Welcome aboard an extraordinary adventure! We’ll be flying six major American airlines entirely in first class. From Hawaiian to Delta to United, we’ll compare the experiences, services, and comforts of each airline with a total sticker price of over $10,000. Let’s start this mammoth journey from the ground in California.
JetBlue: California to New York
Check-in and Boarding
The adventure begins with JetBlue at a busy check-in. First-class passengers enjoy a separate check-in facility, though there’s no fast track through TSA. After a lengthy security process, it’s time to head to Gate B3 and board a 9-year-old Airbus A321.
Onboard Experience
JetBlue’s transcontinental aircraft surprises with lay-flat seating and mini suites equipped with closing doors. The pre-departure sparkling water is served in a plastic cup, and the seat comes with bedding and a basic amenity kit. The menu offers three small plates, akin to Tapas-style fare.
Food and Entertainment
The food includes a cucumber salad, burrata with pine nut crumble, and a flat iron steak. Dessert is vanilla gelato with peaches. Entertainment options include free Wi-Fi and a dated but functional in-flight entertainment system with live TV.
Arrival in New York
After a 5-hour flight covering 3,000 miles, we arrive at JFK Airport. Next, we need to collect the checked bag and transfer to another terminal for the next flight.
American Airlines: New York to Los Angeles
Check-in and Lounge
The American Airlines check-in is efficient, with expedited security for first-class passengers. The Chelsea Lounge at Terminal 8 is a luxurious space with a fireplace, sleeping area, and a restaurant offering dishes like potato croquet with caviar and lamb and beef kofta.
Onboard Experience
Boarding the unique A321T, the first-class cabin is spacious with flatbeds. Despite some wear and tear, the seats offer comfort. No pre-departure drink is provided.
Food and Service
The menu options are limited, and I end up with lamb cutlets, which are quite dry. However, the famous ice cream sundae dessert is a highlight. The provided slippers and a single lavatory are available for first-class passengers.
Arrival in Los Angeles
After a 6-hour flight covering 3,000 miles, we land at LAX. It’s late, and with the next flight early in the morning, it’s time to rest at an airport hotel.
Hawaiian Airlines: Los Angeles to Honolulu
Check-in and Boarding
The Hawaiian Airlines check-in is quick, and the brand-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner awaits. Onboard, the first-class seats are laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, with a small storage closet and a crisp 4K TV screen.
Food and Service
A welcome drink of guava juice is served. The breakfast includes pancakes with pork sausage, though the food quality is disappointing. The highlight is the pound cake for dessert. Unfortunately, there is no in-flight Wi-Fi available.
Arrival in Honolulu
After a 5-hour flight covering 2,200 miles, we land in the beautiful state of Hawaii. The open-air sections of Honolulu airport offer a refreshing change from typical sterile environments.
United Airlines: Honolulu to Chicago
Check-in and Lounge
Check-in at United is smooth, and the lounge access, available for a $50 supplement, offers a decent buffet and bar. The 787-10 Dreamliner is the aircraft for this leg.
Onboard Experience
The Polaris First Class cabin offers privacy with a small closet, USB charging, and HD TV. The meal options are underwhelming, with either pineapple fried rice or pineapple teriyaki chicken.
Service and Amenities
Service is lackluster, with disinterested crew members. The Wi-Fi is affordable and functional. The lavatories provide additional amenities like garment spray and hand cream.
Arrival in Chicago
After a 9-hour flight covering 3,700 miles, we land in Chicago. With a few hours to spare, it’s time to rest at a nearby hotel.
Alaska Airlines: Chicago to Seattle
Check-in and Boarding
Check-in is quick, and TSA pre-check is a breeze. The 737 MAX 9 aircraft offers ample legroom and a footrest in first class.
Food and Service
The meal includes shrimp linguini or teriyaki chicken, served with mixed nuts and a cold drink. The Wi-Fi is reasonably priced and functional.
Arrival in Seattle
After a 4.5-hour flight covering 1,800 miles, we land in Seattle, ready for the final leg of the journey.
Delta Airlines: Seattle to London
Check-in and Lounge
Check-in is efficient, and the Delta Sky Club lounge offers a great selection of food and drinks. The Airbus A330-900neo provides a private suite with a fully closing door.
Food and Service
The meal service is impressive, with options like braised short rib and tomato soup. The ice cream sundae for dessert is a delight.
In-Flight Experience
The bed is comfortable with quality bedding. The bathroom includes premium cosmetics, and the amenity kit is well-stocked.
Arrival in London
After a 10-hour flight covering 4,700 miles, we land in London, concluding the epic journey.
Cost Breakdown
- JetBlue: $2,100
- American Airlines: $1,600
- Hawaiian Airlines: $2,800
- United Airlines: $1,600
- Alaska Airlines: $500
- Delta Airlines: $2,300
- Total Cost: $10,900
Conclusion
Each airline offered a unique experience, with Delta standing out for its excellent staff, stellar hard product, and delicious food. Let me know which airline was your favorite and stay tuned for more travel adventures!
General Questions
Q: How many airlines did you fly in first class?
A: I flew six major American airlines: JetBlue, American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Airlines.
Q: What was the total cost of the trip?
A: The total cost for all flights combined was $10,900.
Q: How did you book these flights?
A: The flights were booked a few months in advance to ensure availability in first class and to compare the different airlines back-to-back.
Q: How long was the entire trip?
A: The trip spanned multiple days with various layovers between flights to manage the travel schedule.
JetBlue Questions
Q: What aircraft did JetBlue use for the flight from California to New York?
A: JetBlue used a 9-year-old Airbus A321 for the transcontinental flight.
Q: What is unique about JetBlue’s first class seating?
A: JetBlue offers lay-flat seating with mini suites that include closing doors, providing added privacy.
Q: Did JetBlue provide lounge access?
A: No, JetBlue does not provide lounge access for first-class passengers across its route network.
American Airlines Questions
Q: Which aircraft was used by American Airlines for the flight from New York to Los Angeles?
A: American Airlines used the A321T, a unique aircraft in their fleet designed for premium transcontinental routes.
Q: Did American Airlines offer a pre-departure drink?
A: No, there was no pre-departure drink offered on this flight.
Q: What were the highlights of the Chelsea Lounge at JFK?
A: The Chelsea Lounge features a fireplace, comfortable seating, a sleeping area, showers, and a restaurant offering high-quality meals.
Hawaiian Airlines Questions
Q: What type of aircraft did Hawaiian Airlines use for the flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu?
A: Hawaiian Airlines used a brand-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Q: Was there in-flight Wi-Fi available on Hawaiian Airlines?
A: No, there was no in-flight Wi-Fi available on this flight.
Q: What was included in the breakfast service on Hawaiian Airlines?
A: The breakfast included pancakes with pork sausage and a pound cake for dessert.
United Airlines Questions
Q: What aircraft did United Airlines use for the flight from Honolulu to Chicago?
A: United Airlines used the 787-10 Dreamliner for this leg of the journey.
Q: What was the food service like on United Airlines?
A: The meal options were underwhelming, with choices like pineapple fried rice or pineapple teriyaki chicken, and the overall service was lackluster.
Q: Were there any additional amenities in the lavatories on United Airlines?
A: Yes, the lavatories included amenities such as garment spray, facial mist, and hand cream.
Alaska Airlines Questions
Q: What type of aircraft did Alaska Airlines use for the flight from Chicago to Seattle?
A: Alaska Airlines used the 737 MAX 9.
Q: Was there Wi-Fi available on Alaska Airlines?
A: Yes, Wi-Fi was available for a reasonable price and was functional for streaming.
Q: What was included in the meal service on Alaska Airlines?
A: The meal options included shrimp linguini or teriyaki chicken, served with mixed nuts and a cold drink.
Delta Airlines Questions
Q: What aircraft did Delta Airlines use for the flight from Seattle to London?
A: Delta Airlines used the Airbus A330-900neo.
Q: What were the highlights of Delta’s first class service?
A: Delta provided a private suite with a fully closing door, an extensive menu, quality bedding, and premium cosmetics in the lavatories.
Q: How was the in-flight entertainment on Delta Airlines?
A: Delta offered a wide selection of movies and provided noise-canceling headphones, making for an enjoyable in-flight entertainment experience.
Additional Questions
Q: Which airline provided the best overall experience?
A: Delta Airlines stood out for its excellent staff, stellar hard product, and delicious food.
Q: What should I consider when booking first class flights on these airlines?
A: Consider factors like the quality of food and service, the comfort of seating, in-flight amenities, and any additional perks like lounge access when booking first class flights.
Q: Did you face any challenges during the trip?
A: The most notable challenges included lackluster food options on some flights and occasional service issues, but overall, the experience was insightful and enjoyable.
