What to expect in First class....

[dudspizza]

I am not asking what to wear in First Class.. I know better than that....

But, what should I expect when flying first class (American Airlines), compared to coach. This will be my first time in first class... I am excited!

Duds

 

[vicki_c]

A bigger seat.

Drinks while the masses are still boarding the plane.

I'm not sure what else any longer - a long time ago, it used to be better food, pretty much unlimited drinks, mimosas when you got on the plane, etc. I don't think a lot of that is true any longer on most airlines.

 

[bavaria]

Here, let me link that for you http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/duringFlight/firstClassCabin.jsp

Domestically in the US, not much. AA is apparently still one of the better ones, but a bigger seat really isn't that much bigger on most aircraft, and on short haul flights there isn't that much time for extravagant meal service and endless rounds of drinks. (Asian carriers seem to manage a great three course meal on one hour flights, but that is pretty rare in America)

Less time spent waiting usually as you can use premium lines, priority tagged luggage (which may or may not mean anything at all), priority boarding, a better blankie and pillow.

Are you excited???!

 

[uva185]

Depends. What route are you flying?

 

[bavaria]

Which aircraft is also an important question.

 

[uva185]

...and contrary to what the movie "Up in the Air" makes you believe, you will not have a Flagship First Suite on a MD-88 between Wichita and Kansas City.

 

[bavaria]

It won't be quite as nice as this, knowing your final destination.

http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/trip_reports/read.main/81105/

 

[Dmouse38]

Are you flying Domestic or International? That makes a big difference. Either way. Free Drinks, in real glasses, real food on china with metal utencils. And if you have meat they even give you a steak knife. Depending on the plane you may have acces to a dozen or more movies and other entertainment. Nice wide seats for our American butts. Check with the Airline, but you should also be able to increase your luggage weight to 70 pounds per bag and up to three suitcases and three carry-ons. Each Airline is different, so call to verify. Relax and enjoy it. Have a safe flight.

 

[bavaria]

I really didn't want to mention the lounge on the upper deck of the aircraft complete with grand piano, the disco, the unlimited cocktails, the hot fudge sundaes, and all the other secret treats in case it made anyone jealous.

 

[bradisgoofy]

the single biggest difference...you will never be happy flying coach again.

 

[safetymom]

American has a great first class. We got hot meals and more passes of the snack basket. It also is nice there is no charge for luggage.

 

[RabFlmom]

the single biggest difference...you will never be happy flying coach again.

Flew first class to get to a funeral once(only flight I could get without bumping someone and bereavement price was not a lot cheaper . The seat was bigger and had softer leather feel. You get on before the rest of the passengers. They offer drinks right away and bring out the snack in a basket and let you choose whether you want peanuts or crackers and how many packages you want. They come back a couple times during a 2 hour flight and ask if you would like another drink. My opinion after the flight? It cost this much just for that? You still get to the airport at the same time. LOL Just reminded me of the line I used to use when teaching and kids would fight about being first in line to get on the bus. LOL I'll fly coach unless going out of the country. I really was not impressed at all.

I don't dress business attire to fly so the one thing I remember most was the rude old lady who was already standing in line to board when I ran up from a flight that got in a little late(Thanksgiving weekend) . I must have looked disheveled and maybe had horrible looking makeup cause I know I had been tearing up a little on the previous flight. When they called first class and I walked in front of her, she loudly said" Only first class is loading" Looked at her and said. "Yes thank you , my hearing is fine" and got on the plane. LOL

 

[SuzanneSLO]

More perks of AA domestic first Class:

A separate line for check-in;
As already noted, free checked luggage (but the number and weight limits are the same) and they may be tagged "Priority" (which may or may not mean anything);
In some airports, a separate line for TSA access;
Free stand by for another flight;
Early boarding;
Even without earlier boarding, stowing luggage overhead is usually not a problem;
More leg room and a slightly wider seat;
FA will ask to hang your coat;
Blanket and pillow (even after May 1);
Free crummy headphones on most planes (Bose on 3 class but you have to return them);
On some planes, a leg rest;
For some flights, a pre-flight beverage;
For some flights, a meal;
No charge for alcoholic beverages;
Generally first off the plane.

Enjoy! -- Suzanne

 

[kaytieeldr]

I haven't seen one of the primary perks yet, so... SuzanneSLO is correct, you'll be among the first off the plane - but more importantly, your luggage will - or should - be among the first to come out at baggage claim!

 

[katied]

I haven't seen one of the primary perks yet, so... SuzanneSLO is correct, you'll be among the first off the plane - but more importantly, your luggage will - or should - be among the first to come out at baggage claim!

Don't count on your luggage coming out first. Never seems to happen for me. I have Platinum status on American flying for work all the time, so I'm generally in first class. My luggage is rarely out first. But, the perks for me:

special security line (generally shorter)
bigger seat
they hang your coat once you get on, and give it back to you shortly before landing
generally no fight for overhead bin space - just board when first class is called. Otherwise, people from coach may fill the first class area bins.
offer you a drink (alcoholic beverages are free) before takeoff
they stop by more often
depending on your flight, you may get a meal - needs to be a long one
you get a pillow and blanket

International - that's a whole different story and a true experience. You generally get a seat that reclines a great deal - for my Asian flights, it's been a flat bed. You get a special menu to order off... you'll never want to fly coach again.

 

[bavaria]

Wow, that is confusing! welcome katied to the Transportation Board! (I had to look twice at the user name)

I was just coming to post what you did; it is a running joke on Flyertalk.com amongst posters on most airlines that the priority tag either means nothing or means that those bags get loaded first and deplaned last.

I have good luck on my non-US flights but for my US flights priority tags usually mean middle of the pack.

 

[safetymom]

Add me to the list of those that never gets their luggage first when flying first class. I swear they hold them back and they came out last.

 

[dudspizza]

I suppose I could have been more specific.

MSP-ORD 737
ORD-RNO (Reno) 737

RNO-DFW 757
DFW-MSP MD-88

I was hoping for in flight internet, so there is a chance on the DFW-MSP leg.....

Duds

 

[SurfinTX]

Chicago to Reno is about 3-4 hours on a 737. In general on flights over 2 hours you will get a meal.

First on a 737 and MD-80 is nothing special. The seats are 2 by 2 and about 30% bigger than coach with a bit more legroom. You will be offered a few drinks in real glasses and have more attention from the FA.

The real bonus is no fighting for overhead space.

If you were flying transcontenental or overseas you would see a whole different level of service as pp have said. From use of the lounges to robes and...just saying it's pretty nice.

For me though, domestic short hauls are not worth the 300-500% cost difference from a heavily discounted coach seat. You end up at the same place and the difference in time is 10 minutes from start to finish.

 

[katied]

Wow, that is confusing! welcome katied to the Transportation Board! (I had to look twice at the user name)

I was just coming to post what you did; it is a running joke on Flyertalk.com amongst posters on most airlines that the priority tag either means nothing or means that those bags get loaded first and deplaned last.

I have good luck on my non-US flights but for my US flights priority tags usually mean middle of the pack.

Thanks for the welcome. I agree. One of the huge perks is every time I fly to London Heathrow, my luggage is waiting for me once I clear customs vs. me waiting on my luggage. Oversees, the priority tag seems to really mean something.