Ranking the top domestic first class products of all the airlines here in the US is a lot more difficult than it sounds. The truth is that most airlines are offering a pretty decent premium product these days, and it’s hard to poo-poo on any of them too heavily. That being said, here’s my list the best US first class experiences for 2024 (ranked from best to worst):
- JetBlue Mint
- American Airlines A321T Flagship First
- United Airlines domestic 777-200 first class
- Delta Air Lines A321neo first class
- United Airlines A321neo first class
- Hawaiian Airlines A321neo first class
- Breeze Airways A220-300 Ascent
- Spirit Airlines Big Front Seat
- Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 first class
- United Airlines 737 MAX 9 (and 8) first class
A closer look at the 10 best domestic first class products here in the United States (2024 version)
Wait! Before you shank me in the comment section for not ordering this list the way you like (or leaving something out), please keep in mind that:
- When ranking these domestic first class products, the key word is domestic.
- Internationally configured aircraft (airplanes which are used primarily on international routes) do not qualify for this list.
- It’s my list and I can say what I want. Neener neener!
1. JetBlue Mint
Technically, JetBlue does not classify Mint as a first class product. They simply refer to it as a ‘premium’ seating option, which is being modest to say the least. Especially considering that (for example) the Frontier Airlines A320neo Stretch seat is classified as a ‘premium’ product as well. There’s simply no comparison.
JetBlue Mint is the equivalent of international business class on a domestic aircraft. The seats are very comfortable, the food is ‘international business class’ level, and it’s often priced far below what other airlines are charging for an inferior product on the same routes.
- Pro tip numero uno: If you’re traveling solo, book a seat in rows 2 or 4. These are the rows which feature the highly sought after (and fully enclosed) single suite. This is a very comfortable and private way to fly if you’re traveling without a companion.
- Pro tip numero dos: JetBlue sometimes uses their internationally configured A321neo aircraft on domestic routes. Those aircraft feature the amazing JetBlue Mint Suites (which are even better than what you see in the pictures above).
2. American Airlines A321T Flagship First
I can sense that many of you clenched your butt cheeks (hard) when seeing American Airlines listed as the second best domestic first class product in the United States. The truth is that their first class product on a majority of their narrowbody aircraft is straight-up disappointing (American Airlines A321neo first class is proof of that).
It’s their premium-heavy A321T aircraft which are worthy of being on this list. These aircraft, which primarily fly back-and-forth between the East and West Coasts, feature a international-quality life-flat first class product. Officially named American Airlines Flagship First Class, it’s quite comfy. And very private.
3. United Airlines 777-200 first class (domestic)
God bless United Airlines for dedicating a portion of their Boeing 777-200 fleet for domestic use only. These are very densely-configured aircraft featuring only two classes of service (first class and economy). The best part? They don’t limit them to long-haul transcon routes like American Airlines does with their A321Ts. They’re everywhere – and it behooves you to nab a seat in first class on one of them whenever you can.
4. Delta Air Lines A321neo first class
Say what you will about Delta Air Lines, but they seem to be trying. They aren’t perfect. No airline is. However, with the introduction of an all new domestic first class seat on their Airbus A321 aircraft, they are easily nipping at the heals of being cutting edge and trendsetting.
Two reasons why Delta A321neo first class is #4 on this list (and not any higher):
- These are not lie flat seats. It’s just a standard recliner-style seat.
- The food is excellent – but not good enough to beat what you’ll get in JetBlue Mint or American Airlines Flagship First. See for yourself:
5. United Airlines A321neo
Not to be outdone by Delta and their fancy pants A321neo first class seat, United offers a unique first class experience on their A321neo as well. It’s a bold departure from their current domestic first class seat, and a very exciting change for the brand as a whole.
These seats feature massive 13 inch 4K video displays, privacy screens, and USB-C power outlets. Unfortunately, the food (and onboard service) is the same ‘ol same ‘ol.
6. Hawaiian Airlines A321neo first class
The Hawaiian Airlines A321neo features a very nice (and highly competitive) first class product. No, it’s not it’s good as first class on their A330s, but remember – we are talking about domestic-only aircraft here.
The reason why I like Hawaiian Airlines first class so much is because of the soft product. It’s the interaction with the cabin crew and the ambience of being onboard a Hawaiian Airlines aircraft which makes it so good (and different from everyone else). You’re essentially in Hawaii the moment you step onboard any Hawaiian Airlines flight. The sights, the sounds, the lingo, and even the food – it’s all very much Hawaiian.
7. Breeze Airways A220-300 Ascent
Breeze Airways is relatively new to the domestic first class game. They refer to their first class seats as the “Ascent” seats, and from what I’ve personally experienced, they do live up to their name. They are spacious, comfortable, and they feature neat perks such as tablet/device holders and leg rests.
It’s important to note that this is not a true first class experience IMHO. They aren’t serving food (other than snacks and drinks) at the time of this writing, and in-flight entertainment isn’t available on every aircraft (yet). Once they add more substantial food and consistent in-flight entertainment, I predict that I’ll be placing Breeze Airways higher in future versions of this list.
8. Spirit Airlines Big Front Seat
It’s a bit of a stretch to call the Spirit Airlines Big Front Seat ‘first class’, but I’m going to do it anyway. I mean, the seats themselves are just as nice (and comfortable) as any other recliner-style domestic US first class seat. The best part? It’s not that expensive! Being able to consistently nab one of these seats at a relatively low cost is why I didn’t rank it dead last.
Where it gets a bit wishy-washy is the onboard service. Basically, nothing is free on Spirit Airlines. You’re going to have to shell out cash plastic for anything other than a cup of water, so be prepared to spend big bucks to silence a grumbling stomach. At least their onboard menu is decent – you’re not going to starve as long as you have the scratch to play by their stingy-*** rules.
9. Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 first class
Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 first class is good. It’s hardly anything that I would call amazing, but I usually find Alaska Airlines onboard service to be some of the friendliest in the sky. That (combined with a modern seat design) prevented me from placing them all the way at the bottom of this list (or leaving them off entirely).
7. United Airlines 737 MAX 8/9 first class
For those of you who are sick and tired of the current state of United 737-800 first class (and the first class product of pretty much every other narrowbody UA aircraft sans the A321neo), I’ve got good news. There are better days on the horizon! For a much needed glimmer of hope, look no further than United 737 MAX 9 first class (and the MAX 8 too).
Final thoughts: Those of you who totally hate me for the way that I’ve ranked this list are probably not going to enjoy my list of the best domestic (US) airlines. You’ve been warned.
Beth Carter
Hello, Scott… I’ve been flying economy from East Coast to West Coast for business and some to see my family in west Coast , I’m small and it doesn’t bother me sitting on economy . Anyway, haven’t been traveling since 2015 and now married with a tall handsome man , that hates traveling ! Now we are planning to travel to see my family and his friends in California, I’m checking to fly this month for holidays, first class , after reading your comments regarding , what’s the best airlines to fly first class , according to your advices Jet Blue is the best and 2nd is the American Airlines, I check every flight and I see mostly United flying from Virginia to Sacramento, Ca United is at least my favorite, had too many bad experiences with them , but that was 6 years ago , they offered the best air fair , can you tell me , if they improve their service , they used to be the delay delay airlines, anyway I think I’m just going to try to fly Jet Blue
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Beth – If you are flying from Virginia to Sacramento, I’d recommend Delta or United. American Airlines has been canceling a lot of flights recently (they are very unpredictable), and since the really good JetBlue first class seats (called “Mint”) are only offered between NYC/Boston to a select few west coast cities, you will have to make multiple connections to reach Sacramento. Since your husband doesn’t like traveling, it’s safe to assume he wouldn’t enjoy that. Hope you have a good trip!
Kim
Hi Scott- this article was so helpful. We are looking to leave Delta; as faithful FC travelers for 10+ years. There food was never that great, but since COVID, we really feel cheated out of the perks that we are clearly paying for; white “table cloth,” hot hand towels, real coffee cups, meals (not snack boxes), and constant snack baskets being offered.
We are now looking at Jet Blue Mint . So, are they still offering quality FC perks at this present time?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Kim – glad you found this helpful! Yes, JetBlue Mint is the way to go right now. They are still providing the “full” experience (incredible food, blankets and pillows, and all the snacks and drinks you want). That said, the main disadvantage over Delta is that their route network is much more limited. They don’t offer Mint on every route, so in those cases, Delta (or UA, or AA) will still be your best option.
EDWARD H RAVERT
Scott,
Thanks for the great article.
Planning a Phila to LAX trip and return from SF.
Me and my party are a rotund group.
Thinking FC is a must for coast to coast and it appears AA is the choice for us?
The biggest complaint we have on planes is lack of seat width, leg room and some planes the arm rest is immovable, cutting down on width.
Wish someone had foresight to invent F.A.T. air travel.
Thanks,
Ed
Scott (SANspotter)
Sounds like an untapped market! But yeah, domestic first class is a lot more comfortable than economy (by a long shot). And since American Airlines is the only airline offering nonstop service to LAX and SFO out of PHL, that will likely be your best bet. For the ultimate in space (and luxury), you might consider flying JetBlue out of JFK. The “Mint” first class seats are the best in the entire US at the moment, offering really great food options and very large / private seats. Have a good trip!
Erik
AA is garbage and should not even be considered 1st class. No TV, no food on many flights (from Miami to SFO – multiple flights we’ve been on – no meals). It’s a pathetic experience that has no business being labeled 1st. Jet Blue by far the best. Delta 2nd.
Peter
Happy new year Scott! I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed this updated ranking. In the previous version of this article you ranked all the major airlines based on all their products overall, whereas here you just listed the best individual products, which I feel is better.
Just curious though, how come you ranked the Big Front Seat ahead of Alaska & United 737 MAX first class? I mean, sure, Spirit is probably better value, and they also deliver exactly what they promise (a big seat at the front of the plane; nothing more, nothing less), but it’s still a much more basic experience than the 2 products below it.
But what do I know, the only Domestic First products I’ve tried have been American Eagle CRJ-700 and E175 First. And yeah, while both were pretty good, I actually forgot I’d flown up front until I looked at the pictures from the trip lol.
Scott (SANspotter)
Happy New Year to you as well Peter! Actually, the overall rankings article still exists. As a matter fact I just updated it today.
Good question about the Spirit Big Front Seat! I agree with the fact it’s a more basic experience, but the seat itself is fantastic (more comfortable than Alaska and United IMHO). Combine that with the fact that it’s insanely cheap compared to other domestic first class products, and, well… I couldn’t resist ranking them the way I did.
I think it’s the bang for the buck that impresses me the most.
Peter
I actually wasn’t talking about the overall ranking, I was simply referring to the previous version of this article, in which you ranked the best domestic first airlines and not products. Speaking of the overall ranking, I just read it, and it’s nice to see JetBlue, Alaska, and Hawaiian higher up on the list!
As for the Big Front Seat, interesting how it’s more comfortable than AS & UA! And yeah, the low price/bang for the buck can’t be overstated.
Ozzy
How come deltas 75S (the delta one version) never made this list?
Scott (SANspotter)
Good question! I can’t think of a valid reason for leaving it off either then “I forgot” lol. I’ll reconsider it for my next update – though being an older product and all, it certainly won’t be at the top of the list.