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Airlines like Emirates are known for their luxurious first class sections. But passengers within the U.S. can also have a top-notch flying experience on U.S.-based airlines.
Which is the best first class airline in the U.S.? According to our analysis, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines offer the best first class airline experience to travelers.
U.S. airlines with first class
The U.S. has several major airlines, but we included just three for our analysis: United, Delta and American Airlines.
Of course Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Frontier, Spirit and Southwest all operate in the U.S. However, each of these excluded airlines have limitations when it comes to first class:
- Southwest doesn’t operate a business class or first class cabin.
- JetBlue has a very limited route network.
- Alaska doesn’t offer lie-flat seating.
- Frontier and Spirit are both budget airlines with few amenities.
This leaves the “Big Three” as the major contenders when it comes to luxury airlines in the U.S.
Factors we considered when picking the best first class domestic airline
We evaluated five factors to determine the best first class airline in the U.S. They are:
- Amenities: Often called the soft product, amenities include bedding, food, service and drinks on your flight.
- Seats: Each airline uses a different configuration for its seating, with top contenders featuring lie-flat beds and suites with closing doors.
- Ability to earn and use points: Unless you’ve got money to spare, the ability to redeem your points for first class seats makes a huge impact on your airline choice.
- Route network: This is how many destinations each airline serves.
- Lounges: Not all airline lounges are equal; each airline uses these differently to woo and delight its highest-paying customers.
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Airline amenities
Winner: Delta
Airlines have upped their game in recent years in the fight for your loyalty.
The experience varies depending on whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, but each airline offers its own premium option. Delta features Delta One, American Airlines has Flagship First Class and United boasts the Polaris experience.
Each airline offers chef-curated food, premium drinks and luxurious bedding.
When it comes to customer service, however, Delta is a clear winner. According to the semiannual Air Travel Consumer Report issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Delta had a total of 829 customer complaints across all categories during the first half of 2025. Compare this to United’s 973 complaints and American’s 1,996 complaints, and Delta comes out miles ahead.
Each airline has a competitive soft product with high-end touches, but Delta performs much better than the rest when it comes to customer service, netting it a win for amenities.
First class airplane seats
Winner: Delta
Airlines often offer passengers different types of first class seats depending on the destination. Most domestic routes will feature wide seats that recline. These are comfortable, but nowhere near as nice as the seats on premium transcontinental routes and long-haul international flights. On these routes, you’ll find American Airlines, Delta and United have installed beds that lay flat so you can arrive to your destination well-rested.
Delta has eliminated its first and business class distinctions on long-haul international flights in favor of its Delta One product. While not all of its planes feature these, all A350 and A339 planes operate Delta One suites. These suites have full-height walls and sliding doors for complete privacy.
United has eliminated its distinction between first and business class on long-haul international flights and premium domestic routes, and has instead launched its Polaris-branded product. Updated Polaris seats feature a 1 x 2 x 1 configuration, which offer excellent privacy in a pod formation. Be aware, however, that United also operates an older Polaris product in a 2 x 2 x 2 configuration. You’ll be able to see this on United’s seat map when you’re booking your flights.
American Airlines offers both Flagship First Class seats as well as Flagship Business Class seats. Its business class product is similar to United’s updated Polaris product, with a 1 x 2 x1 formation that offers excellent privacy. Its Flagship First Class seats, meanwhile, have a much smaller cabin with as few as eight seats, but they lack high wall dividers, which leaves you pretty open to other passengers.
Although American Airlines and United offer excellent seats in their premium cabins, Delta’s suites outclass the others with the most privacy.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
You’ll experience the best domestic first class seats on popular transcontinental routes such as New York to Los Angeles or San Francisco. These flights can offer lie-flat seats and premium food similar to their long-haul international siblings. Ability to earn and use points
Winner: United
Nearly all airlines offer a loyalty program, and the Big Three are no exception. Depending on your airline, you can choose from Delta SkyMiles, American Airlines AAdvantage and United MileagePlus if you’re looking to redeem rewards for a first class seat.
Each airline rewards you with miles when you fly, though the number of reward miles you earn for any given ticket is based on the cost of the fare rather than how far you fly. However, this isn’t the only way to earn miles.
United credit cards
United’s MileagePlus program offers a handful of co-branded credit cards for different types of travelers. United is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards® at a 1:1 ratio, and the United MileagePlusX app offers an easy way to earn miles at hundreds of retailers.
United, like American and Delta, offers no fixed award chart. However, its redemption rates are pretty reasonable, and it's part of the largest airline alliance — Star Alliance — giving you the most options for redeeming your miles.
More ways to earn miles, reasonable redemption rates and more airline partners means United is the winner here.
United credit cards
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $150
$350
$695
$0
Earning Rate
• 5 miles per $1 on prepaid hotels booked through United.
• 2 miles per $1 on United purchases.
• 2 miles per $1 at restaurants and hotels (when booked directly with hotel).
• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
• 5 miles per $1 on hotel stays through Renowned Hotels and Resorts.
• 3 miles per $1 on United purchases.
• 2 miles per $1 at restaurants, select streaming services and all other travel.
• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
• 5 miles per $1 on hotel stays through Renowned Hotels and Resorts.
• 4 miles per $1 on United purchases.
• 2 miles per $1 at restaurants and all other travel purchases.
• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
• 2 miles per $1 on United purchases, gas stations and local transit and commuting.
• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
United benefits
• First checked bag free for you and one companion on your reservation.
• 2 United Club one-time passes each year.
• $100 United Travelbank credits after spending $10,000 in a calendar year.
• 10,000-mile discount after spending $20,000 in a calendar year.
• Credit every four years for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS.
• Priority boarding.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• First and second checked bag free for you and one companion on your reservation.
• $200 yearly United TravelBank credit.
• Yearly 10,000-mile discount.
• Another 10,000-mile discount after spending $20,000 in purchases per calendar year.
• 2 global Economy Plus seat upgrades after spending $40,000 in a calendar year.
• Annual 1,000 Card Bonus Premier Qualifying Points deposit.
• Credit every four years for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS.
• Priority boarding.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• First and second checked bag free for you and one companion on your reservation.
• Access to United Club airport lounges.
• A 10,000-mile discount after spending $20,000 in purchases per calendar year (up to two times per year).
• Annual 1,500 Card Bonus Premier Qualifying Points deposit.
• Credit every four years for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS.
• Priority boarding.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• 2 free checked bags after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year.
Bonus offer
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Still not sure?
Delta credit cards
Delta makes it easy to earn SkyMiles with several co-branded credit cards. It’s also a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Combined, these methods make it very easy to earn SkyMiles for award flights.
Redeeming them, however, is another story. Delta has no fixed award chart and tends to charge a lot when using miles for premium cabin rewards.
Top cards for Delta flyers
Earning rates
• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Annual fee: $0.
• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150.
• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on hotel purchases.
• 2 miles per $1 at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Annual fee: $350.
• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
• 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Annual fee: $650.
Other benefits
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
• First checked bag free.
• Priority boarding.
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
• Companion certificate (main cabin).
• First checked bag free.
• Priority boarding.
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
• Airport lounge access.
• Companion certificate (first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin).
• Credit for application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• First checked bag free.
• Priority boarding.
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
Still not sure?
» Learn more: Which Delta Air Lines credit card should you get?
American Airlines credit cards
American Airlines has co-branded credit cards with which you can earn AAdvantage miles. American is also a transfer partner of Citi ThankYou points with certain cards. For domestic first class seats, American tends to inflate its prices, and there are no discounts or special perks for elite members or credit cardholders redeeming miles. By contrast, United provides extra options for those members.
Top cards for American Airlines flyers
Annual fee
$0.
$99, waived for the first 12 months.
$350.
$595.
Earn rate
• 2 miles per $1 at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services, and on eligible American Airlines purchases.
• 1 mile per $1 spent on other purchases.
• 1 Loyalty Point per 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
• 2 miles per $1 at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases.
• 1 mile per $1 spent on other purchases.
• 1 Loyalty Point per 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
• 6 miles per $1 on eligible AAdvantage Hotels bookings.
• 3 miles per $1 on eligible American Airlines purchases.
• 2 miles per $1 at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and on eligible Rides and Rails purchases, including taxis, rideshares and public transit.
• 1 mile per $1 on everything else.
• 1 Loyalty Point per 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
• 10 miles per $1 on eligible car rentals and hotels booked through AA.
• 4 miles per $1 on eligible American Airlines purchases (5 miles per $1 after spending $150,000 total on the card in a calendar year).
• 1 mile per $1 on everything else.
• 1 Loyalty Point per 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
Other benefits
• Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights.
• Earn a $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your card membership year and renew your card
• No foreign transaction fees.
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation
• Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.
• Four Admirals Club lounge passes a year.
• A companion certificate each year after your first card renewal, allowing you to bring a guest on a domestic round-trip itinerary for $99 plus taxes and fees.
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation
• Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.
• Admirals Club® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you.
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
• Priority boarding on American Airlines flights.
Learn more
» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now
Route network
Winner: American Airlines
For most passengers, the destination is a major factor in which airline to choose. The “best” airline might be the one that goes where you want to go or has a hub in your city with the most nonstop options.
Delta and United are close in the number of destinations: Delta serves up to 275 destinations worldwide, while United provides flights to more than 350 different cities. American Airlines has them beat with 365 destinations across 60 countries.
Serving a few more cities than its competitors, American Airlines edges out Delta and United.
Lounges
Winner: United
If you have a travel credit card, you may have experience with airport lounges. These spaces can offer a reprieve within the airport and tend to offer complimentary food and drink. Certain business and first class passengers also have access to these lounges, depending on where they’re flying.
Each airline has its standard lounge products: the United Club, Delta Sky Club, and American Airlines Admirals Club all offer a dedicated space for customers. However, United and American Airlines offer separate, higher-end lounges for those flying their premium Polaris and Flagship products, respectively.
Delta doesn't feature such a premium option. Plus, Delta’s partnership with American Express means that travelers with the American Express Platinum Card® or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express can enter Delta lounges when they’re flying the airline, no matter which cabin they’re in. This can lead to overcrowding and an unpleasant experience. Terms Apply.
United’s Polaris Club in Houston is currently the only five-star airport lounge in the U.S., according to Skytrax. It gets high marks for staff service, food and drink, and comfortable seating, Skytrax shows.
» Learn more: Credit cards that come with airport lounge access
Which airline has the best first class in America?
We’ve got two wins for Delta, two wins for United and one win for American Airlines.
» Learn more: Delta vs. United, which is best for you?
Do you like pleasant flight attendants and tons of privacy? Then Delta is your best first class airline. Do you want an easy way to redeem your points and a fabulous airport lounge? United might be more your speed. No matter which you choose, you’ll have excellent seats, premium food offerings and airport lounges for your journey at the pointy end of the plane.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, see this page.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Explore more on
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