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

Fly and enjoy first class service and amenities.

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Personal service, productivity, a first class journey, check-in and security, first class food, made fresh, medium - long flights, longer flights.

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

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

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The Best First Class Airlines in the World

These commercial airlines bring the utmost comfort and relaxation to domestic and international travel.

By Elite Traveler

The world of private jets will always remain, well, private. But with the influx of newcomer airlines, fractional programs and jet cards available, business aviation is quickly becoming more accessible than ever. As a result, the commercial sector is responding by investing huge sums in their business and first-class offerings – with some rivaling the private sector in their excellence and exclusivity.

Elevating the experience even further, many of these airlines’ first-class offerings begin way before take off, with complimentary chauffeur services, premium lounge access and even private check-in ensuring any and all potential stress is mitigated.

From fully private suites to onboard cocktail bars, these operators have gone above and beyond to ensure the in-flight experience is as smooth as possible. But with so much choice, separating the best first-class airlines from the ordinary can be tricky. To help, we’ve rounded up our favorites.

[See also: The Private Aviation Leaders Taking Sustainability Seriously]

Qatar Airway’s renowned first class offering is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry. Found only on the double-decker A380 and the smaller 777, the airline’s most premium service is designed to be adaptable to fit individual flyers’ needs, with the option to transform the spacious seats into either a workspace, complete with WiFi and power point, or a relaxation zone with a fully lie-flat bed.

Amenities are plentiful, with everything from a comprehensive entertainment system to signature welcome kits complete with products from the likes of Diptyque and The White Company. The onboard food offering is top of the range too, with a signature caviar service, an on-demand à la carte menu and extensive wine spirits selection.

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qatarairways.com

Lufthansa recently announced a complete overhaul of its first class service, which is set to debut in 2024. This will include an incredible Suite Plus room, complete with a double bed and fully closable door. While individual suites are nothing new at this level, Lufthansa’s global reach means first class customers will have more choice when flying ultra-long-haul. Touted as a “private room above the clouds”, the Suite Plus offers ceiling-high walls and an entertainment system that can be integrated with your smartphone.

Dining service will also be elevated, with guests able to choose when their gourmet meal is served. The suite comes complete with a large dining table, so this too can be taken in privacy. The seating, temperature, lighting and entertainment systems can be controlled with a dedicated tablet, giving passengers autonomy over their environment from start to finish.

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This overhaul comes as part of the $2.6bn Allegris program, which will see improvements to every passenger class across its fleet.

lufthansa.com

American Airlines

Flying to over 70 different countries worldwide, as well as a variety of domestic destinations, American Airlines is always in the running when booking travel for your next trip. Luckily, its first class provisions are top-notch in the Flagship First cabin. Available on all Boeing 777-300 aircraft, the Flagship Suite Seat is fully reclinable and has guaranteed aisle access, with amenities and services engineered to fulfill every comfort.

American Airlines has partnered with the James Beard Foundation to ensure that the in-flight menu has been designed and approved by a team of professional chefs, with example dining options including Artichoke ravioli and dark chocolate budino. An excellent ground experience will also maximize ease of travel and movement, even during long-haul international flights. The Flagship First check-in and lounge (available in certain cities) provides fine dining, personalized service, a premium cocktail bar and wine table, as well as the opportunity for guests to have a shower and refresh before the next part of their journey.

americanairlines.com

[See more: Twenty For 20: Iconic Jets of the Past and Future ]

Delta Airlines

Like American Airlines, Delta Airlines is a legacy carrier. As one of the more established commercial airlines, it is therefore typical and expected that it delivers a higher quality service than other companies, and the Delta One provision does not disappoint. Although the 180° flat-bed seats are found on all its normal models in first-class, the A350 and A339 flights now include the Delta One Suite, with full-height doors and dividers to allow for total privacy even in the company of fellow fliers.

The Delta Sky Club gives guests airport lounge access and Sky Priority accelerated check-in. It is notable that Delta has its own master sommelier, Andrea Robinson, who is in charge of curating the wine and spirits selection at the lounge bar (as well as the in-flight options). Regional wines are also promoted alongside the seasonal, local ingredients presented by the dining options. In this way, Delta One allows you to connect with a country’s cuisine and style before your feet even touch the ground.

British Airways

This esteemed carrier connects UK and US soil. If you’d like to enjoy a British afternoon tea before your arrival in London , the British Airways First Class dining and amenities options leave nothing to be desired on the 787-9 Dreamliner. With only eight seats compared to the usual 14, guests have plenty of space to stretch their legs and relax during the flight, or watch the latest movies and TV programs on the wide personal screen.

Even the ‘his & hers’ amenity bags are designed to reflect British tastes, provided by luxury skincare brand Elemis. Its a la carte ‘dine anytime’ menu includes canapes and signature dishes, such as Pan-fried stone bass and aged Herefordshire beef, served with contemporary crockery and heritage crystal glassware. Exclusive lounges are dotted across several key destinations, most famously the Concorde Rooms found at London Heathrow and New York JFK. Tastefully decorated and thoughtfully assembled, this lounge offers private cabanas and a contemporary business suite, enabling your travel between these two metropolitan hubs to be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

britishairways.com

Hawaiian Air

The team at Hawaiian Airlines describes their first-class cabins as the first taste of island life. Looking at the services on offer and the nature of the airplane’s hardware, that certainly seems to be the case. The airline’s ongoing Featured Chef Series sees renowned and upcoming culinary talent prepare menus that showcase Hawaii’s vibrant food culture. On North American to Haiwaii routes, executive chef Dell Valdez features dishes such as chicken shisomboca with soy yuzu capers and fried rice, and portabello mushroom napoleon with tomato. Hawaii-made spirits and wines are selected by master sommelier Chuck Furuya.

There is also a clear emphasis on service motivated by warmth and hospitality. From the moment you leave the first class Plumeria Lounge on the ground and step onto the plane, guests will understand the Hawaiian hospitality concept of Aloha. Another nice touch is the real-life recordings of the island’s native bird songs and nature sounds that are provided as a sleep aid. It’s the little details that truly elevate this first class experience.

hawaiianairlines.com

[See also: This Hawaiian Villa Brings Paradise to Your Fingertips ]

For an airline whose economy class already feels premium, it should come as no surprise that the UAE flagship airline won the World’s Best First Class 2020 Traveller’s Choice award. Once the door slides closed, the A380 Airbus’s reclining seat becomes your own private suite, complete with ambient lighting and a cinematic personal screen. The only downside of the on-board shower spa and cocktail lounge is that once the plane touches down, you won’t want to leave.

Say goodbye to strict dining schedules, as its a la carte dining system can be ordered at any point during the journey (provided that there is no turbulence, of course) and an extensive selection of wines and spirits are available to sample throughout the flight. Notable examples include a Chivas Regal 18-year-old Scotch whisky and Dom Pérignon 2008 champagne.

emirates.com

A smaller carrier than Emirates, Etihad has gone with a boutique approach to commercial flying. This has allowed it to get creative with its cabin design, and its A380 Airbus is complete with two ‘Apartments’ and ‘The Residence’, a mini-apartment in the sky with three separate living areas.

With a double bed and a separate sitting area, as well as a private bathroom, guests staying in The Residence will have a private butler service, bespoke menus arranged before the flight, and exclusive rooms within the airport lounge. The Etihad First Lounge is equipped with a fitness room, feature bar, clothes pressing service and shower facilities, a VIP room, and a dedicated host service for refreshments.

[See more: Airbus ACJ320neo: Inside the $110m ‘Suite in the Sky’]

United Airlines

Another famous international carrier, the United Airlines first class experience allows guests to travel comfortably to domestic destinations and beyond. Its premium seating features stylish two-tone leather seats and granite cocktail tables, but comfort is not forgotten, and all seats come equipped with six-way adjustable and padded articulating cushions.

Through partnering with The Trotter Project, United’s executive chefs Gerry McLoughlin and Gerry Gulli have designed a fine dining menu that can be stunningly executed even at maximum altitude. The master sommelier, Doug Frost, works with the dining team to find the perfect wine pairings for the on-board cuisine.

Singapore Airlines

When it comes to first-class travel, Singapore Airlines is undoubtedly the star of the show. Like Etihad, the international airline is also embracing the opportunity for guests to travel privately. They even have an option for a divider between the rooms to be lowered, creating a double suite for those traveling in pairs. Exclusively available on the Airbus A380–800 aircraft, the Singapore Airline Suites creates such a cosy and personal experience that one may well feel as though they are traveling on their own private jet.

Designed by French luxury yacht designer Jean-Jacques Coste, the suites are kitted out with full-swivel chairs and a separate bed, finished in cream and brown and accented with ultra-leather padded compartments to recreate the feeling of a luxury hotel.

Of course, anyone who has flown with Singapore Airlines before will know that this comfort and luxury extends to the service and amenities. Its ‘Book the Cook’ service allows guests to reserve meals 24 hours before you fly, and there will be a choice of fine dining creations hand-selected by international culinary panels, all served on Wedgwood bone china tableware.

singaporeair.com

[See more: The 10 Best Hotel Suites in Singapore ]

Cathay Pacific

Last but by no means least on our list of the best first class airlines in the world is Cathay Pacific. The flag carrier of Hong Kong flies to over 60 countries and 200 destinations across the planet. As the airline’s main travel hub, Hong Kong International Airport boasts the most impressive of the stunning first class lounges, The Wing. Here, you can relax in a private cabana complete with a day bed, rain shower and bath before stopping for a bite to eat at the gourmet restaurant.

When you fly first class with Cathay Pacific you won’t have to lift a finger from the moment you step foot on the plane. The airline has thought of everything to ensure you have a comfortable flight from the selection of ethical organic toiletries to the BOSE noise-canceling headsets.

Passengers are treated to their very own ultra-exclusive private suite featuring a seat that transforms into a spacious fully flat bed topped with a comfy mattress, selection of soft pillows and 600-thread count bed linen.

As for dining, expect an array of culinary delights throughout the flight. The varied menu champions sustainable producers while elevating traditional Hong Kong flavors to dizzying new heights. Highlights include the Braised abalone with flower shiitake and choy sum-layered bean curd, and the indulgent Grilled beef tenderloin with a thyme jus, buttery French beans with sesame seeds and sweet potato puree. Of course, there’s also an extensive selection of top vintage champagnes to choose from, all served with pillowy blinis topped with caviar, chives and crème fraiche.

[See also: The Difference Between First Class and Business Class ]

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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.

imaginima/Getty Images

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.

Bloomberg/Getty Images

• 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.

NurPhoto/Getty Images

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."

Related Articles

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

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

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

First-class comparison methodology

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

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

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

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

Here are the flights I booked:

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

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

Comparing American, Delta and United's first class

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

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

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

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

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

American Airlines

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

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

Delta Air Lines

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

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

United Airlines

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

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

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

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

Which airline has the most comfortable first class?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which airline has the best first-class amenities?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which airline has the best first-class food?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A Beginner’s Guide to Flying in Business or First Class

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Table of Contents

What's the difference between first and business class?

What to expect when flying first or business class, why it can make sense to upgrade to first or business class, when it doesn't make sense to upgrade to first or business class, how to earn points and miles fast, the bottom line.

We love helping our readers find ways to book first- and business-class tickets using points and miles. Although these tickets can be expensive if you're paying for them with cash, you can sometimes book a seat in these premium cabins using airline miles you've already earned or with points from signing up for certain credit cards.

First, you'll need to understand the difference between first and business class. It is also important to know what types of perks to expect, so you can assess when it makes sense to pay for the upgrade.

Both first and business class are premium cabins but can offer different experiences and seats depending on the airline. If you're flying domestically within the United States, flights generally have two cabins: The main cabin and a premium cabin. The main cabin often includes various economy fares, while the premium cabin is reserved for business class or first class, depending on the route and airline.

When you fly internationally from the U.S., you may be on a flight that offers both first and business class — for example, Cathay Pacific's Boeing 777-300 aircraft has separate first-class, business-class, premium economy and economy cabins.

The difference between first and business class can vary by airline. However, if you're taking a flight that offers both first and business class, first class almost always provides a more enhanced experience. This may include a suite with a door, fancier food and drinking options, and a more intimate, smaller cabin.

» Learn more: Best first class award flights you can actually book

Although first- and business-class experiences can vary drastically between different airlines and routes, below are some perks that you can often expect when flying in first or business class:

Priority check-in, security and boarding.

Premium seats, including more space and lie-flat beds.

Lounge access.

Complimentary alcoholic beverages and enhanced food options.

Amenity kits.

Dedicated overhead space for your carry-on luggage.

Seats towards the front of the plane so you can deplane before other cabins.

In addition to the more common business- and first-class perks listed above, below are some more unique perks you can find on various airlines:

Qatar Qsuites has business class seats that can connect to create a double bed, which you can share with a partner or friend.

Although the service has recently been suspended, United Airlines will sometimes have a sundae cart for Polaris business class passengers on international routes.

Emirates offers its first- and business-class passengers complimentary chauffeur service to and from the airport.

Because the first- and business-class experience can vary dramatically by airline and route, you should consider what perks are offered before purchasing or upgrading to a business- or first-class ticket.

» Learn more: Why you should fly first class at least once, and how to afford it

Depending on when and why you're traveling, it can make sense to upgrade from economy to first or business class if you have the cash or points to afford it. Below are some examples of when it may make sense for you to upgrade your flight:

For a lie-flat bed: If you're flying from the U.S. to another continent and want to hit the ground running when you land, upgrading to first or business class to get a lie-flat bed can help you arrive more well-rested than a simple economy seat.

For more points or miles: If you're paying for your flight in cash, flying first or business class will often help you earn more points and miles and can also help you maintain or earn elite status.

For a special occasion: If you're flying for a particular reason, like a honeymoon or celebrating your graduation, the perks offered by your airline will help make it an even more memorable trip.

» Learn more: How to use travel awards to afford first class

Even though upgrading from economy to first or business class usually comes with several perks, there are times when making the upgrade wouldn't make sense, including:

On shorter flights, when you won't have much time to enjoy the premium seating.

When the airline asks for a significant amount of cash or points to upgrade.

On daytime flights overseas when you're not planning on taking a nap or sleeping, which may negate the value of a lie-flat seat.

Points and miles can be redeemed for premium cabin award flights and can help you save in the long run. But before you start using travel rewards, you have to earn them. Beyond flying, another way to amass a large number of points and miles s is to earn a sign-up bonus for a travel or airline credit card.

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If you seek more flexibility in redeeming miles for award flights, consider applying for a more general travel card instead, like the The Platinum Card® from American Express . A more general travel card differs from an airline card in that you can book flights with multiple carriers, rather than reaping the benefits of staying loyal to a single brand.

The more high-end the travel card, the more benefits you can enjoy, including airport lounge access or automatic elite status in certain programs. That said, a brand-specific airline card can net you benefits like waived baggage fees, which can have meaningful dollar value.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards

If it's your first time flying business or first class, you can generally expect several perks that you wouldn't get flying economy — including priority check-in, a more comfortable/spacious seat, and enhanced food and drink options.

Although it may not always make sense to upgrade your flight to first or business class, it may be worth the extra cash or points to upgrade depending on why you're flying. As your first- or business-class experience may differ depending on the airline and route, you should research what perks are included with your ticket before purchasing.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

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

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

Alex Miller

Founder & CEO

296 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 34 U.S. States Visited: 29

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

35 Published Articles 3254 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The data for this study was collected in June 2023.

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

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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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Vintage photos show how flying first class has changed over the past 70 years

• Modern commercial air travel pales in comparison to the pampered flying experience of the 1960s.
• Luxury air travel is still alive and well in the first-class cabins of the world's leading airlines.
• Brands like Pan Am have given way to Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Etihad. 

Flying these days can be a slog.

For most of us, it's something we tolerate as a means to get from point A to point B. It's no longer a special occasion. For the traveling masses, commercial flying has been reduced to the essence of what it is: public transportation. 

Things didn't used to be this way. We've all been regaled with tales of the Golden Age of air travel : spacious seats, cosseting service, fine wines, and gourmet meals. 

However, the glamour of the Golden Age has not completely vanished. It's still alive and well in the first-class cabins of the world's leading airlines like Singapore Airlines , Emirates , and Etihad .

Additionally, flying, in general, is significantly more safe and reliable than it was decades ago. According to data from the Flight Safety Foundation , the rate of fatal airliner accidents decreased from 4.2 per 1 million flights in 1977 to around 0.3 per million flights in 2023.

And then there's the inflight experience. Modern first-class cabins offer a greater degree of privacy, comfort, technology, and personalization than the jet set could have ever imagined. With prices that could top $40,000 for a round-trip, these tickets are far from affordable. Then again, neither was first class during the Golden Age of Flight.

Here's a closer look at how first-class air travel has changed over the past 70 years.  

The age of jet-powered scheduled passenger air travel kicked off in 1952 with the De Havilland Comet 1. However, a series of fatal crashes forced the plane to be grounded for modifications.

Even though later versions of the jet, such as the Comet 3 seen here, would go on to serve successfully in airline fleets around the world, it was no longer at the forefront of the industry.

While the Comet was dealing with its troubles, it was overtaken by the Boeing 707 and the Douglas DC-8 as the jet-powered workhorses of the airline industry.

The jetliners of the era, while not quite as refined as today's aircraft, were faster and smoother than their propeller-powered contemporaries.

The capabilities of the jetliner served as a great complement to the first-class services provided by the world's airlines, such as gourmet meals.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back.

Cocktail lounges were also a feature of the first-class flying experience in the 1950s.

The introduction of the double-decker Boeing 747 jumbo jet in 1970 took first-class service to new heights.

The extra width of the 747's cabin gave airlines the ability to up their games even further.

The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained.

Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus.

Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge.

Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos.

Between 1976 and 2003, Air France and British Airways passengers had the opportunity to fly on the Concorde supersonic airliner.

Its speed came at the expense of a smaller cabin, but passengers were still treated to fine wines and gourmet meals.

During the 1990s, airlines began to introduce 180-degree lie-flat seats to their first-class cabins along with improved in-flight entertainment.

By the late 1990s, a new generation of first-class cabins with added privacy began to take shape, which would play a huge role in the development of today's business-class seats.

The next leap forward for first-class cabins coincided with the arrival of the Airbus A380.

The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007.

The enclosed first-class suite on the A380 afforded passengers an extra measure of privacy.

Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite.

Dubai's Emirates is the A380's largest customer with more than 120 aircraft in the fleet.

Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites.

Amenities include access to an in-flight shower.

However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad.

In 2014, the Abu Dhabi-based airline introduced the Residence first-class suite on board its A380s.

Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower.

It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler.

There is only one Residence suite per aircraft, and tickets can cost more than $41,000 for a round trip between New York and Abu Dhabi.

Etihad also offers a 45-square-foot first-class suite called The Apartment with access to a shared shower and a lounge stocked with beverages.

In 2017, Emirates introduced its next generation of first-class suites on its fleet of Boeing 777 airliners.

They were the industry's first suites to be enclosed from floor to ceiling, effectively making them flying hotel rooms.

The suites even come with artificial windows that use cameras mounted to the plane's fuselage to give the passengers a view of the outside world.

In 2017, Singapore Airlines also announced it would spend $850 million on a new generation of first-class suites for its fleet of Airbus A380s.

Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Although not every airline's first-class cabin features a full suite, the common features these days are large, comfortable seats, fancy beverages, and delicious food.

In 2023, Japan Airlines debuted new first-class cabins on its Airbus A350-1000 featuring 43-inch TVs and speakers built into the headrests.

United Airlines is also upgrading its first-class seats with features like wireless charging, privacy barriers, and Bluetooth-enabled 13-inch seat-back screens.

This story was originally published in May 2019. It was most recently updated in March 2024.

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Find First Class Flights to the United States

Latest first class flight deals to the united states.

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to Know - First Class Flights to the United States

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First class tickets to the United States differ in price depending on the departure airport. On average, first class fares cost $1,280 for a return trip to the United States, while the cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $117.

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

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

Top tips for finding first class flights to the United States

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

Top 5 airlines flying to the United States

With early bird check in, I might start flying southwest again.

Very helpful, convenient, nice crew members, no extra fees, helped us saving 4 hrs of travel by booking is on an earlier flight

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!

Flight was cancelled just before we boarded. I had to stayed an extra night in SF and arrived one day late. Also I had to flight back JFK and not Newark since they didn't have flight to Newark until very late the following day. A real bad experience on this flight. It took me 2 days to get back home.

The flight was delayed by more than two hours. A notification ahead of time would be most helpful.

The terminal at Newark is a complete dump, utterly, profoundly sub-acceptable is every dimension: overcrowded, under-venitilated, lacking in seating, terrible and minimal food options, terrble sound quality from gate announcements, gate agents completely untrained in use of a microphone. And that is after going through the worst and slowest tsa checkpoint in the country. I will never fly to Newark again and will avoid Alaska if at all possible in future travel.

The flight was delayed for 2 hours and the last delay was not communicated and had to check manually.

First time traveling with them and they were great leaving on time arriving on time very clean planes 😊

I had a middle seat in between two large men. It was a redeye so needless to say I didn’t get a minute of sleep. One guy was pouring over into my seat the other kept falling onto my shoulder

Great price on internet. I love that WiFi was so affordable. Got a lot done.

Ground staff at LAX was very helpful. The Alaska lounge food and service is better than most airport lounges. I think the Staff are well trained polite and actually seem happy to work there. Great service Thanks 🙏 Jjk

The flight was very very delayed and arrived much later than planned. There was no communication about why or when our arrival would be. I would expect better and open communication about the flight but there was none. Also just pretzels? How disappointing.

That flight was a terrible experience. Flying to Portland was not much better. I will not ever fly Alaska Airlines again. I have a temporary disability due to recent neurocervical surgery. I cannot lift heavy things, I cannot walk long distances without vertigo and fainting, and I required wheelchair assistance. I showed up an hour and a half before my flight. The wheelchair queue assistance person was rude and chastised me for showing up so late. An older couple showed up almost an half an hour AFTER me, and she was sweet as pie to them. There was a long wait for wheelchair assistance as they were backed up. When I got to the gate, the gate attendants were rude and again, I got chastised for being late, even though it was not my fault they were backed up. When I asked for help with my bags and boarding the plane, they told me it was my fault and they were not obligated to help me. I was treated like a big inconvenience because I had a wheelchair and I couldn't "just walk." One of them literally rolled her eyes at me. I kept silent, because I just wanted to get home and I felt like they would not let me on if I complained, but I was practically crying. When I got down to the door to board, the wheelchair person left, and I asked the flight attendants for help. They said, well, you'll have to stand there and wait, even though I said I couldn't stand very long, and another passenger said, "Oh just let me do it" and helped me down. I tried not to bother the inflight attendants, because everytime you did, they acted exasperated and stressed out. I paid $7.50 for a bag of Pirate Booty and a tiny turkey beef stick for dinner. I needed wifi to work during the flight, and it kept crashing on me repeatedly and resetting my online work, costing me valuable time. I had to pay twice to get it on my laptop and phone, but I did get a refund when I returned. When I got to NY, the Portland agents had not arranged for a wheelchair to meet me and I had to stand for fifteen minutes waiting for the very nice young man who found an empty chair and had to wheel me and another passenger with carry on luggage to the front of JFK all by himself. Never, ever again. You all should be ashamed of how you treat people with disabilities. The other people who needed assistance to get on this flight did not fare much better than me, from what I could see.

Friendly flight attendants. Comfort plus seats were very comfortable and had lots of leg room. 10A and 10 B.

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

Our flight to Zurich was delayed by almost 3 hours, so we missed our next flight. There was no indication it would be delayed this much. We were told the gate had changed and then it apparently took over 2 hours to load the "catering" on the plane. We were not compensated in any way for the trouble.

The 1st class male crew member was very pleasant - the short female with round glasses , maybe in 50’s had no personality- never spoke when delivering my food, drink, & never smiled the whole trip! In fact looked annoyed when the boarding proses was happening- I would never hire this woman - unfriendly . Have never dealt with a crew member like her-

A regional sized plane was used for a cross country flight with no overhead bin space. I had to "pink check" my laptop and my medications. I was NOT pleased!!!!

Best airline! Always friendly and welcoming. Skyclub was great and loved the fast free wifi on board. I also love that you can pre-order your meal on the app!

The gate area was incredibly short staffed, with one representative manning 4-5 flights, which caused a 3 hr delay in boarding even though the plane was all ready to leave. Other flights also were delayed because of this. The flight crew was awesome and I feel bad for the only gate worker on call, but Delta needs to hire more employees.

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.

They put me on a chair in between two men, one overweight who was almost falling on top of me, and the other was even uncomfortable because I was half falling because of what the other was pushing me. I stayed with. my feet were swollen from fluid retention and from being unable to accommodate myself. it was very uncomfortable. I asked for help but they told me that the flight was full and they couldn't help me. I got off the plane almost unable to walk due to the inflammation. and then at FLL airport I asked for help because I couldn't go to my next flight, which was a connection.

The walk from baggage claim to the taxi is very difficult for older people I will never fly into JFK again. It is physically challenging

Flight was delayed by almost 5 hours. Suitcase was not loaded despite the flight being near empty (my colleagues’ suitcases did reach JFK, unlike mine). Had to argue on phone to get JetBlue to deliver the case to my hotel. Never again

The flight was excellent. The crew was welcoming and attentive.

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,

Great. Loved that there was WiFi on flight to keep in touch and excellent service of beverages and snacks.

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.

Overall, the flight was better than the flight I took to go to Florida, which had a bunch of problems. The crew is really nice and the plane was new so it had a small problem when we were on the runway, but the flight itself was great. They even made some time back up, which is always a good thing.

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.

Due to mechanical problems it was delayed causing problems the actual flight. Was fune

Wish we had music during take off and landing like the last flight

Crew is ok. They offered food n drinks. Had difficulty connecting to wifi on board.

Great. Porter is very efficient, welcoming, and organized. I fly Porter often.

Flight was smooth and comfortable. The crew were exceptional. Amanda, Nichole and Hershel were attentive to our every need. So friendly. My daughter and I were surprised at quality of service. Loved the double row seating. Snacks were delicious. We would definitely fly with Porter again. Flight PD 670 SFO to YYZ Thank you so much for the best flight experience we have had

The E195-E2 is a great aircraft! Leather seats, lots of legroom and SO quiet! The flight crew is terrific!

First time with Porter. Amazing experience overall, will be my airline of choice in North America whenever possible. Liked the quality of food and how it was served but one suggestion- a hot meal on the longer flights, perhaps?

Delayed by 2.5 hours. This happened previously on my flight from YOW to YVR on Dec. 26.2023. This is a terrible airline. The reason was there was lack of ground crew. This is a known event. AVOID PORTER AIRLINES IF YOU CAN. There is a reason half the plane was empty.

Flight delayed 6 hr. Looking for compensation and will claim for it.allow US people to fix to avoid huge delay having a canadian tech to fix it.

The airline arrival at the downtown airport is a big plus.. Food and beverage was excellent. Their non weather related cancellation is horrible. Overall I gave the airline 7 over 10 Tips for people flying porter from Boston. The airline doesn’t have inflight entertainment No TV No WIFI. Bring your entertainment with you.

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• First Class

The 5 Best Airlines For First Class In 2024

• Airlines are still focusing on premium products, including first class.
• Air France, Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines have quality first class experiences.
• However, All Nippon Airways could be the best first class experience to discover in 2024.

Despite airlines shying away from first class seating during the past few years, especially before the pandemic, there has been a resurgent focus on premium products in 2023 and 2024. Demand for first, business, and premium economy class seating has driven airlines to innovate and refresh their top-of-the-line products, with several carriers introducing new first class seats and suites.

If you were to look to tick off a few bucket list-worthy first class seats to fly on in 2024, several airlines have introduced or are planning to introduce new first class cabins during the year, indicating that the crème de la crème of airline seats is not going away anytime soon.

Air France’s La Première

Announced in: may 2022.

Aircraft available on:

• Boeing 777-300ER

While the cabin is not available yet, Air France has promised that it will be during the upcoming winter season, which starts in October 2024. The carrier announced that it was redesigning its La Premiere cabin, exclusively deployed on its 777-300ERs, in May 2022.

At the time, Air France said that La Premiere would be the longest on the market, offering up to three modular configurations that can be fully privatized, including transforming the seat into a sofa or a bed. Furthermore, the carrier promised that it would appear on more aircraft than previously.

Benjamin Smith, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Air France, said that La Premiere represents the best of French excellence and is a vital part of the airline’s DNA. The executive noted that even at the peak of the pandemic, the airline saw the importance of a first class cabin, especially on routes across the Atlantic Ocean.

Pictures: Air France Teases New First Class Seat Design

Lufthansa allegris, announced in: february 2023.

• Airbus A350
• Boeing 787-9
• Boeing 777X

While Lufthansa teased the new designs of its first class cabins in October 2022, the German airline officially introduced the new Allegris cabins, including new first class seats, in February 2023. The seats will feature on Airbus A350, Boeing 787, and 777X aircraft, upon their delivery to the German airline.

At the time, Lufthansa said the new Allegris seats would be introduced with its latest Airbus A350-900 aircraft in 2024. However, two of its most recent Airbus A350-900 aircraft were straight sent to the desert, reportedly because supply chain issues derailed the airline’s plans to introduce the new cabins on the two aircraft, which is why they are now parked at Teruel Airport (TEV), Spain.

Why Lufthansa Has Flown Two Brand New Airbus A350s Straight To Storage

Nevertheless, while they might be delayed, the first class cabins will still have plenty on offer, including unprecedented privacy for the German airline’s top-of-the-line seats. For example, Lufthansa said that customers can warm or cool their seats in the suite according to their needs.

Lufthansa Pushes New Cabin Launch To 2024 Due To Delivery Delays

Etihad airways the residence, announced in: may 2014.

• Airbus A380

While ‘The Residence’ is not a new product, the fact is that with the return of the airline’s Airbus A380 aircraft, passengers once again can enjoy ‘The Residence,’ an even more luxurious cabin than first class on the UAE-based Etihad Airways flights.

The one new development with the self-advertised three-room suite in the sky is that starting April 2024, the airline will deploy its Airbus A380 aircraft to fly between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). When the aircraft returned to service in July 2023, the airline deployed it only on the AUH – London Heathrow Airport (LHR) route.

A380 Return: The Fleet Of Etihad Airways In 2024

Singapore airlines first class, announced in: july 2013.

While it has been more than a decade since Singapore Airlines first unveiled its newest first class product, the cabin still has been one of the top-rated cabins globally as the airline has managed to provide an unparalleled experience to its customers.

Unfortunately, the carrier’s Boeing 777-300ER only welcomes four first class passengers since its other long-haul aircraft, including the Airbus A350-900, A350-1000, A380, and Boeing 787-10, only have business class seats. The only exception is the Airbus A380, with the airline offering the ‘Suite’: a similar experience to Etihad Airways ‘The Residence.’ When Singapore Airlines announced the cabin in July 2013, it said that the seat would introduce a new industry benchmark for premium air travel, including redesigning its business and economy class seats.

5 Reasons Flying Singapore Airlines Is Worth It

All nippon airways the suite, announced in: july 2019.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced its new first class seats in July 2019 . The airline, which also publicized its newest business class seat on the same date, described the then-new suite as designed by combining Japanese heritage and Western design.

While Skytrax rated Singapore Airlines’ first class as the superior product in 2023, maybe ANA, whose first class was ranked as the third-best seat in the world, will have what it takes to take it to the next level. After all, Air Frances’s La Premiere, voted second-best, is getting a refresh, which could go either way and provide a potential opportunity for ANA.

The Japanese carrier offers its first class product on two aircraft, its iconic ‘Flying Turtles,’ the Airbus A380s, and the Boeing 777-300ER. When it introduced the new suites, ANA said that this was the most spacious fully enclosed seating ever seen on an ANA aircraft, adding that features include privacy-enhancing doors and a 43-inch monitor, which also showed entertainment in a 4K resolution.

Which US Airlines Still Have First Class In 2024?

The Best Economy Seats for Long-Haul Flights

By Jessica Puckett

Flying in economy class on a long-haul route is often a necessary sacrifice travelers make in order to afford a far-flung trip. But just thinking about spending hours in coach—with the cramped legroom, lack of recline , and crowded seating arrangements—is enough to send a shiver down any flier’s spine.

Fortunately, there are a handful of airlines that still offer decent space and comfortable seats on long-haul routes, even in their regular no-frills economy classes. Here, we’ve rounded up seven of the most comfortable economy seats available for long-haul flights, based on criteria like legroom pitch, recline depth, seat width, and the overall seating configuration of the economy cabin.

As these seats are still in regular economy, they don’t offer as much space as the more upscale products in premium economy cabins . The below selections may just have a few extra inches of space or recline over their competitors—but even an inch or two can make a world of difference on an hours-long flight, especially if you’re trying to sleep .

If you must fly coach on your next long-haul journey, these are the best economy seats on international flights. (Or, check out these affordable business class cabins that won't break the bank.)

JetBlue is one of the best US carriers when it comes to legroom, even in economy.

JetBlue Airbus A321

The New York-based carrier is one of the top US airlines in terms of legroom. Its Airbus A321 long-range planes, used for its transatlantic routes to Europe, are no exception. In regular economy, called “Core” on JetBlue, expect to see 32 inches of pitch and 18 inches of width, and three inches of recline at your seat. You’ll also find a headrest with adjustable wings and power outlets (though not enough for every passenger to have their own charging port). On planes that also feature Mint business class, the Core cabin has 102 seats in a 3-3 layout, so the one drawback is a potential lack of elbow room as the A321 is just a single-aisle plane.

Japan Airlines Airbus A350-1000

Much of the attention on board JAL’s new A350 plane, which debuted in January 2024, has been focused on its luxurious first and business class suites . But even the back of the plane offers fliers a respectable amount of comfort. In the regular economy cabin, seats offer about 34 inches of legroom pitch and more than 18 inches of seat width, making them one of the roomiest long-haul economy options on the market. Plus, in the fully upright position, the seats sit back at a deeper angle than standard economy seats—before you even engage the recline function, which also offers several more inches of tilt. Extra bells and whistles include a large 13-inch 4K entertainment screen, water bottle pouch and separate cupholder, power outlet and USB-A and -C charging ports. The only downside to the cabin is that the 155 seats in regular economy are laid out in a 3-3-3 configuration, which means more dreaded middle seats. But the rows are spaced far enough apart that economy passengers shouldn’t feel too cramped. You’ll find these jets operating nonstop routes from New York JFK and Dallas Fort Worth to Tokyo Haneda.

All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

Another Japanese carrier that offers one of the best economy seats on international flights is All Nippon Airways. Its coach cabin, especially aboard its Boeing 797-9 Dreamliners that fly between Tokyo and Los Angeles, offers relatively spacious seats with 34 inches of legroom pitch and 17.3 inches of width. The seats also come with a built-in footrest—a rarity outside of premium economy—plus several inches of standard recline. Instead of the seat simply tilting back, however, the seat pan also slides forward so as not to intrude too much on the passenger behind, giving each flier a bit more space. The seats are in a 3-3-3 layout, so avoiding the tight middle seat could be tough; though extra features like universal PC power ports and USB ports at every seat, thick cushioning, and a headrest that adjusts up and down, should help ease the pain.

The high ceilings and wide body of the double-decker Airbus A380 jets help to create an airy, spacious feel.

Emirates Airbus A380

Emirates’ double-decker Airbus A380 jets are the stuff of aviation legend—even on the lower level in plain old economy. The cabin class offers seats with 34 inches of pitch, 18 inches of width, and a solid four inches of recline. With a total of 399 standard economy seats configured in a 3-4-3 layout, the cabin sounds like a crunch. But keeping in mind what an enormous, superjumbo jet the A380 actually is, with higher ceilings and a wider footprint than most jets, those numbers start to sound a lot less stress-inducing. In fact, fliers who’ve experienced the A380 in economy consistently say that the cabin has an airy and spacious feel, despite its massive passenger capacity. There’s also a padded adjustable headrest, a 13.3-inch entertainment screen, and over-the-ear headphones provided at each spot. From the US, you can catch Emirates A380s flying from Houston , Los Angeles , San Francisco , New York JFK, and Washington Dulles to Dubai, and also on special fifth freedom routes , like between New York JFK and Milan.

Singapore Airlines Airbus A380

Singapore’s economy class aboard its Airbus A380 planes is another spacious cabin, even if you’re riding all the way at the back of the superjumbo jet. The pitch in regular economy is a respectable 32 inches, and seats are a roomy 19 inches wide. When it’s time to relax after meal service, you’ll find the seatback able to recline six inches, which is quite a deep angle rarely found outside of premium economy class. (But don’t worry, the seatback entertainment screens have adjustable angles so you can keep watching even if the person in front of you fully tilts back.) Just like aboard Emirates’ A380, Singapore’s economy class on this double-decker plane is laid out in a 3-4-3 seating chart, but with the A380’s wider body and higher ceilings, it shouldn’t feel too crowded. Extra touch points at the seats adding to the convenience and comfort include a cup holder to free up the tray table space, phone storage, and a soft six-way headrest. You can find the A380 on the airline's long-haul routes from Singapore to Hong Kong , London , Tokyo, and Melbourne, as well as its fifth freedom flights between New York and Frankfurt, among other destinations.

By Emily Pennington

By Charlie Hobbs

By Kaitlin Menza

By CNT Editors

The exterior rows of Hawaiian's A330 main cabin are ideal for couples hoping to avoid the middle seat, thanks to its 2-4-2 configuration.

Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330

These efficient Airbus jets fly the majority of Hawaiian’s long-haul routes, like its nonstop flights from New York and Boston to Honolulu (which may not technically be international flights, but at more than 11 hours each they are two of the longest domestic flights in the US). Seats in the A330’s Main Cabin offer 31 inches of pitch, which is quite a bit tighter than what other airlines offer on this list. But if you can score a seat on the edges of the cabin, your spot is likely to feel a bit more spacious. That’s because the rows are laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration, making the seats nearest the windows on either side a prime pick for couples or other travel duos for a comfortable ride to and from the islands. All 192 economy seats also offer 17.6 inches of seat width and a four-inch recline. If you’re worried about legroom, you could spring for one of the 68 Extra Comfort seats, which offer 36 inches of pitch, but those usually cost a couple hundred dollars extra on the airline’s longer routes.

Delta Boeing 767-400ER

With an average age clocking in at more than 23 years old, Delta’s Boeing 767-400ERs are certainly older planes. But when it comes to comfort in economy class, don’t count out these workhorse jets that fly many of Delta’s transatlantic routes out of Atlanta and New York JFK, among other long hauls. The Main Cabin on these old-reliables accommodate 156 seats that each offer 31 to 32 inches of legroom pitch, 18 inches of seat width, and three to four inches of recline. What’s more, the seating chart is configured in a 2-3-2 layout, eliminating middle seats on the edges of the cabin for more breathing space near the windows. Additional features like an adjustable headrest, USB ports, and a sizable entertainment screen make the flight feel smoother, even from the cheapest seats.

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The double-level airplane seat is back. This time, there's a first-class version

CHICAGO -- It's the airplane seat design that launched a thousand memes, kickstarted a media storm and became a byword for innovation in aviation, for better or for worse.

And now the double-level airplane seat is back - only this time, with a twist.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Designer Alejandro Núñez Vicente remains a fervent believer that two-level seating is the future of flying. He's spent his twenties - all five years of them so far - perfecting his vision for economy class dual-level seating. Now he's focused on the next iteration of his dream: a luxury version for first-class and business-class passengers.

"Now that we know economy works, and now that's moving forward, we thought, 'Why not go to the other end of the cabin and do a business-class/first-class hybrid?' says Núñez Vicente, speaking to CNN Travel at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, one of the world's biggest aviation shows, where he's showcasing the latest iteration of his design.

The crux of Núñez Vicente's vision remains the same: removing the overhead locker to create two levels of airplane seating in one cabin - with one passenger seated directly below another.

But while the economy class concept imagines three seats on the top and bottom rows, this new concept, called "elevated class," envisages just one seat on the bottom row, and two on the top in a couch-style configuration. Each row is designed to be secluded, private and include the luxury trappings of elite travel - lie-flat bed, privacy and copious leg room.

The goal, according to Núñez Vicente?

"To make more space for more seats in the airplane. But also give the passengers an even better experience than they get today in business or first class."

'No such thing as bad publicity'

This is Núñez Vicente's third time showcasing his vision at AIX in Hamburg. Following CNN Travel exclusives in 2022 and 2023 , the economy iteration of his design attracted a lot of attention, chatter and controversy.

On late-night chat shows and message boards alike, would-be passengers debated fears of claustrophobia, questions about safety and accessibility - and just generally recoiled at the idea of being in close physical proximity to another traveler.

But Núñez Vicente remains unperturbed by criticism, a steadfast believer in the old adage that "there's no such thing as bad publicity."

"Most of the things that changed the world are normally from radical people that come with a crazy idea - like Steve Jobs with the iPhone," says Núñez Vicente.

A lot of the comments were in jest, he suggests, rather than serious or constructive criticism. They were mostly about what would happen if passengers passed wind.

And while Núñez Vicente appreciates that the average "person on the street," might think he's "crazy" - within the aviation industry, his reputation is growing.

Núñez Vicente won't name any names, but he says a handful of "big players" are seriously interested in developing the economy concept (that's why there's no economy prototype on display at this year's AIX - Núñez Vicente says any further development will happen behind closed doors).

Meanwhile Núñez Vicente and his business partner and girlfriend Clara Service Soto are regularly approached with "dream job" offers from airlines and seat manufacturers (all turned down - they're committed to making the original vision a reality).

And at this - his third Aircraft Interiors Expo - Núñez Vicente's latest prototype neighbors some of the biggest players in the airplane seat world - Recaro and Safran. Plus, Chaise Longue is now sponsored by Tapis - a company that supplies high-quality fabrics for aircraft interiors - and this year's prototype is kitted out in luxury materials.

"We're talking to the biggest players," says Núñez Vicente."They know this is going to happen sooner or later."

First class travel

While his detractors suggest his sole goal is to make airlines more money and cram more seats on planes, Núñez Vicente insists he's always been on a quest for "more comfort."

While Núñez Vicente is now on his way to becoming an aviation insider, Chaise Longue is still a start-up, run by Nunez Vicente and Service Soto with help from their supportive families. And it's not long since Núñez Vicente first entered the industry as a 21-year-old student - the original Chaise Longue was simply a college project inspired by a slew of uncomfortable economy flights.

At 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters), Núñez Vicente was used to cramped airplane journeys in which he struggled for legroom and struggled to sleep. He figured by removing the seat row directly in front, and putting it on top instead, travelers could stretch out their legs in front of them and enjoy more leg room.

The fact this concept could also "give the airline a new revenue stream or a new way to make more money out of those passengers or put more seats in" is a bonus - although Núñez Vicente is aware it's an attractive bonus for airlines.

He's also aware that airlines historically invest money in premium products - not economy class. It's not for nothing that every airline's economy class is more or less identical, whereas business class and first class come in all sorts of swanky forms - from Singapore Airlines' double bed suite in the sky to Emirates' virtual reality windows .

Enter Chaise Longue's "elevated class" which Núñez Vicente calls a "first-class experience with a business-class layout." It's part of Núñez Vicente's quest to "revolutionize the entire aircraft" - first economy, now the premier cabins.

He's also trying to move away from the "double decker" and "double level" label, suggesting the concept could be referred to as "3D seating." While Núñez Vicente envisages a future where dual level seating exists throughout the aircraft, he's not proposing airlines get rid of regular seats altogether. He imagines the Chaise Longue seats in the middle of each cabin, flanked by regular seating on either side.

Testing out the concept

At AIX 2024, CNN Travel was the first to test out the newest Chaise Longue prototype. It's smaller than last year's prototype - only three seats on display versus last year's twelve. At first glance, the concept seems more conventional - although the dual level concept remains integral to the design and strikingly different from anything you're currently experiencing on an aircraft.

First up: trialing the lower level. The aim for this bottom seat, says Núñez Vicente, was to create "a fully private space that can be completely enclosed all the way from the top to the bottom." It's a spacious seat that converts into a lie-flat bed - and like the economy iteration, there's a roomy footwell allowing you to stretch out your legs in front of you underneath the upper level.

While last year's economy prototype's lower level felt pretty claustrophobic - this concept leans more towards secluded and private than narrow and oppressive. Of course, it's hard to actually judge how you'd actually feel knowing someone was seated directly above you - but the spaciousness and seclusion of having your own compartment makes it seem like it'd be pretty easy to switch off and get some sleep on a long-haul flight. There's also less of a sense of the upper level being directly in your eyeline - instead, there's a wall with space for a TV screen, which is a good couple of meters away.

The Chaise Longue concept involves eradicating the overhead lockers - a concept which seems less outrageous in a premium class, where alternative storage areas like closets are more common. In Núñez Vicente's design, there's plenty of space underneath the seat and underneath the footwell to store large suitcases.

Next up, the upper level - which offers an extra-wide seat, lie-flat seat that could accommodate one passenger looking for a bit more space, or two passengers who are happy getting cozy. It's a couch-style set-up that could be ideal for travelers traveling with a plus-one.

"We wanted to make the experience as homey as possible," says Núñez Vicente of this upper level. "The amount of real estate that you're getting is so much bigger than the one you would get in any business or first class."

Núñez Vicente is aware the upper level, which is reached by walking up steps, won't be appropriate for some passengers, but says the spacious lower level has been designed to be accessible to wheelchair users, anyone with reduced mobility and people traveling with service animals. He also insists the upper level would be safe, despite the proximity to the ceiling, and encourages passengers to wear seatbelts.

It's hard to judge whether the top or bottom level seat is more appealing. From trialing both options, it seems like the lower level might be more suitable for sleeping on a long-haul flight, while the top level could be more appealing for a daytime flight spent watching movies and relaxing on the coach-style seat.

Still, some might argue neither seat is as appealing as a straightforward, swanky first-class or business-class suite in a regular cabin configuration - where all the seats remain on one level. As a designer, Núñez Vicente says he would "never put a price" on either seat row, suggesting that's an airline's job.

Awaiting feedback

Núñez Vicente is excited to get feedback from airlines at AIX ("up to 85% of the seat is customizable," he says, and any airline who invested in the product could put their own stamp on the design). He knows the Chaise Longue's quest for airworthiness might be a long road, but he's confident it could be a reality one day - and airline feedback is integral to that.

He's still passionate about improving the experience for economy flyers, and says even if the "elevated class" Chaise Longue makes it off the ground first, he'll continue to work to make the economy class a reality.

He's also curious to hear what the general public has to say on the concept too. He hopes this premium version will be less maligned, but admits that you never do know.

"We will put our reputation on the line, again, and see how it turns out," he says. "Every year that passes we are putting our reputation, our name in the aviation industry on the line to see if we can really make a change."

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Want a free upgrade to first class? The only hack is your wallet. | Cruising Altitude

• Don't expect to get a free upgrade anymore.
• Airlines have gotten smarter about pricing their premium cabins.
• You can pay for an upgrade, use miles or buy extra legroom seating.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch, and no matter what the internet may try to tell you, there’s also basically no such thing as a free upgrade on a plane anymore. 

You can’t “hack” your way into the pointy end of the plane by wearing a collared shirt or flirting with your flight attendant . You’re not going to get a lie-flat bed by asking nicely at the gate, and no one is popping Dom Perignon as a predeparture beverage for you just because you think you have a strategic check-in time.

“It’s just not going to happen,” Brett Snyder, author of the blog Cranky Flier and owner of the travel agency Cranky Concierge, told me. 

Part of the problem is airplanes are just fuller now than they used to be, and airlines have gotten smarter about pricing their seats.

“First class fares used to be so high that people wouldn’t buy them, and instead you just had massive numbers of elite upgrades and all different sorts of people sitting up there that weren’t paying for it, they were just getting it as a perk,” Snyder said. “At some point, the airlines realized, if we start pricing this as a fare upsell, we can get people to actually pay for these seats. Now you have a lot fewer seats that are available for an upgrade because people are buying.” 

As someone who has paid cash more than once to upgrade, I can vouch for this. Suppose the price is reasonable and I’m feeling generous to myself at the check-in counter. In that case, I’ll happily spend the extra money to guarantee myself a more comfortable seat, especially on a long flight.

It cuts the other way, too. I once flew overnight from New York to Paris and was willing to spend a few hundred dollars to upgrade myself to a lie-flat seat at the gate if the option was available. The airline quoted me almost $1,000 to upgrade, and the seats wound up occupied by non-paying passengers who worked for the airline instead. From the perspective of the airline’s bottom line and my own comfort, that was a bad pricing decision.

“If people had too much ability to upgrade travelers at the gate (for free) or whatever it was, that was likely something that was leaving money on the table for them,” Snyder said.

So, how can you get upgraded? There are no hacks, but here’s my advice.

“The best way to get a premium seat is to pay for it. This is not rocket science, this is kind of basic,” Snyder told me. “That’s what it comes down to. The majority of seats and the majority of people who sit in the front cabins are paying for it. That’s the most surefire way to make sure you’re going to get it.” 

You just can’t count on getting an upgrade when so many people are willing and able to pay for the luxury. Airlines are also pricing their premium cabins more liberally now. Business travel still has not fully bounced back to its pre-pandemic levels, but there’s been strong and steady demand in the premium leisure segment, and airlines have taken note. They’ve priced things to entice people to buy up during their personal travel, even when their company isn’t footing the bill.

You can, of course, pay right at the beginning of your booking by buying a premium ticket when you first get your flights, but you should also keep an eye on cash upgrade offers right up until departure time. You never know what the airline revenue management gods will make available. 

Pay (but differently)

“But Zach,” I hear you saying, “I’m an ultra-elite frequent flyer, and I get free upgrades all the time.”

To which I say: No, you don’t.

You may not be paying out of pocket for those upgrade perks at the gate, but that doesn’t mean you’re not paying for them at all. To get frequent flyer status, you need to spend a bunch of money with the airline or an even bigger bunch of money on one of its co-branded credit cards, which likely also has a hefty annual fee.

Cruising Altitude: Don't bother with an airline loyalty program if you're this traveler.

One way or the other, you’re paying for that upgrade, even if it’s not directly.

Frequent flyers also usually have lots of loyalty points, which, again, they have to pay to earn, but those points or miles can be useful for securing upgrades.

“You can also use miles to upgrade, even if you don’t have status,” Snyder said. In addition to cash upgrades, airlines often let you redeem miles for buy-ups to premium cabins.

Pay (but less)

Maybe you’ve decided it’s just too much effort or too financially taxing to upgrade yourself to business class, and that’s OK. You have other options.

“You can always pay for extra legroom seating, but depending on the airline, that can be a very modest upsell,” Snyder said.

It’s usually not as expensive to upgrade from a regular economy seat to an extra-legroom economy seat, and if all you care about is a little more knee space, this can be a good option. 

“Don’t expect that you’re going to be able to game the system and find this magical loophole. It’s just not going to happen. So figure out what you’re OK with and make sure you have that arrangement before you get to the airport,” Snyder said. “If you’re booking something you absolutely cannot tolerate – you’re 7 feet tall and book coach on Spirit, don’t do that.” 

If you’re determined not to pay for anything above the lowest economy fare, you can always pray for an empty adjacent seat. 

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

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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The NAACP calls on American Airlines to investigate recent discrimination incidents

Jonathan Franklin

The NAACP is calling on American Airlines to provide an update on the pending investigations involving passengers and claims of racial discrimination. Here, the American Airlines logo stands atop the American Airlines Center on Dec. 19, 2017, in Dallas. Michael Ainsworth/AP hide caption

Following the news of a recent lawsuit filed by three Black men accusing American Airlines of racial discrimination, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization is calling on the airline to make some serious changes.

In a statement Tuesday from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) President and CEO Derrick Johnson, the organization is calling on American Airlines to provide an update on the open investigation into a slew of incidents involving customers and airline staff that have surfaced over the last few months.

Johnson says that, as of this week, the airline’s leadership has been silent about providing any type of update on the incidents.

"Recent discriminatory actions from company employees prove that there is a dire need for continued accountability and resolution to this clear pattern," Johnson says.

In addition, Johnson called for the airline's leadership to reinstate its advisory council, which investigated cases of discrimination so that all customers would have "equitable experiences" when flying on the airline.

American Airlines faces a discrimination suit after removing 8 Black men from flight

If, however, the airline does not respond to the recent incidents and lawsuits, Johnson says the civil rights organization will be forced to reinstate an advisory against the airline.

American Airlines did not respond to NPR's latest request for comment regarding the NAACP's call for action.

Concerns involving instances of discrimination have followed American Airlines for several years, which resulted in the NAACP issuing an advisory warning in 2017 for Black travelers to be cautious about flying on the airline.

At the time, American's chairman responded by saying the company does not "and will not tolerate discrimination of any kind," and the advisory was lifted the following year. But years later, the airline would yet again, face several instances of alleged racial discrimination.

Just last month, three Black men filed a lawsuit against American Airlines, alleging they were victims of “blatant and egregious racial discrimination” after being removed from a flight.

In a lawsuit filed in federal court on May 29, the three plaintiffs — Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph and Xavier Veal — say that they and five other Black male passengers were removed from an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport in January “without any valid reason, based solely on their race.”

2 flight attendants sue United Airlines for discrimination on Dodgers charter flights

The men eventually discovered the reason behind their removal — an employee said someone complained about body odor on the plane. Jackson, Joseph and Veal say they were not told they had body odor, according to the lawsuit. The eight men did not know each other and were not seated together on the flight.

In a statement to NPR in response to the incident, American Airlines said it takes all claims of discrimination "very seriously" and wants customers to have a "positive experience" when they fly with it.

And in February, Pamela Hill-Veal, who is Black, said she was discriminated against after a flight attendant allegedly confronted her after she used the plane’s first-class restroom on a first class flight from Chicago to Phoenix.

Hill-Veal said that while on that flight, one of the American's flight attendants stopped her as she returned to her seat — and accused her of slamming the restroom door.

American Airlines passenger alleges discrimination over use of first-class restroom

"The flight attendant stopped me as I was returning to my seat and told me I 'slammed the restroom door and I was not to do it again since passengers were sleeping on the plane,' " Hill-Veal said in an interview with NPR. She said she never slammed the door.

In response to Hill-Veal's incident, American Airlines said in a statement that it had been in contact with her to learn more about her experience. But when asked whether it was considering changes in training or policy for its staff, the airline did not respond.

Johnson is encouraging the Black community to continue to “stand up and speak out” against discrimination.

"Let’s be clear— traveling while Black should not be characterized by humiliation and disparate interruptions. While we recognize a brand’s ability to evolve beyond mistakes of the past, part of that evolution includes continued accountability for any deviation from core values," he says.

• American Airlines

Q&A on Trump’s Criminal Conviction

By Robert Farley , D'Angelo Gore , Lori Robertson and Eugene Kiely

Posted on May 31, 2024

Este artículo estará disponible en español en El Tiempo Latino .

Donald Trump became the first U.S. president, current or former, to be convicted of a criminal offense when a 12-person jury in New York on May 30 found him guilty on 34 felony counts of business fraud as part of an illegal scheme to influence the 2016 election by making payments to suppress a sordid tale of sex with a porn star.

The unprecedented conviction raises questions about what’s next for the 77-year-old man who is in line to become the Republican Party’s nominee for president in 2024.

In remarks at Trump Tower a day after his conviction, Trump called the United States “ a corrupt country ” and declared that he would be “ appealing this scam .”

(Trump also repeated many of the false, misleading and unsupported claims he has made about the judge, the judge’s rulings, the district attorney and other issues related to the trial. For more about Trump’s talking points, see our May 30 article, “ Trump’s Repeated Claims on His New York Hush Money Trial .” He also repeated false and unsubstantiated claims on other issues, such as taxes and migrants .)

Here, we answer some of the questions raised by the former president’s conviction:

What are the next steps in the case? What punishment could Trump face? Will he go to prison? Can Trump vote in the 2024 election? Can a felon run for president, hold office? Can Trump pardon himself on this conviction, if he wins?

What are the next steps in the case?

Sentencing and an appeal are up next in this case.

Sentencing by Justice Juan Merchan is scheduled for July 11. Before that date, a probation officer or someone in that department will interview Trump, and potentially others involved in the case or connected to Trump, and prepare  a pre-sentence report  for the judge. The report includes the personal history and criminal record of the defendant, and it recommends what sentence the defendant should receive, according to the New York State Unified Court System.

“The pre-sentence interview is a chance for the defendant to try to make a good impression and explain why he or she deserves a lighter punishment,” the state court system explains.

Trump’s lawyers have to wait until after the sentencing to appeal the conviction. First, Trump’s lawyers will file motions before the judge “in a couple weeks” saying why they found the trial to be “unfair,” Trump’s defense attorney Todd Blanche  told CNN  hours after the guilty verdict.

Cheryl Bader , a clinical associate professor of law at Fordham University School of Law, said these motions are typical when a defendant is convicted. The defense attorneys will ask the judge to overturn the jury’s conviction. “It’s rarely, rarely granted, and I don’t think there’s a chance that will happen in this case,” she told us in a phone interview.

Blanche told CNN that if the motions aren’t successful, “then as soon as we can appeal, we will. And the process in New York is there’s a sentencing, and then — and then we appeal from there.”

Bader, a former assistant U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, walked us through the appeals process. “The case is considered completed at sentencing,” she said. “At that point, his lawyers file a notice of appeal … letting the court know that he intends to appeal.”

At that point, they will also request a “stay” on the sentence, meaning a pause on imposing the sentence while the case is being appealed.

This appeal goes to the  Appellate Division, First Judicial Department  in Manhattan. The appeals court doesn’t retry the case. “They’re not going to substitute their judgment on the facts for the jury’s judgment,” Bader explained. Instead, “they’re looking for where there was error that would have led to an improper prosecution or an unfair trial.”

The appeals process would take several months to a year, she said. After the notice of appeal is given, the record of the case is gathered, including trial transcripts, the indictment, pretrial motions, evidentiary rulings, jury selection and instructions, and more. Trump could also appeal the sentencing. The lawyers need to write their arguments for all of the issues they’re objecting to, and that takes time, Bader said.

And then the appeals court needs to consider the case and write a decision on it.

If Trump ultimately isn’t successful at the appellate level, he can appeal to the highest court in New York state, which is called the  Court of Appeals . But the court decides whether or not it takes the case.

After such an appeal to the highest state court, the case would be over — unless Trump tries to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. But there has to be a U.S. constitutional issue for that. “I don’t see one,” Bader said, but perhaps Trump’s lawyers would try to make an argument.

What punishment could Trump face? Will he go to prison?

Whether Trump is sentenced to any time in prison is up to the judge.

Each of the 34 counts of  falsifying business records in the first degree , a class E felony, carries a maximum sentence of up to  four years in prison . The judge could decide to impose the sentences consecutively or simultaneously. However, under New York law,  20 years  is the maximum prison time that Trump could get — not 187 years, as Trump  falsely claimed  in his May 31 remarks.

Norman Eisen , a CNN legal analyst and a senior fellow in governance studies for the Brookings Institution, said that “in the most serious” cases of business records falsification in New York that he studied, “a sentence of imprisonment was routinely imposed.” Trump’s case “is the most serious one in NY history,”  he wrote  on X, predicting that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin “Bragg will likely ask for incarceration & Merchan will consider it.”

While possible, Bader, with Fordham’s School of Law, told us she doesn’t think incarceration will happen.

For a first-time convicted felon, with a low-level, nonviolent felony and a person of advanced age, “under any circumstance like that, there’d be a relatively low chance of incarceration,” she said.

“On the other hand, I could see the prosecutor arguing that here’s a man who has shown disrespect for the court system and the rule of law and has violated the court’s orders on numerous occasions. He is not remorseful. And that in order to promote general deterrence, he needs to be punished,” she said in describing a possible argument from the prosecutor.

Bader said any incarceration sentence “would be only a token amount of time to make the point that Trump is not above the law.” Other sentencing possibilities include probation or a “conditional discharge” with conditions other than incarceration or probation.

The “simplest” option might be for the judge to fine Trump, she said.

Can Trump vote in the 2024 election?

Yes, Trump can vote as long as he is not in jail on Election Day, which this year is on Nov. 5.

Trump owns homes in New York and Florida, but in 2019 he changed his primary residence to Florida. However, Florida law does not apply in Trump’s case because he was convicted in New York. Instead, New York law applies.

“If you were convicted outside Florida, your voting rights are governed by the state where you were convicted,” as the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida explains on its website.

In 2021, New York state enacted a law that “restores the right to vote for a person convicted of a felony upon release from incarceration, regardless of if they are on parole or have a term of post-release supervision,” the New York State Board of Elections says . “If a convicted felon is not incarcerated, they are eligible to register to vote.”

Can a felon run for president, hold office?

Yes. According to Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 of the U.S. Constitution, there are three qualifications to serve as president: He or she must be at least 35 years old upon taking office, a U.S. resident for at least 14 years and a “natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States.”

“These qualifications are understood to be exclusive,” Josh Chafetz , a Georgetown University law professor, told us last year when we were writing about Trump’s federal indictment related to allegations of mishandling sensitive classified documents after he left office. “Anyone can be president so long as they meet the constitutional qualifications and do not trigger any constitutional disqualifications.”

“Someone can run for president while under indictment or even having been convicted and serving prison time,” said Chafetz, who pointed to the example of Eugene V. Debs, the late labor leader, who, in 1920, ran for president from prison on the Socialist Party ticket and got almost 1 million votes.

There is an exception to that rule. The Constitution says in Section 3 of the 14th Amendment that no U.S. officeholder, including the president, can serve if they are convicted of “engag[ing] in insurrection or rebellion” against the U.S. — something Trump has not been charged with either in this case or the three others he faces.

Six Colorado voters successfully sued in state court to prevent Trump from appearing on that state’s ballot, citing the constitutional amendment barring insurrectionists from holding federal office. But the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the state ruling, “[b]ecause the Constitution makes Congress, rather than the States, responsible for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates.”

Can Trump pardon himself on this conviction, if he wins?

The short answer is no.

Trump was convicted in New York for offenses in violation of state law. Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution states that a president has the “[p]ower to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the United States.” According to Constitution Annotated , a government-sanctioned record of the interpretations of the Constitution, that means the power extends to “federal crimes but not state or civil wrongs.”

In a case decided in 1925, Ex parte Grossman , the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed that interpretation, writing that the Constitution’s language specifying presidential pardon power for offenses “against the United States” was “presumably to make clear that the pardon of the President was to operate upon offenses against the United States as distinguished from offenses against the States.”

The New York governor has the power to pardon Trump for his conviction of crimes under state law. That’s currently Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat. After the verdict, Republican Rep. Nick LaLota called on Hochul “to immediately announce her intention to pardon President Trump and pre-emptively commute any sentence. To not do so is to allow America to become a banana republic.” Hochul released a statement on May 30 saying, “Today’s verdict reaffirms that no one is above the law.”

Editor’s note: FactCheck.org does not accept advertising. We rely on grants and individual donations from people like you. Please consider a donation. Credit card donations may be made through  our “Donate” page . If you prefer to give by check, send to: FactCheck.org, Annenberg Public Policy Center, 202 S. 36th St., Philadelphia, PA 19104. 

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Cheap Flights to Elektrostal - Elektrostal Flights

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Top Attractions in Elektrostal

Electrostal history and art museum, statue of lenin, park of culture and leisure, museum and exhibition center.

Order of Lenin Moscow Air Defence District

Ордена Ленина Московский округ ПВО

Military Unit: 64178

Commanders:

• Marshal of the Soviet Union Kirill Semenovich Moskalenko, 1948 - 1953
• Colonel-General Nikolay Nikiforovich Nagornyy, 1953 - 1954
• Marshal of the Soviet Union Pavel Fedorovich Batitskiy, 1954 - 7.66
• Colonel-General Vasiliy Vasilevich Okunev, 7.66 - 8.70
• Marshal of Aviation Aleksandr Ivanovich Koldunov, 8.70 - 1975
• Colonel-General Boris Viktorovich Bochkov, 1975 - 1980
• Marshal of Aviation Anatoliy Ustinovich Konstantinov, 1980 - 1987
• Colonel-General Vladimir Georgievich Tsarkov, 1987 - 1989
• General of the Army Viktor Alekseevich Prudnikov, 1989 - 8.91
• General of the Army Anatoliy Mikhaylovich Kornukov, 8.91 - 1998
• Colonel-General G.B. Vasilev, 1998 - 2002
• Colonel-General Yuriy V. Solovev, from 2002

Activated 1948 in Moscow, Moscow Oblast, as the Moscow Air Defence Region , from the North-Western Air Defence District.

1950 renamed Moscow Air Defence District .

Organisation 1955:

• 37th Fighter Aviation Corps PVO (Morsansk, Tambov Oblast)
• 56th Fighter Aviation Corps PVO (Yaroslavl, Yaroslavl Oblast)
• 78th Guards Fighter Aviation Corps PVO (Bryansk, Bryansk Oblast)
• 88th Fighter Aviation Corps PVO (Rzhev, Kalinin Oblast)
• 151st Guards Fighter Aviation Division PVO (Klin, Moscow Oblast)
• 38th independent Reconnaissance Aviation Squadron (Rzhev, Kalinin Oblast)
• 182nd independent Reconnaissance Aviation Squadron
• 90th independent Transport Aviation Squadron (Stupino, Moscow Oblast)
• 1st Guards Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division (Maryino-Znamenskoye, Moscow Oblast)
• 52nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division (Biryulevo, Moscow Oblast)
• 74th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division (Mytishchi, Moscow Oblast)
• 76th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division (Skolkovo, Moscow Oblast)
• 78th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division (Gorkiy, Gorkiy Oblast)
• 80th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division (Moscow (Lenin Hills), Moscow Oblast)
• 96th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division (Panki, Moscow Oblast)
• 48th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment (Yaroslavl, Yaroslavl Oblast)
• 80th Guards Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment (Tula, Tula Oblast)
• 108th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment (Voronezh, Voronezh Oblast)
• 387th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment (Sarov, Gorkiy Oblast)
• 389th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment (Bezhitsa, Bryansk Oblast)
• 393th Guards Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment (Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast)
• 532nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment (Smolensk, Smolensk Oblast)
• 1225th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment (Gorkiy, Gorkiy Oblast)
• 1287th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment (Shcherbaki, Kalinin Oblast)
• 92nd independent Regiment for Radar Countermeasures (Moscow, Moscow Oblast)

Organisation 1962:

• 118th Communications Center (Moscow, Moscow Oblast)
• 6th independent Radio-Technical Regiment (Klin, Moscow Oblast)
• 436th independent Transport Aviation Regiment (Stupino, Moscow Oblast)
• 103rd independent Communications and Radio-Technical Support Company (Stupino, Moscow Oblast)
• 2367th independent Radio-Relay Battalion (Nemchinovka, Moscow Oblast)
• 52nd independent Airfield Engineer Battalion (Kosterevo, Moscow Oblast)
• 1470th independent Engineer Battalion (Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast)
• 193rd independent Transport Battalion (Moscow, Moscow Oblast)
• 1st Air Defence Army for Special Use (Balashikha, Moscow Oblast)
• 2nd Air Defence Corps (Rzhev, Rzhev Oblast)
• 3rd Air Defence Corps (Yaroslavl, Yaroslavl Oblast)
• 7th Air Defence Corps (Bryansk, Bryansk Oblast)
• 18th Air Defence Division (Gorkiy, Gorkiy Oblast)

Awarded the Order of Lenin 22.6.68.

Organisation 1970:

• 16th Air Defence Corps (Gorkiy, Gorkiy Oblast)

Organisation 1980:

• 712th Data Center (Moscow, Moscow Oblast)

Organisation 1988:

1998 renamed Moscow Air Force and Air Defence District.

2002 renamed Special Purpose Troop Command.

• Moscow, Moscow Oblast, 1948 - today [55 45 59N, 37 38 22E]

Subordination:

• GK PVO, 1948 - 7.98
• GK VVS and PVO, 7.98 - today