First Class Flights Reservations

First Class is a category offered by airlines in which the passengers are provided luxury seating that is more spacious, comfortable and comes with additional services than other travel classes. The amenities offered in first class ranges from private suites to onboard showers, and vary from airline to airline.

Yes, first class flights are expensive and cost more than business class, premium economy and economy class. In fact, the cost of first class plane tickets may cost as much as 70% more than economy class, and may be much costlier for international flights. The airlines charge high prices for maintaining luxurious standards. A sense of exclusivity is instantly created for passengers travelling in first class.

First class airplane travel always comes with princely treatment, pampering and coveted perks, and customers are even willing to pay for it. The perks include dedicated security lanes, priority boarding, priority check-in, priority disembarking, extra baggage allowance, menus of fine dining quality and dishes created by Michelin-starred chefs, flat bed, bedding, pyjamas, eye masks, in-flight WiFi, a private TV screen, showers, expensive gift bags, special access to first-class airport lounges, complimentary chauffeur driven limo service to/from airport to hotel, and turn-down service.

There is confusion among many people regarding the domestic first class and what it actually entails. The first class on domestic routes is mostly offered on widebody aircrafts, usually on transcontinental flights or between major hub cities. The seats are quite spacious than a recliner seat with few extra inches of legroom. The amenities offered are much less than those offered on international flights. However, flying in spacious seats of domestic first class is surely more comfortable experience than travelling in economy class. It also sometimes comes with a complimentary upgrade, or offered at a reasonable price. Whenever flying domestic first class you need to be fully prepared with moderate expectations considering the fact that the flying experience will be indeed comfortable, but will be devoid of many of the luxury trappings offered on long-haul international flights due to shorter duration on most domestic routes.

The first class plane tickets price will vary depending on the destination, time of ticket purchase and airline. The cost of first class tickets for domestic flights in the USA will be at least $1,300 on average. However, for international roundtrip flights from the USA, the average cost will be the following: Hawaii - $2,200, Europe - $3,500, South America - $3,500, Asia - $3,800, India - $5,000, Australia - $5,800, and Africa - $5,800.

The first class flights offered by major U.S. airlines include Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

Most major airlines in the United States have their own versions of first class, with many amenities being similar such as complimentary food and drinks, priority check-in, priority boarding and more spacious seats. However, the specifics will vary between airlines. Apart from the basic first class perks, the offerings to the passengers with first class tickets provided by each airline are the following:

Delta Airlines: First Class offerings by Delta Airlines include premium seats with ample legroom, priority boarding and deplaning, access to complimentary premium entertainment with Delta Studio where available, premium menu offerings (on select flights), healthier snacks, Starbucks coffee, plus complimentary beer, wine and spirits, and Wi-Fi where available, and personalized service.

American Airlines: Passengers with American Airlines first class flight tickets will be enjoying perks like lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, welcome drink before takeoff, multi-course meals, bedding, amenity kits, power outlets and USB ports at every seat, spa showers, expedited check-in and security, and access to International First Class lounges and Admirals Club lounges. Domestic first class on most flights offers a larger leather recliner seat, complimentary drinks, snacks and dining.

United Airlines: United First passengers are provided complimentary alcoholic beverages and meals, priority boarding, and security line access premier access to airport travel services, free in-flight entertainment, two complimentary checked baggage and amenity kits.

Hawaiian Airlines: The passengers booking first class flights are offered access to Hawaiian Airlines’ Premier Clubs, expedited check-in, two complimentary checked bags with priority baggage handling, and free access to TV and movies.

Alaska Airlines: First class tickets purchased with Alaska Airlines come with two free check baggage, expedited check-in and security, free Alaska Lounge access, and 75 percent more Mileage Plus bonus miles.

There are various ways in which you can get upgraded to first class. Loyalty pays. Consider flying with the same airline regularly and get access to the airline’s frequent flyer program, which will help you in getting an upgrade. If you have purchased economy ticket then get an upgrade by using reward points or frequent flyer miles. Many airlines also allow passengers to bid on an upgraded seat after they have purchased a ticket for travel in economy class, premium economy and business class.