The average American frequent flyer paying for domestic First Class? That is a total myth according to the rest of the world. The United States is the land of the upgrade list, that special beast which allows people to be upgraded from Coach for free. American Airlines Executive Platinum flyers gain unlimited upgrades while other high tier members below this receive 500 mile upgrade certificates which are redeemed for upgrades.
For those of us from other countries, how does American’s domestic First Class stack up?
You’re Not Really Paying For First Class
Domestic First Class in the USA is the equivalent of Business Class in many other countries so you are really paying for Business Class. The hard product is most similar to the Qantas Domestic Business Class product in Australia and it is better than European airlines who use Economy Class seats with a middle seat free.
Cabins On Board
American Airlines features a variety of different cabin configurations. The best are found on the new Airbus 320 and Airbus 321 aircraft as the First Class cabin features seat back in flight entertainment. The Boeing 737 interiors are nice but have been the same for well over a decade at this stage. The former US Airways fleet has the worst cabin which looks tired, unloved and basic.
Lounge Access
First Class passengers flying domestically within the United States on American Airlines do not receive complimentary lounge access unless flying on selected transcontinental routes. You need to be a member of the Admirals Club or purchase a day pass in order to gain access. Virtually everywhere else, a domestic Business Class ticket will come with lounge access included.
Tables and Towels
The tray tables available are similar to other airlines, coming out from the arm rest and featuring a split design. It is designed to allow you to get out of your seat while still in the middle of a meal. You can also use it as a side table.
Food and Drink
Pre-departure beverages are generally offered on American Airlines. This is a selling point as many airlines do not offer this domestically. Drinks come in plastic tumblers and while glass would be nicer most airlines save the glass for international services.
Connectivity and Entertainment
Wireless Internet is offered on almost all of American Airlines domestic flights. The United States leads the world in this respect and I have never come across this service anywhere else domestically. It is still rare internationally with airlines such as Aer Lingus leading the pack here.
Seatback entertainment is offered on some American Airlines domestic aircraft, others have flip down screens and other still have no entertainment at all. Once again the various aircraft make for a varying experience which is confusing for the passenger.
Ice Cream Time
Longer domestic sectors feature an Ice Cream Sundae for dessert after the meal. Showmanship is not dead in aviation as the crew wheel out a trolley topped with all the makings of a sundae and you are invited to choose what you want.
Overall Thoughts
Considering all the elements I would have to conclude that American Airlines domestic First Class is worth paying for. Despite the lack of lounge access, the various elements of the service such as the food, drinks and dessert really contribute to the premium experience. These respects, coupled with the dedicated seating, arguably make the product better than that offered throughout Europe. Qantas in Australia has a better domestic Business Class service as they offer Champagne, lounge access and a more consistent product, but that is the exception rather than the rule.
Wi-fi connectivity is brilliant and if you are lucky to get an aircraft with seat back entertainment you will find something interesting to watch. I always pay for American Airlines domestic First Class and find it to be a world class product. You won’t regret paying for this! Thanks for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Trent, the reason for the plastic cups prior to departure is so that the flight crew doesn’t feel rushed to pick them up. In the US, it’s required by law that all flight service items (glass, china, entertainment) are picked up prior to departure. It’s a safety and liability thing. Small plastic cups can’t cause injury so airlines offer them before takeoff.
Great summary!
-Max
Max, that’s similar to what happens in Europe. When you still have some of your drink left and it’s 10 minutes to landing, the crew will decant your drink into a plastic tumbler and you can sip it all through landing to the gate if you like.
Thanks for the comment!
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Hi. First time flying first class on any plane. Flying American from San Fran to Miami, and then to Costa Rica. Not sure what type of plane, but I have first choice of seats…nothing else booked up yet. There were 16 seats in first class. Seems like something popped up about swivel arm rest not available in the first row. I booked the second row. However, does the first row have more leg room? I haven’t told my husband I booked first class, so want the best seat possible! Thoughts?
I only just saw this here – there are no real bad seats in first class. Usually sitting at the front of the cabin is better than the back as people think there is noise from economy class babies who may be in the bassinets at the front of economy if the aircraft has them. You should be fine in the second row. Sometimes the first row has less leg room as the bulkhead prevents you stretching your legs whereas row 2 has space under the seat in front. You’ll be fine with row 2. Enjoy your flight, you should… Read more »
Thanks!
You’re welcome 🙂
A very helpful review. I’ve booked a 1st class flight with American on a 787 from DFW to LAX late this month. It will be my first time to graduate from economy. I’m hoping that this trip will be just long enough to get a nice meal and sample the comfier surroundings. Would love it if they served champagne before takeoff, but I’m not sure that happens on domestic US flights. You have me hoping to get that ice cream, too! I don’t expect luxury but I’m hopeful of something better than the back cabin experience I’m accustomed to. Thanks… Read more »
I don’t think you’ll get ice cream on that short of a flight. If you want ice cream you will need to book a transcon in F.
You are right, it has to be a transcon – it is a great finish to such a long domestic flight. Thanks for the comment!
You were right, Dale. No ice cream for me…but the meal was fine and I had a great time. Hope to try it again. My return flight was on an older 777, but the seats must have been modernized as it was essentially just as comfortable as the Dreamliner.
Thanks very much for the comment. I hope you really enjoyed your first class experience with American – especially on the 787. It is a major step up from economy so hopefully it all went well for you. Glad you enjoyed the article!
Wow! I really have to disagree with you on this one. I fly (and pay for, no free upgrades) American Airlines Business/First class back and forth from Ireland to Florida several times a year. The Transatlantic segment is great…no complaints only kudos. The Domestic segments are so substandard that I have been reconsidering other airlines. I have also made my opinion known to American Airlines so I’m not talking out of school. The planes are shabby, the domestic lounges abysmal (especially Philadelphia near Gate A6). The flight crews are outstanding, however on all flights. The seating is crummy and cramped,… Read more »
It’s interesting to hear a different perspective from a regular flyer. I find the 737s and the A320s with the seat back entertainment to be excellent. I know the former US Airways aircraft are a bit shabby, but the seat comfort on all aircraft in First Class is very good. Perhaps I find it nice because I am used to European Business Class which is 3 Economy seats with the middle seat kept free. I certainly haven’t been to Philadelphia and experienced the lounge there, so I’ll take your word for it. Those in Washington DC, Charlotte, Miami, Los Angeles… Read more »
Me too! And I bet if you ask for a second sundae, you’d happily be served!
I will be trying that next time I fly AA! 🙂