The TRUTH About FIRST CLASS in the USA
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Date: 2023-08-28
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Comments and reviews: 30
Not
Growing up in a family that had to relocate a lot, I feel kinda relieved that I never saw the appeal of first class.
Babies and small dogs barking was only blocked by a thin curtain, more people would use the bathrooms up close to the first class, especially those with kids.
Getting to sit down first, means you have ri wait longer.
Oh, but you can get booze while you wait? So can I by going to the nearest bar/restaurant, while it takes nearly an hour for everyone to get on.
Its expensive to go to that restaurant, and the drinks are free in first class? Lets check that first class ticket price again.
Lastly, if you offer to change seats, or anything a flight attendant asks you get A LOT of benefits.
Though, the times I did this I wasnt expecting to, I just saw a person who wanted to sit next to their family / friends, or someone who was exhausted and would highly benefit from getting a row to themselves.
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Growing up in a family that had to relocate a lot, I feel kinda relieved that I never saw the appeal of first class.
Babies and small dogs barking was only blocked by a thin curtain, more people would use the bathrooms up close to the first class, especially those with kids.
Getting to sit down first, means you have ri wait longer.
Oh, but you can get booze while you wait? So can I by going to the nearest bar/restaurant, while it takes nearly an hour for everyone to get on.
Its expensive to go to that restaurant, and the drinks are free in first class? Lets check that first class ticket price again.
Lastly, if you offer to change seats, or anything a flight attendant asks you get A LOT of benefits.
Though, the times I did this I wasnt expecting to, I just saw a person who wanted to sit next to their family / friends, or someone who was exhausted and would highly benefit from getting a row to themselves.
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Fleeb
So basically, the better question is why do carriers in America, treat American passengers so shoddily? Because we deregulated them, thanks to Ronnie Raygun. Before, American carriers had to compete on the basis of QUALITY and SERVICE. Now, they just nickel and dime us to death, and make flying an unnecessarily awful experience. They need to step up their game, and make travel worthwhile again. If Im gonna risk my life flying in a disease canister, ya best be serving up some caviar, champagne, and a decent steak, to make my inevitable infection worth it especially if Im paying for First Class. And while they might want to do things like save on weight in the actual flight by cutting back on amenities, there is ZERO excuse for denying First Class passengers access to the lounge. There, Alaska Airlines is heads and tails over other carriers. Good on them!
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So basically, the better question is why do carriers in America, treat American passengers so shoddily? Because we deregulated them, thanks to Ronnie Raygun. Before, American carriers had to compete on the basis of QUALITY and SERVICE. Now, they just nickel and dime us to death, and make flying an unnecessarily awful experience. They need to step up their game, and make travel worthwhile again. If Im gonna risk my life flying in a disease canister, ya best be serving up some caviar, champagne, and a decent steak, to make my inevitable infection worth it especially if Im paying for First Class. And while they might want to do things like save on weight in the actual flight by cutting back on amenities, there is ZERO excuse for denying First Class passengers access to the lounge. There, Alaska Airlines is heads and tails over other carriers. Good on them!
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Double
I used to think of First Class as a Pan-Am 747 in the early 1970s although I didnt start flying until on business in the 1980s and only in coach/ steerage class. The only time I flew First Class was when needed to go from LGA in NYC to Rochester, NY for a last-minute sales presentation. The only seats available were in First Class so thats how my company booked my coworker and I. He was excited about it but I just wanted to get there to give our presentation. The Flight Attendants were nicer to us and the seats were wider but Im thin and didnt need the extra room. No meal on that short flight but they did serve me a can of Heineken beer. I was glad I had not paid for that ticket personally. Maybe if I flew cross country or internationally I would feel differently but I was not impressed.
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I used to think of First Class as a Pan-Am 747 in the early 1970s although I didnt start flying until on business in the 1980s and only in coach/ steerage class. The only time I flew First Class was when needed to go from LGA in NYC to Rochester, NY for a last-minute sales presentation. The only seats available were in First Class so thats how my company booked my coworker and I. He was excited about it but I just wanted to get there to give our presentation. The Flight Attendants were nicer to us and the seats were wider but Im thin and didnt need the extra room. No meal on that short flight but they did serve me a can of Heineken beer. I was glad I had not paid for that ticket personally. Maybe if I flew cross country or internationally I would feel differently but I was not impressed.
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coashddjj2
I've been flying since the late 70s, and I can tell you that what we here in the US get for First is what used to be standard in Economy with a 2-hour flight or longer. Then you used to get plastic pilot wings and earphones to listen to the pilot talk to the control tower, if you wanted. Being a flight attendant looked like a very exciting career. Flying anywhere was fun and you weren't crammed together on the plane and stressed and exhausted from all the walking and crowds at the airport. What I miss most is having your family sit with you at the gate or greet you at the gate when you arrived off the plane. We never had to take our shoes off back then to go through Security, either, a chore I still hate today.
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I've been flying since the late 70s, and I can tell you that what we here in the US get for First is what used to be standard in Economy with a 2-hour flight or longer. Then you used to get plastic pilot wings and earphones to listen to the pilot talk to the control tower, if you wanted. Being a flight attendant looked like a very exciting career. Flying anywhere was fun and you weren't crammed together on the plane and stressed and exhausted from all the walking and crowds at the airport. What I miss most is having your family sit with you at the gate or greet you at the gate when you arrived off the plane. We never had to take our shoes off back then to go through Security, either, a chore I still hate today.
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jeb_brooks
Jeb is totally correct about wide body aircraft. I always search my different flight options based on the aircraft used. 737 and 320 aircraft are all lacking in first class.
I just found a flight from Vegas to Philadelphia using a 787 Dreamliner. So instead of a wider recliner chair in a 321
I get the full lay flat seat in their private business suit. It may be a red eye flight but Ill be sleeping in comfort rather than a slightly upgraded chair on a 737.
Sure fire way to know what your aircraft type is will happen when you get to seat selection and see the layout. Wide body planes will have the center seats and offer a 1-2-1 configuration in first class.
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Jeb is totally correct about wide body aircraft. I always search my different flight options based on the aircraft used. 737 and 320 aircraft are all lacking in first class.
I just found a flight from Vegas to Philadelphia using a 787 Dreamliner. So instead of a wider recliner chair in a 321
I get the full lay flat seat in their private business suit. It may be a red eye flight but Ill be sleeping in comfort rather than a slightly upgraded chair on a 737.
Sure fire way to know what your aircraft type is will happen when you get to seat selection and see the layout. Wide body planes will have the center seats and offer a 1-2-1 configuration in first class.
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Brian
U. S Airline's the main various carriers, head CEO's would do well to watch & learn by viewing your video's there Jeb, they may better understand what people (their customers that is) outside their boardroom's see their airline with all it's strings attatched and ticket conditions within the mainland U. S domestic first class. As a outsider of the U. S i wouldn't bother upgrading to domestic first class just to travel around the U. S. But flying out of the U. S first class to say Europe/U. K then maybe i'd be more tempted to fly first class because then i'd know that i will be getting the full monty so to speak.
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U. S Airline's the main various carriers, head CEO's would do well to watch & learn by viewing your video's there Jeb, they may better understand what people (their customers that is) outside their boardroom's see their airline with all it's strings attatched and ticket conditions within the mainland U. S domestic first class. As a outsider of the U. S i wouldn't bother upgrading to domestic first class just to travel around the U. S. But flying out of the U. S first class to say Europe/U. K then maybe i'd be more tempted to fly first class because then i'd know that i will be getting the full monty so to speak.
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Tobi_N_Train
Unfortunately Alaska doesn't grant 100% Lounge Access with a first class ticket. Just had the experience in november. I was on a first class ticket from LAX to LAS with oneworld sapphire status (BA Silver. and ended up on a waitlist, as I was not part of the FF program or had a lounge membership: -( Very disappointing.
on the other hand I always had good experience with AA, I always end up in her flagship lounge, even with domestic economy ticket, I think because if help of the oneworld status, so for me AA seems to be the better option in the future; -)
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Unfortunately Alaska doesn't grant 100% Lounge Access with a first class ticket. Just had the experience in november. I was on a first class ticket from LAX to LAS with oneworld sapphire status (BA Silver. and ended up on a waitlist, as I was not part of the FF program or had a lounge membership: -( Very disappointing.
on the other hand I always had good experience with AA, I always end up in her flagship lounge, even with domestic economy ticket, I think because if help of the oneworld status, so for me AA seems to be the better option in the future; -)
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Spork
Worth mentioning, Delta almost always let me into the lounge with my active duty military ID, even though the tickets were obviously coach (because the government hate us lol, though I did have one that insisted I had to actually be on orders, not just active duty. Either way, definitely recommend at least trying to show military or veteran's ID, whether an official policy or just depending on who's guarding the door, they seem to like veterans and will probably let you in (worst case they say no, and you're no worse off.
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Worth mentioning, Delta almost always let me into the lounge with my active duty military ID, even though the tickets were obviously coach (because the government hate us lol, though I did have one that insisted I had to actually be on orders, not just active duty. Either way, definitely recommend at least trying to show military or veteran's ID, whether an official policy or just depending on who's guarding the door, they seem to like veterans and will probably let you in (worst case they say no, and you're no worse off.
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DoomFinger511
The only real perks for first class is the extra leg room and wider seats. If your a big person it could be worth it. For everyone else you can sit in the aisle or request the emergency exit if you want more leg room. You can get dedicated bin space on most airlines by paying an extra fee with economy seats. JetBlue (even though mainly they do not offer first class) tends to offer the best experience for economy seats.
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The only real perks for first class is the extra leg room and wider seats. If your a big person it could be worth it. For everyone else you can sit in the aisle or request the emergency exit if you want more leg room. You can get dedicated bin space on most airlines by paying an extra fee with economy seats. JetBlue (even though mainly they do not offer first class) tends to offer the best experience for economy seats.
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kkcat
Glad I never had to fly in an American airline. I get first/business class from work on specific occasions. Say if the schedule is extremely tight and I gotta look presentable right off the plane. The thought that I can't even grab a bite to eat from the lounge or have a quiet room for a meeting before take off like what even is the point of a first class ticket? Don't people get these cause they have specific needs?
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Glad I never had to fly in an American airline. I get first/business class from work on specific occasions. Say if the schedule is extremely tight and I gotta look presentable right off the plane. The thought that I can't even grab a bite to eat from the lounge or have a quiet room for a meeting before take off like what even is the point of a first class ticket? Don't people get these cause they have specific needs?
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Sollace
So is first class in america different from what we get internationally? I always see the first class seats going onto flights (I don't live in america) and they're certainly larger, have more room, and (from the time I got an upgrade) got better food, but were never on the level of business class that I saw on international flights (even more space, and looks like their chairs fold down.
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So is first class in america different from what we get internationally? I always see the first class seats going onto flights (I don't live in america) and they're certainly larger, have more room, and (from the time I got an upgrade) got better food, but were never on the level of business class that I saw on international flights (even more space, and looks like their chairs fold down.
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YoSpiff
I'm gold status on AA, so once in a blue moon I get upgraded so they can sell my steerage seat to someone else. I get a wider seat, my coffee in a china mug, and the flight attendant comes around with a wicker basket of chips and cookies to choose from. I normally fly domestic in the US and it's not worth the additional expense, especially since my employer won't cover it.
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I'm gold status on AA, so once in a blue moon I get upgraded so they can sell my steerage seat to someone else. I get a wider seat, my coffee in a china mug, and the flight attendant comes around with a wicker basket of chips and cookies to choose from. I normally fly domestic in the US and it's not worth the additional expense, especially since my employer won't cover it.
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Jeremy
I had American Airlines First Class, and was politely shown out of the lounge because I wasn't first class enough. Then on the pIane I was offered the only thing left on the menu in flight, since by the time they got to me all their other options were taken. Never flying AA again, never felt so much like a second class citizen until I tried to fly AA first class.
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I had American Airlines First Class, and was politely shown out of the lounge because I wasn't first class enough. Then on the pIane I was offered the only thing left on the menu in flight, since by the time they got to me all their other options were taken. Never flying AA again, never felt so much like a second class citizen until I tried to fly AA first class.
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Starbase
The Delta Connection EMB-175 212JQ. Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh. I remember when we first got those 175 JQ's Brand New! Now part of Republic Airline, they used to be Shuttle America till RAH finally merged Republic and Shuttle America (S5) back in 2017. I've worked that exact plane many, many, many times. Good to see my old Brazilian beauties again. Thank You.
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The Delta Connection EMB-175 212JQ. Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh. I remember when we first got those 175 JQ's Brand New! Now part of Republic Airline, they used to be Shuttle America till RAH finally merged Republic and Shuttle America (S5) back in 2017. I've worked that exact plane many, many, many times. Good to see my old Brazilian beauties again. Thank You.
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Tyler
Did fly first class once. They overbooked and got us on another later flight. The seats in that plane for economy were 6 per row, first class were 4. Also, they were similar to leather recliners, but slightly less comfy. Nothing too nice in terms of food. Free canned beer / single shot and soda and snacks, buisness didn't get this on that flight.
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Did fly first class once. They overbooked and got us on another later flight. The seats in that plane for economy were 6 per row, first class were 4. Also, they were similar to leather recliners, but slightly less comfy. Nothing too nice in terms of food. Free canned beer / single shot and soda and snacks, buisness didn't get this on that flight.
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Jimboramba
Planes are the safest mode of transportation with the lowest mortality rate.
. but when accidents DO happen, planes have the highest mortality rate. You have literally no chance if something happens up there. So. I refuse planes or any aerial vehicle. I like feeling like I at least have a chance to survive in the face of an accident.
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Planes are the safest mode of transportation with the lowest mortality rate.
. but when accidents DO happen, planes have the highest mortality rate. You have literally no chance if something happens up there. So. I refuse planes or any aerial vehicle. I like feeling like I at least have a chance to survive in the face of an accident.
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Paul
Delta has a dedicated check-in counters for 1st class passengers and your check-in bags come off the plane first, and you go through a dedicated TSA line, which can make an upgrade to first-class ticket worth it. Also you get 2 free check-in bags up to 70 lbs, not 1 at 50 lbs or none. Just have to watch for upgrade costs to drop in price.
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Delta has a dedicated check-in counters for 1st class passengers and your check-in bags come off the plane first, and you go through a dedicated TSA line, which can make an upgrade to first-class ticket worth it. Also you get 2 free check-in bags up to 70 lbs, not 1 at 50 lbs or none. Just have to watch for upgrade costs to drop in price.
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daveincognito
I flew United first class on points about 13 years ago. The seats weren't as cushy as they looked (a lot of people have sat in them, but the couple of extra inches were nice. They also offered free alcohol, something I don't normally drink on flights. It wasn't a life changer, but it did teach me that I wasn't missing much.
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I flew United first class on points about 13 years ago. The seats weren't as cushy as they looked (a lot of people have sat in them, but the couple of extra inches were nice. They also offered free alcohol, something I don't normally drink on flights. It wasn't a life changer, but it did teach me that I wasn't missing much.
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northernsurferboy
You find domestic you flying a cheap airline you buying first class, what you expect and what the airline supposed to give you is a nice comfortable seat. When people want to complain about video screens and continental breakfasts. They need internet because they have work to do. Those are white people problems
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You find domestic you flying a cheap airline you buying first class, what you expect and what the airline supposed to give you is a nice comfortable seat. When people want to complain about video screens and continental breakfasts. They need internet because they have work to do. Those are white people problems
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Zeke
Most people that fly first class in the US, are business people, and are comped by their status. Rarely do these people actually pay for first. Being an airline employee for 30 years, I can remember having 50-100 people on the upgrade standby list on a Thursday afternoon. Most of these were members of the club anyway!
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Most people that fly first class in the US, are business people, and are comped by their status. Rarely do these people actually pay for first. Being an airline employee for 30 years, I can remember having 50-100 people on the upgrade standby list on a Thursday afternoon. Most of these were members of the club anyway!
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Lausi
What do you prefer- European Business Class with lounge access and economy seats with blocked middle seats or the US domestic first (no lounge, much better Seat? Both have in common the fact, that some routes are really long (FRA-CAI or the Hawaii routes) for this basic premium level.
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What do you prefer- European Business Class with lounge access and economy seats with blocked middle seats or the US domestic first (no lounge, much better Seat? Both have in common the fact, that some routes are really long (FRA-CAI or the Hawaii routes) for this basic premium level.
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travel
Sad but true. My least couple flights I have flown Virgin, then Alaska Airlines. They know how to do first class. This time we are opting for a non-stop so were doing one of the top three. Im a little disappointed. Almost wonder if its worth a stop in between and a longer flight
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Sad but true. My least couple flights I have flown Virgin, then Alaska Airlines. They know how to do first class. This time we are opting for a non-stop so were doing one of the top three. Im a little disappointed. Almost wonder if its worth a stop in between and a longer flight
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Mike
This is why I love Alaska Airlines. Flying first class will get you into the lounge for free. Even if you're not flying first class, but have their credit card, you get half off a lounge ticket at only $25. Pretty amazing considering all of their competition out there.
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This is why I love Alaska Airlines. Flying first class will get you into the lounge for free. Even if you're not flying first class, but have their credit card, you get half off a lounge ticket at only $25. Pretty amazing considering all of their competition out there.
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bukata
This makes me realize just how good Qatar airways is. Their economy is better than most European and American First class even for trips shorter than 2 hours you are given the best service. I don't think I'll be switching anytime soon unless it's Emirates of course
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This makes me realize just how good Qatar airways is. Their economy is better than most European and American First class even for trips shorter than 2 hours you are given the best service. I don't think I'll be switching anytime soon unless it's Emirates of course
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Bob
First Class to HAWAII back in 2004 was FANTASTIC, OMG. a beautiful MENU was waiting on our seat. From Tampa to Houston then to Hawaii, all great FOOD Steak, shrimp even a Lasagna Nice rolls and butter and wonderful service. Miss the good ol days. United all the way.
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First Class to HAWAII back in 2004 was FANTASTIC, OMG. a beautiful MENU was waiting on our seat. From Tampa to Houston then to Hawaii, all great FOOD Steak, shrimp even a Lasagna Nice rolls and butter and wonderful service. Miss the good ol days. United all the way.
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Irishinusa
I am so delighted to see this report. It's been so frustrating for domestic flights regarding 1st class tickets ) Especially when traveling with long layovers and working.
Knowing the seats v aircraft is key. Great job and MANY thanks
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I am so delighted to see this report. It's been so frustrating for domestic flights regarding 1st class tickets ) Especially when traveling with long layovers and working.
Knowing the seats v aircraft is key. Great job and MANY thanks
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AcidA$h
I'll be honest I'd rather just do coach or business class. For me first just doesn't provide enough differences to justify a pricier ticket.
It just seems to middle ground for it to classify it as different when it's just coach 2. 0
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I'll be honest I'd rather just do coach or business class. For me first just doesn't provide enough differences to justify a pricier ticket.
It just seems to middle ground for it to classify it as different when it's just coach 2. 0
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pierrewikberg
US first class is a joke. I mean you can fly premium economy on other airlines and get lounge access. And you'll even have to pay for wife, embarrassing. Typical first class seats in the US should be called something else, period.
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US first class is a joke. I mean you can fly premium economy on other airlines and get lounge access. And you'll even have to pay for wife, embarrassing. Typical first class seats in the US should be called something else, period.
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Marina
And, the prices are 3 times or more than economy class. I fly United and Delta all over US and the difference is drinks, no line in registration and no need to pay for bags, some food and getting a little more space, nothing else.
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And, the prices are 3 times or more than economy class. I fly United and Delta all over US and the difference is drinks, no line in registration and no need to pay for bags, some food and getting a little more space, nothing else.
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ahoahoman
In the past, domestic first class seats were close to international business class seats. Nowadays, domestic first class seats are identical to international premium economy, which is smaller than past business class seats.
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In the past, domestic first class seats were close to international business class seats. Nowadays, domestic first class seats are identical to international premium economy, which is smaller than past business class seats.
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