We've all been there—walking past those dreamy first-class seats as you board your flight. The leg rests, fully reclining beds, and luxurious amenities seem almost too good to be true. If you haven't experienced the bliss of flying first class, you might wonder, "Is it really worth it?"

While it's up to you to decide where to spend your money, let us walk you through the extraordinary world of first-class travel. In this article, we'll explore what each major airline offers in their first-class cabins, compare first class with business class, and highlight the incredible luxuries that come with international long-haul first-class tickets. Prepare to be amazed by the exclusive perks and comfort that define flying first class—something we hope you'll have the privilege of experiencing one day.

What to Expect When Flying First Class

Flying First Class American Airlines

Flying first class American Airline
Pre-flight Benefits:

  • Priority boarding. 
  • Option to add Five Star Service which gives you access to Admirals Club lounge, car service coordination, and personalized service through the airport. 

Baggage Allowance: Up to three free checked bags, depending on the flight

In flight comfort:

  • Up to eight inches of extra legroom
  • 4 inches of extra seat width 
  • up to 5.4 inches of seat recline.

Food & Beverage: Experience gourmet dining in American Airlines' first class, with menus by James Beard Foundation chefs. Enjoy healthy, flavorful dishes designed by Chef Ellie Krieger, along with complimentary beers, wines, and spirits from their award-winning selection. Each meal supports hydration, digestion, and sustained energy, ensuring a nutritious and delightful journey.

Credit Card Holder Perks: AAdvantage® members can use miles to book Five Star Service™ from 16 U.S. airports for 35,000 miles for the first person; 10,000 miles per additional adult; 5,000 miles per child (age 17 and under).

Flying First Class United Airlines

Flying first class United
Pre-flight Benefits:

  • Priority check in and boarding
  • Exclusive security lanes

Baggage Allowance:  Two free checked bags up to 30 in x 20 in x 12 in (76 cm x 52 cm x 30 cm) and 50 lbs (23 kg).

Seating: Premium Seats Features:

  • Extra space to recline
  • Six-way adjustable headrest
  • Storage space and double seatback pockets for personal items
  • Universal AC power plug
  • Padded seat cushion designed to cradle you as you recline
  • Tray table and granite-topped, extendable cocktail table

Food & Beverage: 

  • Flights less than 900 miles: free alcoholic beverages and light snacks
  • Flights more than 900 miles: free alcoholic beverages, hot entree, and light snacks

Flying First Class Jet Blue Mint

Flying first class jet blue
Pre-flight Benefits:

  • Priority check in and boarding
  • Exclusive security lanes

Baggage Allowance:  Jet Blue Mint customers get both their first and second checked bags free, each up to 70 pounds.

In flight comfort: 

  • Lie-Flat Seats: Fully lie-flat seats that are 6 feet 8 inches long with adjustable cushions and a massage feature.
  • Mint Suites: Private suites with a sliding door, 17-inch seat-back screen, wireless charging, phone ledge, in-seat power, and small-item stowage.
  • Mint Studios: Larger than Mint Suites, featuring a 22-inch tilting seat-back screen, extra side table, and a guest seat for an additional Mint customer during flight at cruising altitude.

 Food & Beverage:

  • Varied Menus: Items like chicken caesar salad, braised lamb jerk, and sage cashew crusted red snapper.
  • Parting Snack Gift: Premium snacks like chocolate-covered cashews before you disembark.
  • Wine and Cocktails: Including the signature "Mint Condition" cocktail made with Bombay Sapphire gin or Tito’s Handmade Vodka, ginger, lime, cucumber, and mint. Alcohol-free version also available.

Flying First Class Delta

Flying first class Delta
Pre-flight Benefits:

  • Priority check in and boarding
  • Exclusive security lanes

Baggage Allowance: Two free checked in bags

Seating: 

  • Up to 8 inches of extra legroom compared to Main Cabin seats.
  • Up to a 5.4-inch recline for added comfort.
  • 11-inch seatback screen on many routes.

Food & Beverage: 

  • Complimentary Beverages: Starbucks® coffee, wine, beer, and spirits for passengers 21+ (please drink responsibly).
  • Short Flights (under 900 miles): Selection of premium snacks and beverages.
  • Medium to Long Flights (900-2,299 miles): Chef-curated breakfast, lunch, or dinner along with a selection of snacks (some flights may serve fresh meal boxes).
  • Longer Flights (2,300 miles and over): Fresh meal service available 24 hours a day and a selection of snacks.

Additional Perks:  No change fees for flights originating in the United States and Canada.

Business Class v. First Class

Business class and first class flights typically differ regarding seat size, service quality, and amenities. First class offers larger seats, more luxurious amenities, and personalized service, while business class provides comfort and better service than economy but is generally less extravagant than first class. While the differences between business class and first class can vary between airlines and flight route, here is a quick view of what to expect when flying business class v. first class:

First Class Business Class
Seating  Typically offers more spacious
and private seating arrangements.		 Seats offer premium comfort
but less exclusivity.
Service Personalized attentive service Attentive service, less personalized
Dining Multi course dining, often prepared
by world renowned chefs		 High quality meals, not as elaborate
as first class
Lounge Access Access to exclusive first class
lounges often with private suites		 Access to business class lounges
Price About 10-15 times more than economy About 4-8 times more than economy

Flying First Class on International Flights

Flying first class on international flights offers luxury and comfort. Expect spacious, lie-flat seats, high-end amenities like designer bedding, and personalized service including expedited check-in and priority boarding. Dining features gourmet meals and premium beverages. Enjoy advanced entertainment systems and high-speed internet. Exclusive lounge access, enhanced baggage allowances, and additional perks like chauffeur-driven transfers are standard.

What are the Best Business Class Airlines?

  1. Qatar Airways: is renowned for its luxurious Qsuite, featuring private suites with doors, fully lie-flat beds, and world-class dining and entertainment. The airline also boasts the best business class lounge at Hamad International Airport, offering top-notch amenities.
  2. Singapore Airlines: offers spacious business class seats that convert into fully flat beds, excellent service, and high-quality dining. Each seat has direct aisle access and the KrisWorld entertainment system provides extensive options​.
  3. Emirates: provides luxurious business class with lie-flat seats, a personal minibar, and an onboard lounge. The ICE entertainment system offers a vast selection of options, and the dining experience includes gourmet meals and a wide range of beverages​

Gift Someone the Luxury of Flying First Class

Flying First Class flightgift
Have you ever dreamed of upgrading a loved one's journey, sending them off on their next adventure wrapped in the highest levels of luxury? Whether you are sending off your favorite newly wed couple on a first class ticket to the Maldives, or treating Mom and Dad for their 30th Anniversary, with an airline gift card from Flightgift, you can make this dream a reality.

Your recipient will have the freedom to book with over 400 major airlines, reaching more than 980 global destinations. You can add up to $10,000 to ensure they experience the unparalleled comfort and sophistication of their first first-class flight! Elevate their travel experience and create unforgettable memories with the ultimate gift of luxury and freedom.