Tag Archives for first class.
Three years ago the CEO of Singapore Airlines described what they would do with their new first class on board the upcoming Boeing 777-9 as a “quantum leap” in their design offering.
American Airlines is offering old US Airways first class service now: poor legroom, no seat back video, no power (at least on my flights), and real meals on only a handful of routes. They can’t generate the revenue premium they need – given their cost structure and debt – with a product that customers won’t want to pay for.
Etihad doesn’t have a first class cabin on its Boeing 787-10 aircraft, though it still has these suites on some 787-9s. According to Etihad’s CEO this isn’t the end of first class on the airline but it’s being limited and de-emphasized. They’ll still operate planes with a first class cabin on routes where there’s historic paid demand for the cabin, though we’re already seeing last minute aircraft swaps where it’s scheduled for planes that do not offer the product.
On Wednesday’s American Airlines flight AA1822 from Philadelphia to Charlotte, customers got the first glimpse of a new first class product especially for legacy US Airways A320 aircraft. Seat 3D is extra premium, it comes with a foot rest:
United Airlines is bringing back meals to domestic first class flights over 1500 miles as well as flights between the airline’s hubs that are 800 miles or more. There will be a choice of entree, side dish, and a dessert served wrapped on a tray and this will replace the airline’s hot sandwiches and snack boxes.
Alaska Airlines sent out a program update to Mileage Plan members informing that “Beginning April 1, 2021, Emirates will no longer allow partner access to First Class award bookings.”
It’s possible that this restriction – no first class awards with partner miles – is for Alaska Airlines only. However that’s not what this update says.
Last month we learned details of the new British Airways first class seat, which will have a door for privacy.
They’ve taken delivery of their first plane with these seats, and photos have leaked.
British Airways has a new business class suite with privacy doors. It appears on the same plane where first class still lacks doors. That will be (slowly) changing as British Airways will have a new first class suite with doors, which will first appear on new Boeing 777s that start to be delivered next month.
Singapore Airlines isn’t selling international first class anymore on most routes, at all, for the next year. What’s going on? And what does it mean for the future of first class?
British Airways is promoting a new option to book out their entire first class cabin. That may be attractive to households that want to travel by themselves, or even individuals looking to social distance.
The “Charter our FIRST Cabin” British Airways offer is promoted as being at “a fraction of the cost” with prices so low apparently they won’t advertise them publicly – though may depend on route, expected demand, and how far out you’re making the reservation.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
