USA’s Worst FIRST CLASS (AA v. Delta v. United)
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Date: 2025-02-09
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Comments and reviews: 20
cannonba11s
As an AA FF, I have to say this video definitely is subjective to the test, and is very dependent on the crew members, airport, and other variables. I’ve noticed that when departing from west coast airline services (any of them) are terrible when it comes to experience. Most are rude and careless. From the east coast, I’ve found that most employees are more proud to work for an airline. Airline airport hubs have a different experience as well! I will say my experience with American is random and subjective as stated above, I once had a handmade Sunday flying in first class, it was the best experience ever. I always get served a PDB on the smaller regional American flights, but it’s maybe closer to 8/10 odds I get served on a larger flight due to congestion and other factors! A big factor is the time between boarding groups. If they zip through the groups no PDB, if the gate agent waits a little, congestion will die down and you can be served.
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As an AA FF, I have to say this video definitely is subjective to the test, and is very dependent on the crew members, airport, and other variables. I’ve noticed that when departing from west coast airline services (any of them) are terrible when it comes to experience. Most are rude and careless. From the east coast, I’ve found that most employees are more proud to work for an airline. Airline airport hubs have a different experience as well! I will say my experience with American is random and subjective as stated above, I once had a handmade Sunday flying in first class, it was the best experience ever. I always get served a PDB on the smaller regional American flights, but it’s maybe closer to 8/10 odds I get served on a larger flight due to congestion and other factors! A big factor is the time between boarding groups. If they zip through the groups no PDB, if the gate agent waits a little, congestion will die down and you can be served.
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jimgroves6851
Very nice video. With what the airlines have taken away over the years in 1st class, yes, the PDB should be served. If the airlines would enforce the carry-on luggage limits, that would decrease the boarding time. Your options on the lunch menu looked good. Every time I fly during lunch period, I've never had those options, so I try and book breakfast or dinner. I've flown through many hubs flying east to west and west to east; Atlanta, Minneapolis, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Dallas. Phoenix, Los Angelas, Los Vegas, Denver; and no matter had bad the meal may be, it's the flight crew that can make it a great flight. I also bring a bag of Ghirardelli's chocolates to give to the flight crew and that seems to make there day and even a better flight!
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Very nice video. With what the airlines have taken away over the years in 1st class, yes, the PDB should be served. If the airlines would enforce the carry-on luggage limits, that would decrease the boarding time. Your options on the lunch menu looked good. Every time I fly during lunch period, I've never had those options, so I try and book breakfast or dinner. I've flown through many hubs flying east to west and west to east; Atlanta, Minneapolis, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Dallas. Phoenix, Los Angelas, Los Vegas, Denver; and no matter had bad the meal may be, it's the flight crew that can make it a great flight. I also bring a bag of Ghirardelli's chocolates to give to the flight crew and that seems to make there day and even a better flight!
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1SCme
While living in Saudi, I travelled to over 30 countries in business class - the US was the only country that didn't offer free lounge access to business customers which surprised me.
US Business/first isn't comparable to overseas, but in the US you do get a much bigger and more comfortable seat, better food - snacks - drinks, you don't have to worry about getting overhead space, you get a bigger check in luggage allowance. Surprised they didn't provide the free entertainment unit where they didn't have a seatback screen.
The only thing worth paying more for in the US is the better seat and luggage allowance. Looking at the new pricing, it might be worth checking if you can get nearly the same by buying 2 coach tickets side by side.
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While living in Saudi, I travelled to over 30 countries in business class - the US was the only country that didn't offer free lounge access to business customers which surprised me.
US Business/first isn't comparable to overseas, but in the US you do get a much bigger and more comfortable seat, better food - snacks - drinks, you don't have to worry about getting overhead space, you get a bigger check in luggage allowance. Surprised they didn't provide the free entertainment unit where they didn't have a seatback screen.
The only thing worth paying more for in the US is the better seat and luggage allowance. Looking at the new pricing, it might be worth checking if you can get nearly the same by buying 2 coach tickets side by side.
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ohheyitskevinc
Did the pax in front on the DL flight not recline Even on a GoPro, that pitch looked like it might disappear completely if they would have. I can see why AA ditch IFE given everyone has something, even if it’s just an iPhone, but it needs to be reflected in the price. I’m tied to AA as I’m in CLT, but United looks good. I might have to see if work will fly me with them via ORD on my usual trips to SFO than the usual direct with AA in J. One note: first/J on US carriers departing past I believe 8pm or 9pm local time and there’s zero service including PDB or food, but the price is usually a lot le. sorry - the price is the same
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Did the pax in front on the DL flight not recline Even on a GoPro, that pitch looked like it might disappear completely if they would have. I can see why AA ditch IFE given everyone has something, even if it’s just an iPhone, but it needs to be reflected in the price. I’m tied to AA as I’m in CLT, but United looks good. I might have to see if work will fly me with them via ORD on my usual trips to SFO than the usual direct with AA in J. One note: first/J on US carriers departing past I believe 8pm or 9pm local time and there’s zero service including PDB or food, but the price is usually a lot le. sorry - the price is the same
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danielvital6836
Out of complete fairness, that basket on Delta is only on flights 1500 miles as a pre arrival in FC. You could have a meal on flights 900-1499 miles and not get that basket though most attendants will offer it to FC on any meal flight by taking what’s left from the comfort plus basket (it’s the same snacks. Also, the reason Delta is the only one that doesn’t offer a snack before is because they actually do (well are supposed to. A small basket of the typical main cabin snacks should be offered before the meal. A lot of crew just skip that part to get the hot meals out faster.
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Out of complete fairness, that basket on Delta is only on flights 1500 miles as a pre arrival in FC. You could have a meal on flights 900-1499 miles and not get that basket though most attendants will offer it to FC on any meal flight by taking what’s left from the comfort plus basket (it’s the same snacks. Also, the reason Delta is the only one that doesn’t offer a snack before is because they actually do (well are supposed to. A small basket of the typical main cabin snacks should be offered before the meal. A lot of crew just skip that part to get the hot meals out faster.
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mnewm21
makes sense the cheapest is the worst, but it all depends on what you want. I couldn't care less about the IFP as I read, so for me United would be worse as that was what bumped it up plus it was the most expensive comparitively. I also don't understand boarding groups that would board frequent flyers ahead of First(Business for the rest of the world) at worst they should board together and the lack of Lounge access was interesting. So lounges are only for their Frequent Flyers. Starting to understand why so many credit card companies over there provide lounge access. Fun review!
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makes sense the cheapest is the worst, but it all depends on what you want. I couldn't care less about the IFP as I read, so for me United would be worse as that was what bumped it up plus it was the most expensive comparitively. I also don't understand boarding groups that would board frequent flyers ahead of First(Business for the rest of the world) at worst they should board together and the lack of Lounge access was interesting. So lounges are only for their Frequent Flyers. Starting to understand why so many credit card companies over there provide lounge access. Fun review!
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mileagerunner9759
First of all its not true first class, that the reason American long ago changed it to business class (marketed). AA does give access to Flagship lounge traveling on flagship domestic routes such as lax/sfo/sna-jfk and lax-bos and when they fly the b787 or b777 lax-Mia. Also since it is a domestic routes such dfw-Ogg/hnl are marketed as Flagship service so booked on business class gets you flagship lounge access. Also any flight over 2000 miles on a paid first class ticket on Alaska gives you access to their clubs
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First of all its not true first class, that the reason American long ago changed it to business class (marketed). AA does give access to Flagship lounge traveling on flagship domestic routes such as lax/sfo/sna-jfk and lax-bos and when they fly the b787 or b777 lax-Mia. Also since it is a domestic routes such dfw-Ogg/hnl are marketed as Flagship service so booked on business class gets you flagship lounge access. Also any flight over 2000 miles on a paid first class ticket on Alaska gives you access to their clubs
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Bus4025
Hello you two; fantastic videos, keep them coming! I wish I could travel like you two. Thanks for the comparison of the three airlines. I agree with you two, DELTA is hands down the best airline to fly. I do economy on all my flights. However if I could afford to do DELTA ANYWHERE in the U. S. You two have great taste on flying. I have flown all three and there is no comparison. Of course I would love for you to do this with all three in economy. I would love to see your thoughts.
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Hello you two; fantastic videos, keep them coming! I wish I could travel like you two. Thanks for the comparison of the three airlines. I agree with you two, DELTA is hands down the best airline to fly. I do economy on all my flights. However if I could afford to do DELTA ANYWHERE in the U. S. You two have great taste on flying. I have flown all three and there is no comparison. Of course I would love for you to do this with all three in economy. I would love to see your thoughts.
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karenustach5655
I haven’t flown first class since I was a kid/teen in the 70’s and very early 80’s. First class was just that back then. Flight attendants served carved meat fresh, no preplated, served on plastic meals back then. BUT they also allowed smoking on planes back then. My step father worked for TWA and we would fly LAX to Boston, or JKF just to have a great meal and a movie. Spend the night and fly back home. We had to dress up too. Crazy how much things have changed.
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I haven’t flown first class since I was a kid/teen in the 70’s and very early 80’s. First class was just that back then. Flight attendants served carved meat fresh, no preplated, served on plastic meals back then. BUT they also allowed smoking on planes back then. My step father worked for TWA and we would fly LAX to Boston, or JKF just to have a great meal and a movie. Spend the night and fly back home. We had to dress up too. Crazy how much things have changed.
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foodlover2236
Thank guy for a great comparison
Feel bad for Suzanne getting the bland chicken
Why in the world does a first class ticket holder not get lounge access That’s pathetic
From my POV PDB offer is a sign of hospitality and welcome and should be offered. Saying it slows down departure is popycock
All in all most of the first class seemed barely first class. When the bar is so low anything above looks good
Safe travels to you both.
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Thank guy for a great comparison
Feel bad for Suzanne getting the bland chicken
Why in the world does a first class ticket holder not get lounge access That’s pathetic
From my POV PDB offer is a sign of hospitality and welcome and should be offered. Saying it slows down departure is popycock
All in all most of the first class seemed barely first class. When the bar is so low anything above looks good
Safe travels to you both.
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StevenBLevy
This is barely business class. And hardly worth it on a three or four hour flight. Pay an extra few bucks for an exit row and bring your own food, which is likely to be better in any case (though not hot) if you choose well. I flew all the time for business for forty years, and. meh. These days, for personal travel across the US, I simply book an aisle seat and take out my phone, a tiny stand, and a Bluetooth keyboard when that chime rings.
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This is barely business class. And hardly worth it on a three or four hour flight. Pay an extra few bucks for an exit row and bring your own food, which is likely to be better in any case (though not hot) if you choose well. I flew all the time for business for forty years, and. meh. These days, for personal travel across the US, I simply book an aisle seat and take out my phone, a tiny stand, and a Bluetooth keyboard when that chime rings.
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dc705
Of course PDB should be offered in first. It all depends on the FA. Last trip I took was in first on AA. Had 2 exceptional FAs who made PDBs happen despite time and loading constraints. The FA with only 4 FC passengers and 30 min board time didn’t offer anything. She also didn’t check on anyone during the flight. Played games on her phone the entire flight. I normally fly DL as MM/GM so I now understand how AA isn’t the best on service.
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Of course PDB should be offered in first. It all depends on the FA. Last trip I took was in first on AA. Had 2 exceptional FAs who made PDBs happen despite time and loading constraints. The FA with only 4 FC passengers and 30 min board time didn’t offer anything. She also didn’t check on anyone during the flight. Played games on her phone the entire flight. I normally fly DL as MM/GM so I now understand how AA isn’t the best on service.
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timothyb949
Hi Jeb and Suzanne! Always nice to share some plane-time with y'all. Delta seems to be improving their food, little by little. I've noticed in in the last year. However, I had a disastrous flight overnight from Las Vegas to Atlanta on Delta. The more the flight progressed, the hotter it got in the First Class cabin. I let the crew know, and not much was done. I was actually sweating, and those around me were fast asleep. Oh well!
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Hi Jeb and Suzanne! Always nice to share some plane-time with y'all. Delta seems to be improving their food, little by little. I've noticed in in the last year. However, I had a disastrous flight overnight from Las Vegas to Atlanta on Delta. The more the flight progressed, the hotter it got in the First Class cabin. I let the crew know, and not much was done. I was actually sweating, and those around me were fast asleep. Oh well!
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jeb_brooks
in my eyes i think it’s justifiable that united and delta were pretty close
and this also kind of emphasizes how americans first class kind of looks like the same stuff you see on southwest (i think in southwest you can get seat 5a for a lower price, granted in a 737 with a 3-3 layout, but it’s probably more worth it)
american needs to see what united did to keep up with delta and make those changes
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in my eyes i think it’s justifiable that united and delta were pretty close
and this also kind of emphasizes how americans first class kind of looks like the same stuff you see on southwest (i think in southwest you can get seat 5a for a lower price, granted in a 737 with a 3-3 layout, but it’s probably more worth it)
american needs to see what united did to keep up with delta and make those changes
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mvsgeek
Pre Departure Beverages on AA are rare. The last time I flew them in first class, the flight was on time and less than half full. There was no pre departure beverage because the flight attendant was too busy chatting with the agent. My previous first class experience on American, I was offered a pre departure beverage on only one of three flights. AA first class service leaves a lot to be desired.
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Pre Departure Beverages on AA are rare. The last time I flew them in first class, the flight was on time and less than half full. There was no pre departure beverage because the flight attendant was too busy chatting with the agent. My previous first class experience on American, I was offered a pre departure beverage on only one of three flights. AA first class service leaves a lot to be desired.
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alaingraziani4443
If you fly First Class, everything should be included: lounge, PBD, Wi-Fi, etc without the nickle-and-dime charges. Also service should be consistent across the same airline in the same class. AA struggles with consistency: I flew AA biz class LAX-ORD and there was no PDB but JFK-LAX did have PDB.
All the US carriers are way behind overseas carriers re: first and biz class.
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If you fly First Class, everything should be included: lounge, PBD, Wi-Fi, etc without the nickle-and-dime charges. Also service should be consistent across the same airline in the same class. AA struggles with consistency: I flew AA biz class LAX-ORD and there was no PDB but JFK-LAX did have PDB.
All the US carriers are way behind overseas carriers re: first and biz class.
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jeb_brooks
You’re going to lose everyone that watches this that needs their own language I need English. I cannot understand one word they’re saying there’s other people in here that need French and other language languages. You better get this corrected or you’re gonna lose tons of people because why would we watch it when we won’t don’t know what they’re saying.
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You’re going to lose everyone that watches this that needs their own language I need English. I cannot understand one word they’re saying there’s other people in here that need French and other language languages. You better get this corrected or you’re gonna lose tons of people because why would we watch it when we won’t don’t know what they’re saying.
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tonys1558
It's mindblowing that American does not have seatback screens, and they don't have free or reasonably priced WiFi. My airport only has Delta and American. Unless Delta does not fly the route I need, they get all my business regardless of price. I enjoy the food, bottle of water at boarding, and inflight entertainment. Service is always great and consistent.
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It's mindblowing that American does not have seatback screens, and they don't have free or reasonably priced WiFi. My airport only has Delta and American. Unless Delta does not fly the route I need, they get all my business regardless of price. I enjoy the food, bottle of water at boarding, and inflight entertainment. Service is always great and consistent.
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jmharper60
I’ve flown first class once in the last 30 years. I enjoyed the larger seat and legroom, as well as the enhanced service, but the biggest thing was just how much more relaxed I was while flying. Much less stress than when crammed into regular economy. Well worth the extra 10K miles I paid on United at booking!
Loved the video- thanks!
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I’ve flown first class once in the last 30 years. I enjoyed the larger seat and legroom, as well as the enhanced service, but the biggest thing was just how much more relaxed I was while flying. Much less stress than when crammed into regular economy. Well worth the extra 10K miles I paid on United at booking!
Loved the video- thanks!
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wainber1
First class Lol considering that in October 2018, I had more room in the business class seat that I had booked with Air Canada, an upgrade from economy that I had paid extra money for, but that had been well worth it. That seat was lie-flat, and I took advantage of that on that flight back from London Heathrow to Toronto Pearson.
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First class Lol considering that in October 2018, I had more room in the business class seat that I had booked with Air Canada, an upgrade from economy that I had paid extra money for, but that had been well worth it. That seat was lie-flat, and I took advantage of that on that flight back from London Heathrow to Toronto Pearson.
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