![Top-Notch First and Business Class Spots on Domestic Airline Flights [Year 2025]](/en/content/images/size/w1280/format/webp/20250724045028_best-domestic-first-and.jpeg)
Premium Seating Options on Domestic Airlines [2025]: Highlighting First and Business Class Cabins
In the competitive world of air travel, U.S. airlines are stepping up their game to provide premium cabin products that cater to discerning passengers. Here's a guide to the top five domestic airlines known for their exceptional first and business class experiences.
Delta Air Lines leads the way with its Delta First Class, offering a spacious 2-2 seating layout on narrow-body aircraft and 757s. This configuration provides comfort and convenience on domestic routes, making Delta's First Class a standout among major U.S. carriers.
American Airlines recently introduced a new business class cabin on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring two different types of business class seats, including the flagship suites. This premium configuration significantly enhances the travel experience with more privacy, comfort, and space, suitable for long-haul and domestic flights on these aircraft.
Spirit Airlines, while known for its budget-friendly fares, offers the Big Front Seat, an upgraded domestic first-class offering that prioritises affordability while providing extra legroom and additional amenities compared to their standard economy seats. This product is gaining attention for delivering excellent value in domestic first class, even if it lacks some traditional luxury touches.
Hawaiian Airlines offers a unique first class experience with fully lie-flat seats on the Airbus A330 in a 2-2-2 configuration. Passengers can enjoy iPads for inflight entertainment and excellent food and beverage service. Hawaiian Airlines is set to introduce Leihōkū Suites in 2024, a new standard for domestic business class, on their upcoming Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Alaska Airlines First Class offers recliner seats in a 2-2 configuration, with spacious seats that are 21 inches wide and 36 to 41 inches of pitch. The inflight entertainment system is robust, and the service tends to be very warm. However, for long cross-country flights, passengers may find the seats less comfortable compared to international products.
The A220 aircraft for regional Delta flights is noted for its top-notch inflight entertainment system, seat technology, and inflight monitor. Delta's A220 First Class offers larger seats with more personal space, though they are not as state-of-the-art as those found on the A321neos.
The American Airlines A321 Transcontinental First Class offers lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, and a product similar to international business class on select transcontinental routes. It is considered the best domestic first class experience, featuring lie-flat seats and a product that rivals international business class.
The new Leihōkū Suites on Hawaiian Airlines will be seen on these aircraft, with each seat converting to a fully lie-flat bed, and featuring an 18-inch inflight entertainment screen, wireless charging station, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, and a retractable privacy screen (for middle seats). The 34 suites will be arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, meaning every passenger has direct access to the aisle.
Airlines are competing to offer more luxurious premium cabin products due to increased demand for flying. While international carriers like ANA and others provide world-class first class products with luxurious suites and dining, these are not domestic U.S. airlines. Overall, among U.S. carriers, Delta and American lead for high-end first/business class experiences, whereas Spirit offers a more budget-friendly but still upgraded option.
This reflects the current leading domestic carriers focusing on premium cabin comfort and features within the U.S. market. Passengers can make an informed choice based on their preferences and budget when selecting their next domestic flight.
- Business travelers seeking a premium experience in the airline industry might find Delta Air Lines' Delta First Class appealing, as it offers a spacious seating layout on select aircraft.
- In the realm of food, Hawaiian Airlines offers inflight delicious cuisine, including iPads for entertainment, paired with its exceptional first class service on the Airbus A330.
- Technology enthusiasts might appreciate the top-notch in-flight entertainment system on board Delta's A220 aircraft for regional flights or the latest business class configurations on American Airlines' Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
- For those prioritizing entertainment during their journey, the A321 Transcontinental First Class on American Airlines is notable for its lie-flat seats and in-flight entertainment system comparable to international business class.
- Real estate investors may be interested to know that certain aircraft types, like Delta's 757s and 787-9 Dreamliners, are being used to offer more spacious and luxury-oriented seating configurations for first and business class passengers.
- Financially savvy travelers might prefer Spirit Airlines' Big Front Seat, an upgraded domestic first-class offering that provides extra legroom and amenities at a budget-friendly fare.
- In the transportation sector, the aviation industry is making significant strides to introduce more luxurious premium cabin products, such as Hawaiian Airlines' upcoming Leihōkū Suites, which feature direct aisle access and lie-flat beds for anterior comfort.
