paid flights in each alliance for the most possible points

How to redeem Avianca LifeMiles

As a member of Star Alliance, Avianca allows you to use your LifeMiles for flights on the carrier or any of its partners. Additionally, Avianca has partnerships with Gol Airlines and Iberia, providing opportunities to earn and redeem LifeMiles on select flights operated by these airlines.

LifeMiles follows a standard zone-based award chart for most flights. However, flights within the U.S. sometimes deviate from the standard award chart. Dynamic pricing is typically unfavorable. However, these discrepancies have often worked in favor of travelers, offering advantageous redemption options.

Here's a one-way economy flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) that prices out 1,000 miles cheaper than Avianca's award chart suggests:

Redeeming LifeMiles is typically straightforward. You log in to the LifeMiles website and search for your desired award flight.

However, it is important to note that while Avianca should have access to the same Star Alliance award availability as United Airlines and Air Canada, the carrier's information technology is known to have limitations. This can result in phantom award space , where seats appear online but are not bookable.

Conversely, Avianca may not always display available award space on United or Air Canada. Therefore, it is advisable to double-check your search using another Star Alliance search engine or tools like ExpertFlyer (owned by TPG's parent company, Red Ventures) before transferring points to Avianca. This ensures you have accurate and up-to-date information before proceeding with your redemption.

Related: The best websites to search for Star Alliance award availability

Avianca LifeMiles sweet spots

In most cases, you are faced with a trade-off between low award rates and high fuel surcharges or spending more miles to avoid extra costs. However, LifeMiles is one of the few programs that excels in both aspects. It offers highly competitive rates for Star Alliance awards and does not pass on fuel surcharges to LifeMiles members.

As a result, you can expect to pay minimal taxes and fees when redeeming an award ticket.

Lufthansa first class from the US to Europe

Between Porsche amenity kits and gourmet inflight dining, Lufthansa's first class is often a dream come true for award travelers.

United typically prices Lufthansa first-class awards to Europe at around 154,000 miles each way. When there's award space, Air Canada charges 90,000-100,000 points. While Asiana Airlines and Lufthansa offer lower award rates for first-class redemptions, both airlines impose high taxes and fees.

Meanwhile, Avianca offers one of the best ways to book Lufthansa first class on miles. Award rates start at just 87,000 miles each way and carry minimal taxes and fees.

At 30,000 and 63,000 miles, Star Alliance economy- and business-class awards aren't bad deals, either.

ANA business and first class from Honolulu to Tokyo

If you want to travel to Japan on a shorter daytime flight, consider flying from Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

LifeMiles charges just 27,500, 48,000 and 66,000 miles for one-way flights in economy, business and first class (respectively) between Honolulu and Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT). These award rates are at least 10% less than what Aeroplan, KrisFlyer and MileagePlus charge for the same route.

Business class from the US to Asia

As expected, award rates from the mainland U.S. to Asia are higher, with one-way flights from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) costing 47,000 miles and 90,000 miles in economy and business class, respectively.

Nevertheless, this can still be a decent way to reach the continent for fewer miles than you'd see through other programs.

Business class to New Zealand

Although premium-cabin award space on Air New Zealand can be difficult to find, another LifeMiles sweet spot is the carrier's business class to Auckland Airport (AKL), with flights costing just 80,000 miles.

As Aeroplan sells these awards for 75,000 points , you might consider booking through Air Canada — though if you're buying LifeMiles, it's still a sweet spot worth knowing about.

Business class to South America

LifeMiles also offers great award rates on certain South American flights. Business-class awards cost just 35,000 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru — a hidden gem for a flight of this length.

Mixed-cabin awards

When traveling in long-haul business or first class, it's common to encounter mixed-cabin awards through LifeMiles. This happens in the following situations:

• When airlines don't offer first class on shorter routes, requiring passengers to connect in business or economy class
• When there isn't award space in your desired cabin

Most loyalty programs determine the award rate based on the highest cabin class of service used. However, LifeMiles takes a different approach. It prices each leg of the journey separately based on the class of service booked, which often leads to a discounted rate for mixed-cabin tickets.

In the above example, you can save 3,040 miles on a one-way ticket to Europe by starting your trip in economy class at Orlando International Airport (MCO). The total cost would then be just 59,960 miles. The flight from Orlando to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) doesn't have award availability in United's domestic first class, so this is a great way to still get the award you want.

Alternatively, even when there is award availability for your entire journey, you may decide it isn't worth using extra miles for a shorter connecting flight. Even then, you can pick economy and save some of your rewards for later.

Related: The best ways to travel to Europe using points and miles

Problems with Avianca LifeMiles

Despite LifeMiles offering appealing award rates, it might not be the program for you. The program has a reputation for error-prone information technology and inconsistent customer service.

LifeMiles members often encounter website glitches when redeeming their miles. Additionally, if you reserve an economy award ticket and business class becomes available, LifeMiles requires you to pay a cancellation fee to redeposit your miles. You can then rebook your flight in business class.

While you may save thousands of miles booking with Avianca, canceling your ticket could be tedious and costly. You typically can't cancel award bookings online, and Avianca is slow to issue refunds.

However, Avianca LifeMiles is reportedly working on rectifying some of its customer service issues and implementing changes. Most recently, Avianca launched a subscription-based miles service, LifeMiles+. If you sign up for the Basic, Pro or Max account, you can enjoy no change or cancellation fees on award tickets. If you're a frequent flyer of Avianca or use the carrier's loyalty program to book partner award flights, this subscription service could be for you.

Bottom line

Avianca LifeMiles is a frequent flyer program that has proven its worth in the award travel world. With its attractive redemption rates, lack of fuel surcharges and partnerships with major transferable points programs , LifeMiles offers great value and flexibility to its members. While there may be some customer service challenges and quirks to navigate, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for many travelers.

So take the time to explore Avianca LifeMiles, delve into its sweet spots and unlock the possibilities it presents for your future travels. With a little research and planning, you can make the most of this valuable program as you consider where to transfer your credit card points.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

United States Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 14, 2024

The United States isn’t a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Most overseas tourists come here for a short vacation, visit one or two cities, and then head home. They usually stick to the big coastal cities or places like Disney.

And it wasn’t until COVID that Americans en-masse bothered to hop in their cars and explore their backyard.

The U.S. is massive country that lacks a lot of tourist infrastructure or good cross-country transportation. Hostels haven’t quite caught on, trains don’t go to many places, and we don’t offer working holiday visas to attract young working backpackers. In short, it’s hard to get around.

However, the United States has a lot to offer: stunning national parks, gorgeous landscapes, incredible and diverse culture, world-class music, and a variety of delicious cuisine that varies from region to region.

I think the U.S. is one of the best destinations in the world to road trip . I’ve done several multi-month road trips across the United States . While the coastal cities are fun, the U.S. really reveals itself in the middle and countryside (it’s much more affordable there too). It’s in the nooks and crannies of America that you get a sense of its quirks.

But even if you aren’t spending months visiting the country in a car, there’s still a lot you can do via train, bus, or plane.

This travel guide to the United States can help you navigate the country, save money, and get off the beaten path.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the United States

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in the united states.

1. Explore New York City

The city that never sleeps is one of the greatest cities in the world. There’s nothing you can’t do or see and you’ll find every language and food from around the world here. From world-class museums and art galleries to innovative theater performances to unique restaurants to the expansive Central Park, you can fill a lifetime of activities here. You can take the ferry to Ellis Island, see the Statue of Liberty, hang with the hipsters in Brooklyn, see a Yankees game, and so, so much more. Check out my detailed guide for everything you need to do .

2. Visit the Grand Canyon

Words can’t describe how epicly beautiful the Grand Canyon is. It’s simply breathtaking. Most people just look out at the canyon from the overlook at the top, but its vast size and beauty are best appreciated with a hike down to the Colorado River so try to do that if you have time (make the time). The canyon itself is 6,000 feet deep, and you can find plenty of hikes to take you further into the canyon that will give you a chance to experience it in more detail. For a shorter hike, Grandview Trail to the first overlook at Coconino Saddle and back is only a couple of miles. If you have a whole day to spend and want to challenge yourself, try the 12.5 miles from Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point. Just be sure to bring plenty of water!

3. Discover Austin

The warm weather, lively honky-tonks, funky house bars on Rainey Street, amazing walking and biking trails, tons of outdoor activities — Austin is great (I lived there for many years). You can always find great live music on 6th Street. On a hot day, Barton Springs pool is the perfect place to cool off, there’s always something to do, the food scene gets better and better, and everyone is very welcoming. It’s one of the best cities in the U.S., boasting a combination of nature, city, and delicious food. Be sure to binge on BBQ while you’re here!

4. Visit Glacier National Park

This is my favorite national park in the country. It’s home to gorgeous snow-topped mountains, a beautiful lake from which to admire said mountains, large glaciers, and hiking trails galore. It is one of the most mind-blowing places I’ve seen on my adventures. There are more than 700 miles of hiking trails in the park that provide everyone an opportunity to explore the landscape. Park rangers offer various programs and guided tours are also available. There are spots for fishing and additional trails for biking and horseback riding. (If you plan to visit multiple national parks while traveling throughout the United States, it’s worth it to get the America the Beautiful Park Pass, which costs just $80 USD and provides entry to all the national parks for a year.)

5. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast is considered one of the most scenic landscapes in the world, offering sheer cliffs, forests descending to the shoreline, miles of beaches, and giant redwoods. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) runs 1,650 miles from San Diego, California to Seattle, Washington taking you from the warm, sunny beaches to the lush temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Highway 1 thorough California is one of the longest historic state highways in the country. The California portion alone route takes 10 hours without stopping but I recommend dedicating at least several days to enjoy all the great stops along the way.

Other Things to See and Do in the United States

NOTE: There’s a lot to do in the United States and you can spend months traveling around the country . I could write an entire book on the places to visit! This is just a list to give you some ideas. Be sure to check out some of my other articles and city specific guides (scroll to the bottom of this guide for links) for more suggestions.

1. Have fun in Memphis

Gritty and industrial, Memphis appears like its best days are behind it. But don’t let the rough exterior fool you — the city is home to some killer food and a vibrant blues music scene. It is a cool city with boisterous and friendly locals. I love the vibe here. There’s Graceland (Elvis’s home) for fans of the King, a big waterfront for walking, and the phenomenal Museum of Civil Rights (it’s huge, so don’t rush it!). The city is going through a big revival right now. To use a cliché, it’s a hidden gem as most people, to their detriment, skip over it.

2. Discover Asheville

Asheville is full of tasty craft beer, great restaurants, and plenty of outdoor loving residents. The beautiful Smoky Mountains are a short drive away, Asheville Botanical Gardens are right near the university, and the gigantic Biltmore estate (the largest privately-owned home in the U.S. and once home to George Vanderbilt) is on the outskirts of the city. (If you’ve ever seen Downton Abbey, that’s what the house is like!) The town has a lot of parks and there are a lot of beautiful biking and hiking trails that you can get to from the center of town.

3. Explore Redwood National Park

Along the Pacific Coast is Redwood National Park, a huge expanse of towering redwood trees filled with picnic areas, places to camp, and miles upon miles of hiking trails. Trails range from easy to strenuous, and there are many loops that head out to nearby beaches. The trees range from 200-240 feet tall. It’s utterly beautiful, awe-inspiring, and humbling in every way. Admission is free, though the three adjoining state parks (Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park) each charge $10 USD.

4. Explore Denver

Known as the Mile High City (the city is one mile above sea level), Denver offers a mix of outdoor ruggedness and big-city living. It has a huge craft beer scene, excellent restaurants (including, Sushi Sasa, one of my favorite sushi restaurants), a large international airport with lots of connections, and is close to the mountains. There are a lot of interesting museums, including the Denver Art Museum, Meow Wolf Denver, and the Clifford Still Museum. There’s plenty of art outside of the museums as well and there are walking tours available to show you around, if you prefer that to exploring on your own. It’s clean, lively, and the locals are incredibly friendly.

5. Get off-the-beaten-path in Natchez

I was surprised by Natchez . I didn’t know anything about it when it was recommended as a place to see historic 19th-century homes. These mansions were built by white plantation owners wanting to escape the summer heat and socialize with each other. As cotton became king, the houses became ever larger and more elaborate. Today, the homes are historic monuments you can tour while enjoying a view of the Mississippi River. It’s far off the beaten path and you’ll need a car to visit but it’s worth the trek.

6. Visit Savannah

Sitting on Georgia’s coast, Savannah escaped the wrath of the Civil War, allegedly because General Sherman thought it was too pretty to be destroyed. With streets lined with Spanish moss-covered oaks, large and inviting parks, and a bustling waterfront, Savannah is a wonderful place to experience the slow pace of the South. There are a number of interesting historical sites like the Bonaventure Cemetery and Factors Row. The city is full of small squares and sprawling parks where you can enjoy a stroll or a picnic. And nearby Tybee Island is a draw for many visitors due to its sandy beaches and slow pace of life.

7. Dive into Nashville’s music scene

Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. It’s got a wonderful music scene (duh), a growing cocktail bar culture, and some world-class down-home Southern restaurants. There’s not a lot of “touristy stuff” to do here, but what makes this city one of my favorites are the music, the food, the wildly friendly people, and the positive energy the city seems to exude. When you’re here, plan to spend a few hours at the Tennessee State Museum. It goes into detail about the state’s history (and it’s more exciting than you might think!).

8. Catch some rays in sunny San Diego

I love San Diego. San Diego’s weather is almost always perfect, leading to a permanently happy population that’s friendly and outgoing and that loves the outdoors. From hiking, days at the beach, or running, people here love to get out and enjoy the sun. The downtown Gaslamp area — as well as the famous Pacific Beach — is full of trendy restaurants, bustling bars, and some seriously life-changing taco stalls.

9. Get tipsy in California’s Wine Country

California is home to some of the best wine in the world, and a visit to the Sonoma or Napa Valley shouldn’t be missed. While Sonoma is cheaper than Napa, both these destinations are meant for splashing out. Take a tour, book a cozy vineyard Airbnb, and enjoy a relaxing few days learning about the region’s wines. Tastings usually cost between $15-20 USD. If you go to Sonoma, check out Three Fat Guys winery. They have phenomenal reds.

10. Hike around Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is impressive and beautiful. Ringed by tiny mountain communities, this is a terrific place for hiking and boating in the summer and skiing in the winter. For fun in the sun, be sure to spend some time lounging at Kings Beach. For hikes, check out the Rubicon Trail (16 miles/25.7 kilometers) or the Cascade Falls Trail (1.4 miles/2.2 kilometers). You can’t really go wrong here.

11. Anywhere in Montana

A lot has been written about how stunning Montana is, but words cannot do this state justice. To me, it’s the most beautiful state in the Union, filled with wondrous mountains and hills as far as the eye can see. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise and there is a huge craft beer scene here too, with tons of local breweries all around the state. If you want nature, good food, friendly locals, and just quiet, Montana is it!

12. Relax in Cape Cod

I spent a lot of summers on the Cape since I grew up in Boston. You’ll find plenty of small beach towns along the coast (Provincetown and Hyannis being the most famous but I also love Chatham, Falmouth, Wellfleet, and Brewster). There’s not a lot to “do” but if you’re looking for seafood, beaches, boardwalks, and that perfect family vacation, visit the Cape! Just avoid the weekends when it gets a little too crowded.

13. Explore Deadwood

Tucked away in western South Dakota, this town was famous during the Old West days (noteworthy enough to be the focus of the eponymous HBO series). Wyatt Earp, Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, and many other infamous gunslingers all spent time here. Sort of kitschy and re-created, it’s nonetheless a very cool place where you can experience a taste of the old frontier days. It’s also conveniently located near the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore so you can use it as a base for exploring the region.

14. Be surprised by Kansas City

I really loved this city, which features some of the world’s best BBQ and a lively downtown core. There’s a detailed and enlightening jazz museum here, as well as the eye-opening Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (that’s the actual name). This is yet another super underrated and under-visited destination.

15. Stay weird in Portland

Portland , Oregon is incredible. Here you’ll find an impressive food truck scene, cool bespoke bars and cocktail lounges, a craft beer scene that’s religion to residents, relaxing parks (including a peaceful Japanese garden), a vibrant art scene, and hiking in the nearby mountains. Portland is just an awesome city, especially in the summer when the weather is perfect and there are festivals and events galore.

16. Hike our national parks

America has 63 national parks as well as countless state and local parks. These parks highlight the best of the American wilderness. Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, Zion, Byrce, the Smokey Mountains, Rocky Mountain Park, the Badlands — the list goes on. Make sure you visit as many national parks as you can to get a sense of the grand and diverse landscape that is the United States. You can use this government map to find a park near you! If you plan to visit multiple parks, get the America the Beautiful Park Pass, which costs just $80 USD and gets you free entry to all the national parks for a year.

17. Admire the architecture in Chicago

One of my favorite cities in the world, Chicago is full of amazing architecture, great parks, delicious and hearty food, and a fun nightlife. One of the best ways to see the city’s unique architecture is on a river cruise. There are multiple operators and prices start around $45. Don’t miss trying deep-dish pizza (it was invented here, along with stuffed-crust pizza) and seeing the iconic “Bean” sculpture in Millennium Park. Additionally, check out the city’s famous pier, aquarium, and waterfront park. The city also hosts one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country.

18. Enjoy Lively New Orleans

This French-influenced city has incredible seafood and Cajun cuisine and even better live music. A visit to New Orleans is a must for any jazz or blues fan. Live music is available seven nights a week. Frenchman Street is one of the best places to go (my favorite venue is the Spotted Cat). There are also tons of amazing walking tours that highlight the city’s unique culture and history (including ghost and voodoo tours). Nature lovers will enjoy wandering through the massive oak trees in City Park where you can also visit the city’s Botanical Gardens, which are open year-round. Admission is $12. Plus, there’s incredible independent bookstores, creole food, art museums, and the simply incredible and informative World War 2 museum. Don’t skip roaming the redone and revitalized Bywater district too. It’s a bit hipster. If you plan on celebrating Mardi Gras in NOLA , book early. Accommodations fill up fast.

19. Get some sun in Hawaii

Closer to Asia than the United States, Hawaii is America’s slice of South Pacific paradise. White sands beaches, clear blue water, tropical jungle, and great surf — Hawaii has it all! Don’t miss the otherworldly landscapes of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the somber memorial at Pearl Harbor, and the hikes at Diamond Head and the Lanikai Pillbox Trail near Honolulu. There are a ton of opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving where you get a chance to see manta rays, sea turtles, and plenty of colorful fish. Waimea Canyon and the Napali coast on the island of Kauai are places you can get up close and personal with the natural landscape. There are helicopter and boat tours or, if you’re up for a challenge, you can hike the iconic Kalalau Trail. Every island has its own vibe so, if you can, visit more than one.

20. Check out Boston

The birthplace of the revolution (and my hometown), no one leaves Boston disappointed. It’s a big city, but its lack of high-rises, as well as its cobblestone streets and brick buildings, give the city a small-town feel. The Freedom Trail, which covers all the main historic stops, is a must because it gives you a look at the city’s historic past. Be sure to lounge in the Boston Common and catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park too (the city is big on sports).

21. Visit the nation’s capital

The country’s capital is home to many of the best museums in the country. And, given the large number of international embassy workers here, it’s unsurprising one of the most international cities in the country. You can find food from anywhere in the world thanks to all the embassies in the city. Plus, there’s a vibrant music and cocktail scene. Don’t miss the National Mall and all its monuments, the Holocaust Museum, and the various Smithsonian Museums (some of the best are the Air and Space Museum, the Museum of the American Indian, the African American Museum, the National Zoo, the Smithsonian Castle, and the American Art Museum). If you visit in the spring, you’ll get to see the cherry blossoms bloom along the Mall.

22. Learn about Mt. Rushmore

Completed in 1941, this historic monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a lot smaller than you expect, but it makes a good stop while driving. Originally, the indigenous Lakota Sioux inhabited this area, however, when gold was found in the hills, white settlers forcibly removed them from their homeland. At the Wounded Knee massacre, U.S. forces killed over 250 indigenous women and children. Decades later, Rushmore was built, much to the dismay of the local indigenous population, who consider the land to be sacred. Take a guided tour to learn more about this iconic monument’s complex and tragic history.

23. Be a kid at Disney World

Sure, it’s cheesy . Yes, it’s built for kids. True, it’s not authentic. But despite all that, Disney World is still a fun time and they have a lot of rides for adults too. I recently went back as an adult and there’s a lot to do there: they have some good restaurants, and Disney Springs has a fun nightlife. If you are in Florida, take a stop for a few days. Indulge your inner child. Tickets cost around $110 USD per day and go up from there.

24. Hike the Appalachian Mountains

Stretching the east coast of America, these mountains are almost 500 million years old and offer great hiking, camping, and trekking. For a multi-month adventure, hike the 2,190-mile (3,524-kilometer) Appalachian Trail which covers the entire mountain range and takes 5-7 months to complete. You can also do day hikes or weekend hikes of its various sections if you want a more manageable outdoor getaway.

25. Unwind in Put-In-Bay

One of the coolest, not-so-hidden places in the U.S. is this group of islands in Lake Erie. Widely known to Midwesterners (but unknown to most everyone else), South Bass Island is home to Put-in-Bay, where Midwest hospitality meets Caribbean vibes (you ride around in golf carts and bars have sand as floors). My favorite spot is Mojito Bay, an outdoor tiki bar with sand floors and swings for bar seats that offers up more than 25 different mojitos. These places get very wild on the weekends too.

26. Explore Maine

Tucked away up in the northeast, Maine evokes images of endless shorelines, wild forests, iconic lighthouses, and lots and lots of lobster dinners. It’s often overlooked yet it’s incredibly beautiful and perfect for a short road trip. Don’t miss trying lobster rolls (a regional favorite) and hiking in Acadia National Park. Portland has some great eateries (such as Duckfat and Eventide Oyster Co.) and picturesque historic lighthouses, including Maine’s oldest operating lighthouse, the Portland Head Light, which opened in 1791 when George Washington was president. Additionally, tiny Bangor is home to tons of breweries and Moosehead State Park is an incredible place to go hiking for a few days. And you can’t go wrong stopping in any of the quintessential New England fishing villages up and down the coast. Maine is one of the best states in the union!

27. Take a road trip

The only good way to see this vast and diverse landscape and the small towns that populate it is with a road trip . I highly suggest renting a car and driving across the U.S. It’s an amazing experience. I’ve done several coast-to-coast trips as well as regional trips around New England , California , and the South . It’s the best way to see the country and you can do it for under $50 USD a day.

For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars .

28. Take a tour

You can find all sorts of amazing walking tours, bike tours, and food tours all around the country. They’re a great way to get an in-depth look at the city you’re in with the help of an expert local guide. Take Walks is my go-to walking tour company when I’m looking for something thorough and insightful (and fun). They can get you behind the scenes and are much more comprehensive than your average free walking tour.

For information on specific cities in the United States, check out these city guides:

• Austin Travel Guide
• Boston Travel Guide
• Chicago Travel Guide
• Hawaii Travel Guide
• Las Vegas Travel Guide
• Los Angeles Travel Guide
• Miami Travel Guide
• New York Travel Guide
• Philadelphia Travel Guide
• San Francisco Travel Guide
• Seattle Travel Guide
• Washington D.C. Travel Guide

United States Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels can be found in most major cities, though options are generally slim in the country. A bed in a dorm room with 4-6 beds usually costs between $35-55 USD per night. Rooms with more beds are marginally cheaper (they start around $25-30 USD per night). Private rooms are usually $75-125 USD. Expect prices on the higher end in bigger cities and during peak season. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Hostels with free breakfast are rare.

If you plan on camping, expect to pay at least $20-30 USD per night for a basic tent plot for two without electricity.

Cheap motels usually start around $60-75 USD per night and can be found along any highway. Expect basic amenities like TV, Wi-Fi, and AC. Some have pools.

Budget two-star hotels start at $90 USD per night. But, in major cities like NYC, LA, or Chicago, they start closer to $125 USD. The U.S. is very vast and prices fluctuate a lot depending on what region you’re in so check out the specific city guides listed above for more detailed information on accommodation. The United States is too diverse to pin down a specific number!

Airbnb is available around the country, with private rooms starting at $40 USD per night, though for good rooms, you’ll likely pay closer to $60 USD. For an entire home/apartment, expect to pay at least $100 USD per night. Prices in large cities are usually double. Again, there’s a lot of variation depending on where you’re going so check out the city guides for more specific prices!

Food – From seafood in New England to BBQ in the South to Tex-Mex and organic whole foods in the West to German influenced food in the Midwest, there is no singular food culture in the US. Every region has its own staples, which means you’ll never get bored of eating your way around the country.

Since the country is so big, prices for food vary a lot. What is $5 USD in Kansas is probably $15 USD in New York City. Below are some country averages but, if visiting a big metropolis/coastal city, add about 25% to the price.

Grab-and-go sandwiches usually cost around $10 USD while fast food costs $10-12 USD for a combo meal. Meals from food trucks will cost between $10-15 USD. Mid-range casual restaurants cost between $25-30 USD for a meal and drink. At some place a little nicer (think white table cloth), expect to spend at least $60 USD per person on dinner. Prices go up from there and the sky is the limit. Again, consult the city and destination guides for specific prices.

You can generally find takeout pizzas for around $10-15 USD while Chinese and Thai cuisine start around $10-12 USD for a main dish.

Beer is around $6-8 USD, a glass of wine is $8-10 USD, and cocktails start at $14 USD in most cities (about $20 USD in NYC though!). A latte/cappuccino is $4-5 USD and bottled water is $2 USD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay about $60-80 USD per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat.

Backpacking the United States Suggested Budgets

How much does it cost to visit the United States? Well, how much you spend largely depends on where in the United States you’re going to visit. For example, New York City is much more expensive than Memphis and San Francisco is going to hit your budget harder than Boise. The South is cheaper than the North and the interior states are cheaper than the coasts. The comparisons are endless! However, this overview can give you a basic look at what to expect based on your travel style and assuming you’re going to mix cheap and expensive destinations.

On a backpacking budget of $75 USD per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook your meals, use public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, and do free activities like walking tours, hiking, and hanging out at beaches. If you plan on drinking, add another $10-20 USD per day. If you can camp or Couchsurf, you can likely get this down to $50-60 USD per day.

On a mid-range budget of $210 USD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or motel, eat out for most meals, enjoy some drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like museum visits and food tours.

On an upscale budget of $350 USD or more per day, you can stay in a midrange hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do as many guided tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

United States Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

There are plenty of ways to save money when you travel the U.S. but it varies a lot by region (as I’ve been repeating). The general tips below can help you get started but, for more specific tips, visit my city guides.

• Take a free tour – Taking a free walking tour is the best way to get introduced to a new place, and most major cities in the U.S. have free walking tours. You get to see the main sights and ask all your questions to a local guide. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Take the bus – The cheapest way to get around the U.S. is by bus. Bus fares cost as little as $1 USD, though 2-3-hour journeys start around $30 USD. Between cities, the best companies are Megabus, Greyhound, and FlixBus.
• Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. This is especially helpful in big cities. Be aware that most hotels charge parking fees if you have a car.
• Get a U.S. Park Pass – This national park pass lets you into all the national parks for free so you don’t have to keep paying admission. The annual fee is $80 USD and it pays for itself after four parks.
• Cook – The United States has some of the cheapest groceries in the developed world, while eating out here can add up quickly once you factor in a tip and tax (which varies by state). Grocery shopping can about $60 USD per week and is way cheaper and healthier than eating out every day. Cook and save!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing lets you stay with a local for free, cutting your accommodation costs drastically. You’ll get to spend time with a local who can share their tips and advice while sharing your own travel stories and culture. You can also use the app to meet people for activities (coffee, museum visits, etc.) if you don’t feel comfortable staying with a stranger.
• Camp – Most campsites start around $20-30 USD per night for a tent — much cheaper than a hostel. You can use nps.gov to find campsites run by the National Park Service. You can also camp for free in National Forests or Bureau Land Management (BLM) lands (search for “dispersed camping” options). Just be sure to respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles when camping.
• Use city tourism cards – City tourism cards allow you to see a large number of attractions (and often include free public transportation) for one low price, usually $75–100 USD. If you plan on seeing a lot, these can save you a ton.
• Share your ride – If you have a car, taking on riders can be a way to lower your costs. On my first trip across the U.S., I offered rides to people I met in hostels. On another trip, I had friends and readers join me along the way. You can post ads on Craigslist and at hostels to find riders. This not only makes the trip more enjoyable but lowers your gas costs too. If you don’t have a car, you can use look for rides in the same places.
• Stay at roadside hotels – There are a plethora of cheap roadside hotels such as Motel 6 and Super 8 to the rescue. Rooms start around $60-75 USD a night (plus tax). They’re great when you’re traveling with someone and can split the cost.
• Find free museums and events – Inquire at tourism offices, use Google, or ask hotel or hostel staff for information about free events and museums. Many museums offer free or discounted admission times throughout the week.
• Get free water or free refills – If you order a drink, most restaurants allow free refills while you eat your meal or refills at a low cost. If you ask, tap water is usually provided for free.
• Save on gas – If you’re on a road trip, use the app GasBuddy to find cheap gas near you. Also, sign up for gas station loyalty programs as they can save you money on fill ups.

Where to Stay in the United States

Hostels are not all that plentiful across the United States yet. Generally, those that do exist are clean, social, and fun. You’ll find a lot of budget hotels wherever you go. here are some of my recommended places to stay around the USA (the cities guides will have even more suggestions):

• HI Hostel (Boston)
• The Revolution Hotel (Boston)
• HI Hostel (Chicago)
• The Arlo (Chicago)
• Banana Bungalow (Los Angeles)
• Hollywood Historic Hotel Los Angeles
• Hostel Memphis (Memphis)
• Hu Hotel (Memphis)
• Freehand (Miami)
• Hotel Ocean (Miami)
• HI New Orleans (New Orleans)
• Villa Convento (New Orleans)
• The Local (New York City)
• Heritage Hotel (New York City)
• ITH Adventure Hostel (San Diego)
• Old Town Inn (San Diego)
• The Green Tortoise (San Francisco)
• SW Hotel (San Francisco)
• The Green Tortoise (Seattle)
• MarQueen Hotel (Seattle)

How to Get Around the United States

City transportation – Most U.S. cities have public transportation, including metro systems and buses. Fares cost around $2-3 USD for a single journey, but there are usually packaged options for visitors. For example, you can get a 7-day unlimited MetroCard in New York City for $34 USD, which covers both buses and the subway system, while San Francisco offers a 7-day transit pass for $41 USD.

Outside of major cities, subways are rare. Some of the smaller cities have trams. Everywhere has a bus though and that’s usually the best way to get around.

Taxis – Taxis are metered with charges starting around $3 USD plus $2-3 USD per mile. This is one of the most expensive ways to get around, however, so I’d skip it unless you have no other choice.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are generally cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi.

Intercity Bus – Taking the bus is one of the cheapest options for getting around the country, with fares as low as $1 USD if you book far enough in advance. Popular bus companies include:

A 4-5-hour bus ride from New York to Washington D.C. starts at $30 USD, while the 7-hour journey from Chicago to Detroit starts at $27 USD. Austin to New Orleans is around $54 USD. Booking early can save you upwards of 50% so try to plan ahead if you’re going to be taking the bus.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Flying is your quickest option for long distance. You can occasionally find sales for as little as $100 USD so it’s worth it to check several websites ahead of time to see what deals are on. Post-COVID, fares are a lot higher than they were in the past. But if you find a deal, book in advance, or go off season, you can usually get a cheap fare. Sample one-way fares include San Francisco to Maui for $100-150 USD, Seattle to Austin for $85-115 USD, or New York to L.A. for $250 USD (round trip). However, prices can easily double if booked last minute.

For more information on how to find a cheap flight, check out this article .

Train – Amtrak is the rail provider for the United States, but it’s not the quickest or most affordable way to travel. They have routes all around the country ( here’s their route map ) and offer a cross-country pass for $499 USD. The USA Rail Pass gives you 30 days of travel over 10 segments, which averages out to around $50 USD per leg.

If you have a valid student ID you can save 15% on your tickets.

As for prices, A 20-hour train ride from Chicago to New Orleans costs around $110 USD, while a multi-day trip from New York to Los Angeles is around $280 USD. Book in advance to find the best deals. Shorter trips lasting 2-4 hours are usually under $40 USD.

Car rental – Roadtripping is a great way to explore the country, and car rentals can be found for as little as $35 USD for a multi-day rental. Renters need to be at least 21 years old. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars .

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in the United States is common and safe. Dress respectably, smile while making eye contact with drivers, and use a cardboard sign to tell people where you’re headed. Be prepared for long bouts of no pick-ups, especially if you’re traveling through more rural areas. Pack plenty of water and a light meal or two, like sandwiches and fruit. Hitchwiki is a great resource for additional hitchhiking tips.

When to Go to the United States

Since the United States is such a large country, the climate and temperature change drastically from coast to coast and from north to south.

The northern states have clearly defined seasons. In cities like Chicago, Boston, and New York, winter can bring heavy snowfall and more severe temperatures. Coastal areas like Seattle and Portland, Oregon, tend to be milder. Spring can start as late as May in the northernmost parts of the country, but this is a good time to visit because the weather begins to warm up and the busy tourist season hasn’t started yet. Summers are gorgeous and temperatures climb into the 80s°F (30s°C). It’s also the busiest time of year for tourism. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit the northern states because many parts of this region have a lot of trees. Temperatures have cooled, crowds have dwindled, and the changing leaves offer an something extra to enjoy.

The southern states have less defined seasons. In the southwest, winters tend to be dry and mild. In the southeast, temperatures are mild but places like and Memphis can be rainy. Spring is a wonderful time to visit this part of the country because temperatures are warm but not stifling. Summers get incredibly hot and humid in the southeast. In the desert areas of the southwest, like Las Vegas, temperatures can soar well above 104°F (40°C) on some days. Autumn cools things off across the southern states, but can also bring severe weather in the southeast. .

Ultimately, the best time to travel to the United States depends on where you’re headed and what kind of activities you’d like to do. Visit our city guides for more specific information on when to go.

How to Stay Safe in the United States

The United States is a massive country and “safety” changes a lot depending on where you go and what you do. Generally, the US safe place to travel around — even if you’re traveling solo.

Violent attacks tend to be confined to certain areas (especially where drug and gang violence are a problem). You may encounter petty crime, like theft, especially around popular tourist landmarks and in larger cities, especially on the west coast where theft is a much more common problem. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially while taking crowded public transportation.

Gun violence and mass shootings tend to dominate headlines when they happen. However, the chances of it happening to you are slim. Do not let this discourage you from exploring the United States. The U.S. is very big and very, very diverse. And, due to this size, there is a lot of cultural (and political) variation. Despite what you hear, crime in America is low. (There was far more crime in the US in the 1990s!). For more information, read this post, “ Is it Safe to Visit the United States?”

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Take common sense safety measures and you’ll be fine.

Moreover, be sure to read about common travel scams to avoid here .

When hiking, always bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe but all the standard safety cautions apply. For specific tips, I would read one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

United States Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

United States Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in San Francisco: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chicago

The 5 Best Hotels in San Francisco

How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local

The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

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Is First Class Worth It?

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We’ve all seen those happy flyers sitting up in the front, enjoying a hot towel and a glass of champagne while we trudge back to seat 42B. Comfort, relaxation and luxury — there’s no denying that first class will get you where you want to be in style, but is first class worth it?

Here's a look at the differences between economy and first class, domestic versus international first class and other options you may want to consider before your next flight.

The differences between economy and first class

The most obvious difference between economy and first class is the price. Generally, first class is more expensive than economy class, though the actual difference in price depends on the route, when you purchase the ticket and how many seats are available.

Economy class seats are fairly standard, while you can experience a variety of seats in first class. These may be similar to reclining leather chairs but can also move to lie down to a fully flat bed.

First class passengers can also expect different food when flying, complimentary alcohol and more attentive service.

On the ground, first class tickets can come with:

Airport lounge access.

Expedited security lines.

Extra free checked luggage.

Fast-track immigration process.

Separate check-in service.

In short, first class tickets provide a wealth of benefits for the additional cost, but you’ll want to be sure you’ll take advantage of the extra perks.

» Learn more: A beginner’s guide to flying in business or first class

Domestic vs. international first class

There are also huge differences between domestic versus international first class, both on the ground and when flying. If you buy a ticket from San Francisco to Miami thinking you’ll get a lie-flat seat, you'll be disappointed to find that you’ll be spending five hours in a chair that simply reclines.

International first class products, on the other hand, are some of the most luxurious in the world. On some carriers, this means enjoying a shower mid-flight. On others, you’ll have an entire cabin to yourself, featuring a chair and your own separate bed. You can also expect amenities such as a chauffeur service and high-end airport lounge access.

Meanwhile, there are far fewer domestic first class features. Lounge access, for example, isn't always included except in some specific situations (such as flying a premium transcontinental route).

Seating is also usually fairly limited. Although some domestic first class routes will have seats that lie flat, for the most part, you can expect a leather lounger-type chair. Most of the time, you’ll receive a complimentary full meal with alcohol available as well.

You’ll also receive other benefits, such as a separate check-in line and additional free checked baggage.

» Learn more: The best first class award flights

First class, business class or premium economy?

You aren’t limited to just economy or first class when flying. The options you’ll find vary depending on the airline and where you’re going, but you may also want to consider business class or premium economy.

On long-haul international flights, business class is often a great alternative to first class — and they tend to be pretty similar. You’ll find a seat that converts into a bed, and some business class offerings include doors that turn your seat into a suite. You can also expect high-end food, complimentary alcohol and amenities such as pajamas and mattress pads.

Premium economy, meanwhile, functions similarly to domestic first class on long-haul international flights. It's a step up from standard economy and can feature different food, better alcohol and amenity kits. Premium economy seats tend to be similar to domestic first class seats. They’re larger than a regular economy seat and have a decent amount of recline but don’t lie down.

» Learn more: Delta Comfort Plus versus first class cabin

Is first class worth it?

The short answer to this question is that you’ll need to decide if it’s worth it based on your personal situation. First class can be a lot more costly than economy class, especially on international flights.

In a search, we found an American Airlines economy class ticket from Los Angeles to Paris for $1,180.

Eleven hours is a long time to sit upright in a cramped economy seat, but flying that same route in first class was almost sixteen times the price, coming in at $18,606.

For that rate, you’ll be able to experience Air France’s spectacular La Premiere product. But is it worth paying for the upgrade? It depends on how much you want the upgraded seat and experience, and whether you may be able to make a first class trip more affordable by booking with points or miles.

» Learn more: The best first class airline in the U.S.

Using miles to fly first class

If you want to fly in first class, you may want to consider redeeming miles rather than spending cash. Frequent flyer miles can help offset the costs and redemption rates can also be good.

For example, when we last checked, a first class flight from Houston to Frankfurt in Lufthansa’s first class came in at $12,707.

Instead of paying more than $12,000 for the flight, you can instead choose to redeem miles. That same flight will cost 87,000 Lifemiles and around $22 in taxes and fees.

This is a great value when compared with cash, and you can acquire Lifemiles by transferring your credit card points from American Express Membership Rewards , Citi ThankYou points , Bilt Rewards and Capital One Miles .

Here are some cards to consider:

on American Express' website

on Bilt's website

on Citibank's application

• 4 points per $1 at restaurant plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.

• 4 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year).

• 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.

• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 3 points per $1 on dining.

• 2 points per $1 on travel.

• 1 point per $1 on rent payments up to 100,000 points per calendar year.

Note: You must use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points. If you do not make at least 5 transactions in a statement period you’ll earn a flat 250 points when you use your Bilt Mastercard to pay rent through the Bilt App or Website.

• 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

• 2 miles per $1 on all other purchases.

• 10 ThankYou® points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi Travel site.

• 3 points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases.

• 3 points per $1 on supermarkets.

• 3 points per $1 on gas stations and EV charging stations.

• 3 points per $1 on restaurants.

• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

So, is flying first class worth it?

Flying first class can be an amazing experience, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Along with premium treatment in the airport, you can expect better seats, better food and better service onboard.

However, first class tickets can also be expensive. If you’re looking to save money, consider instead using points and miles to pay for first class flights, allowing you to enjoy some bubbles with cash in your pocket.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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The huge solar storm is keeping power grid and satellite operators on edge

Geoff Brumfiel

Willem Marx

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm. Solar Dynamics Observatory hide caption

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm.

Planet Earth is getting rocked by the biggest solar storm in decades – and the potential effects have those people in charge of power grids, communications systems and satellites on edge.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm that has been visible as aurora across vast swathes of the Northern Hemisphere. So far though, NOAA has seen no reports of major damage.

The Picture Show

Photos: see the northern lights from rare, solar storm.

There has been some degradation and loss to communication systems that rely on high-frequency radio waves, NOAA told NPR, as well as some preliminary indications of irregularities in power systems.

"Simply put, the power grid operators have been busy since yesterday working to keep proper, regulated current flowing without disruption," said Shawn Dahl, service coordinator for the Boulder, Co.-based Space Weather Prediction Center at NOAA.

NOAA Issues First Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Since 2005

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"Satellite operators are also busy monitoring spacecraft health due to the S1-S2 storm taking place along with the severe-extreme geomagnetic storm that continues even now," Dahl added, saying some GPS systems have struggled to lock locations and offered incorrect positions.

NOAA's GOES-16 satellite captured a flare erupting occurred around 2 p.m. EDT on May 9, 2024.

As NOAA had warned late Friday, the Earth has been experiencing a G5, or "Extreme," geomagnetic storm . It's the first G5 storm to hit the planet since 2003, when a similar event temporarily knocked out power in part of Sweden and damaged electrical transformers in South Africa.

The NOAA center predicted that this current storm could induce auroras visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama.

Extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions have been observed! pic.twitter.com/qLsC8GbWus — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) May 10, 2024

Around the world on social media, posters put up photos of bright auroras visible in Russia , Scandinavia , the United Kingdom and continental Europe . Some reported seeing the aurora as far south as Mallorca, Spain .

The source of the solar storm is a cluster of sunspots on the sun's surface that is 17 times the diameter of the Earth. The spots are filled with tangled magnetic fields that can act as slingshots, throwing huge quantities of charged particles towards our planet. These events, known as coronal mass ejections, become more common during the peak of the Sun's 11-year solar cycle.

A powerful solar storm is bringing northern lights to unusual places

Usually, they miss the Earth, but this time, NOAA says several have headed directly toward our planet, and the agency predicted that several waves of flares will continue to slam into the Earth over the next few days.

While the storm has proven to be large, predicting the effects from such incidents can be difficult, Dahl said.

Shocking problems

The most disruptive solar storm ever recorded came in 1859. Known as the "Carrington Event," it generated shimmering auroras that were visible as far south as Mexico and Hawaii. It also fried telegraph systems throughout Europe and North America.

Stronger activity on the sun could bring more displays of the northern lights in 2024

While this geomagnetic storm will not be as strong, the world has grown more reliant on electronics and electrical systems. Depending on the orientation of the storm's magnetic field, it could induce unexpected electrical currents in long-distance power lines — those currents could cause safety systems to flip, triggering temporary power outages in some areas.

my cat just experienced the aurora borealis, one of the world's most radiant natural phenomena... and she doesn't care pic.twitter.com/Ee74FpWHFm — PJ (@kickthepj) May 10, 2024

The storm is also likely to disrupt the ionosphere, a section of Earth's atmosphere filled with charged particles. Some long-distance radio transmissions use the ionosphere to "bounce" signals around the globe, and those signals will likely be disrupted. The particles may also refract and otherwise scramble signals from the global positioning system, according to Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist with NOAA. Those effects can linger for a few days after the storm.

Like Dahl, Steenburgh said it's unclear just how bad the disruptions will be. While we are more dependent than ever on GPS, there are also more satellites in orbit. Moreover, the anomalies from the storm are constantly shifting through the ionosphere like ripples in a pool. "Outages, with any luck, should not be prolonged," Steenburgh said.

What Causes The Northern Lights? Scientists Finally Know For Sure

The radiation from the storm could have other undesirable effects. At high altitudes, it could damage satellites, while at low altitudes, it's likely to increase atmospheric drag, causing some satellites to sink toward the Earth.

The changes to orbits wreak havoc, warns Tuija Pulkkinen, chair of the department of climate and space sciences at the University of Michigan. Since the last solar maximum, companies such as SpaceX have launched thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit. Those satellites will now see their orbits unexpectedly changed.

"There's a lot of companies that haven't seen these kind of space weather effects before," she says.

The International Space Station lies within Earth's magnetosphere, so its astronauts should be mostly protected, Steenburgh says.

In a statement, NASA said that astronauts would not take additional measures to protect themselves. "NASA completed a thorough analysis of recent space weather activity and determined it posed no risk to the crew aboard the International Space Station and no additional precautionary measures are needed," the agency said late Friday.

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England. Ian Forsyth/Getty Images hide caption

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England.

While this storm will undoubtedly keep satellite operators and utilities busy over the next few days, individuals don't really need to do much to get ready.

"As far as what the general public should be doing, hopefully they're not having to do anything," Dahl said. "Weather permitting, they may be visible again tonight." He advised that the largest problem could be a brief blackout, so keeping some flashlights and a radio handy might prove helpful.

I took these photos near Ranfurly in Central Otago, New Zealand. Anyone can use them please spread far and wide. :-) https://t.co/NUWpLiqY2S — Dr Andrew Dickson reform/ACC (@AndrewDickson13) May 10, 2024

And don't forget to go outside and look up, adds Steenburgh. This event's aurora is visible much further south than usual.

A faint aurora can be detected by a modern cell phone camera, he adds, so even if you can't see it with your eyes, try taking a photo of the sky.

The aurora "is really the gift from space weather," he says.

• space weather
• solar flares
• solar storm