A321neo First Class Cross-Country Comparing Top 6 US Airlines’ Offerings in 2024

A321neo First Class Cross-Country Comparing Top 6 US Airlines' Offerings in 2024 - American Airlines A321neo First Class WiFi and Seat Width

American Airlines' A321neo has made some strides in its first class offering, especially regarding internet access and seat dimensions. The Viasat Wi-Fi they've installed is generally considered top-tier, offering a smoother experience without any data limits once a plan is purchased. While the cabin isn't drastically wider, it does feel a bit more spacious compared to older models like the Boeing 737, which is a small positive. The first class seats themselves are slimline recliners, providing a decent 21 inches of width and 37 inches of pitch. While this offers a decent recline, it's still a basic first class seat and not really the pinnacle of comfort, particularly on longer, transcontinental routes. Notably, the A321neo boosts the number of first class seats from 16 on some aircraft to 20, an interesting choice in their effort to maximize capacity while keeping a sliver of luxury for a portion of travelers on their domestic flights. Whether this trade-off is successful for the passenger experience is up for debate, particularly as a good portion of this fleet is used for cross country flights where first class can feel far less luxurious when compared to business class offerings on the larger widebody aircraft.

American's A321neo first-class cabin offers a few notable features within the domestic landscape. While the 21-inch seat width isn't groundbreaking, it does provide a bit more elbow room compared to some other narrow-body aircraft. This, coupled with the 37-inch pitch, provides a reasonably comfortable space for domestic travel. Interestingly, American standardized their domestic first-class setup across their A321neo fleet. So, you get a consistently similar seat regardless of which aircraft you're on.

The A321neo also leverages Viasat Wi-Fi. This system is widely regarded as the best in the aviation industry, boasting the ability to connect from the ground and offering unlimited data when a plan is purchased. This stands out positively compared to the capped and often slower internet options on other carriers. It's worth noting that the A321neo's first class capacity is increased to 20 seats, compared to other A321 configurations. This is important because many carriers strive for higher seat densities to maximize revenue. American has opted for a more spacious layout.

A321neos feature a wider cabin compared to a Boeing 737. While this translates to slightly more space, whether it's genuinely noticeable in the first-class cabin might depend on a passenger's expectations. Other improvements include larger overhead bins, wider availability of in-seat power and enhanced in-flight WiFi speeds. American operates a fleet of 70 A321neo aircraft dedicated primarily to domestic routes. While the A321neo's first-class experience is adequate for a cross-country flight, it's important to understand that it isn't comparable to the luxury you get in business class on wide-body aircraft.

The A321neo itself offers a standard 196-seat configuration comprised of 20 first-class, 47 premium economy, and 129 economy seats. The specific seat arrangement and bulkhead rows do vary, with some bulkhead seats providing extra legroom compared to their counterparts on other aircraft layouts.

What else is in this post?

1. A321neo First Class Cross-Country Comparing Top 6 US Airlines' Offerings in 2024 - American Airlines A321neo First Class WiFi and Seat Width
2. A321neo First Class Cross-Country Comparing Top 6 US Airlines' Offerings in 2024 - United Airlines New First Class Seat Design on A321neo
3. A321neo First Class Cross-Country Comparing Top 6 US Airlines' Offerings in 2024 - Delta Airlines A321neo First Class Experience and Lounge Access
4. A321neo First Class Cross-Country Comparing Top 6 US Airlines' Offerings in 2024 - JetBlue Mint Suite on A321neo Transcon Flights
5. A321neo First Class Cross-Country Comparing Top 6 US Airlines' Offerings in 2024 - Alaska Airlines A321neo Premium Class Offering
6. A321neo First Class Cross-Country Comparing Top 6 US Airlines' Offerings in 2024 - Hawaiian Airlines A321neo First Class for Mainland Routes

A321neo First Class Cross-Country Comparing Top 6 US Airlines' Offerings in 2024 - United Airlines New First Class Seat Design on A321neo

United Airlines is finally introducing a new first-class seat design for its Airbus A321neo, marking a significant shift for the airline's domestic offerings after a long gap since its last new Airbus jet. The new cabin will boast a larger first-class section with 20 seats, a relatively generous number compared to some of its peers. United's new design will also feature some welcome touches like individual wireless charging stations built into the armrests. Passengers can expect a slightly heightened sense of privacy thanks to added dividers and more modern aesthetics using vegan leather for the seat upholstery. There are larger 13-inch screens built into the seatbacks for in-flight entertainment as well. The new seat will eventually be seen on a fleet of 200 airplanes by 2026, including Airbus A321neos and a mix of Boeing 737 models. It's a clear indication that the airline is making a concerted effort to revamp its domestic first-class experience in line with evolving passenger expectations. United's goal is to have this new seat design ready for use across its entire fleet by the summer of 2024. This ambitious rollout highlights United's focus on enhancing the domestic passenger experience, particularly as people increasingly seek greater comfort and amenities on short-haul and cross-country trips.

United Airlines is introducing a brand new first-class seat design on their Airbus A321neo, marking a significant update to their fleet after over two decades. This new design, initially seen on a flight from Houston to Chicago in late 2023, will eventually be implemented across 200 aircraft by 2026, including various Boeing 737s and the A321neos.

The A321neo's first-class cabin will accommodate 20 passengers, making it one of the larger first-class sections among United's aircraft. Notably, these seats feature an array of improvements aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. Wireless charging is now integrated into the armrests, along with privacy dividers, offering a more secluded feel. The use of vegan leather adds a touch of sophistication. Entertainment is handled with 13-inch seatback screens, a step up from their older domestic first-class offerings.

This design overhaul is a joint effort between United and PriestmanGoode, a design firm with whom they've collaborated since 2012. The new seats prioritize a more refined feel, with a key goal of improving the passenger journey. It's worth noting that the same first-class seating concept was also announced for a Boeing 737 aircraft.

The A321neo's new seats highlight United's broader goal of enhancing comfort on their domestic flights, a key part of their larger fleet modernization efforts. It's intriguing to see how this emphasis on passenger experience resonates with travelers, particularly those making longer cross-country trips where a comfortable seat becomes crucial. While many airlines focus on packing as many seats as possible into each cabin, United seems committed to striking a balance between maximizing capacity and offering a somewhat more premium environment for its first-class customers. Whether this approach is ultimately successful in distinguishing itself from the competition, however, will be interesting to observe.

It remains to be seen how these new seats hold up in practice over time and how they compare with the more mature offerings of other airlines. For now, however, it represents a step forward in United's efforts to modernize the travel experience on its domestic routes. One can anticipate that this first-class experience will be rigorously evaluated by travelers and analysts alike over the coming months and years, as it impacts perceptions of both the value and comfort of this service.

A321neo First Class Cross-Country Comparing Top 6 US Airlines' Offerings in 2024 - Delta Airlines A321neo First Class Experience and Lounge Access

Delta's A321neo first-class offers a noticeable upgrade with a refreshed cabin and a focus on improved passenger comfort. The 20 first-class seats are arranged in a 2-2 configuration, providing a standard 37-inch pitch and 21-inch width, which is typical for Delta's domestic first-class. The seats also sport new features like winged headrests, which aim to enhance comfort during flights. Despite these improvements, Delta's first-class offering on the A321neo doesn't reach the same level of luxury as competitors like JetBlue's Mint Suites, which are often considered the gold standard for domestic first-class.

Delta passengers traveling in first class enjoy Zone 5 Priority Boarding, enabling them to board ahead of most others and stow their carry-on bags more readily. Access to Delta Sky Clubs adds to the overall first-class experience by providing a comfortable lounge setting before or after the flight. While the A321neo first-class brings improvements, it still maintains a more basic feel when compared to first- or business-class offerings found on wider, long-haul aircraft. This places it in an interesting position within the changing landscape of domestic air travel, where the pursuit of a more luxurious experience is becoming increasingly important to many travelers.

Delta's A321neo has joined their fleet modernization efforts with a newly designed first-class cabin. This particular model features a 2-2 seating configuration for its 20 first-class seats. The seats themselves are reasonably spacious, offering a 37-inch pitch and a 21-inch width, which aligns with Delta's usual domestic first-class dimensions. A notable addition is the incorporation of winged headrests, designed to provide enhanced comfort throughout the flight.

While the A321neo also features 42 Comfort+ and 132 standard economy seats, the focus here is on the first-class experience. The cabin certainly presents an upgrade over some of Delta's older domestic first-class designs. However, it's generally viewed as a step below JetBlue's Mint Suites, which have earned recognition as the top domestic first-class product.

First-class passengers receive priority boarding (Zone 5), which allows for quicker boarding and more convenient stowage of carry-on luggage. Additionally, being a narrowbody aircraft with a cruising speed of 525 mph, the A321neo offers decent fuel efficiency within Delta's larger-gauge fleet. It's worth noting that, while the first-class seats feature enhancements, they haven't quite managed to elevate the Delta experience to the top of the domestic first-class market. There are other airlines offering more refined and luxurious alternatives. The experience is further enhanced by access to Delta Sky Clubs, which provides travelers a pleasant setting with refreshments and Wi-Fi access prior to departure. It's a nice touch, though the quality of these clubs can be quite variable from location to location.


It appears that while Delta has made efforts to improve their first-class offering, they're still lagging behind some of their competitors in terms of overall luxury. It will be interesting to observe how the passenger experience on the A321neo evolves as Delta refines the concept in the years to come.

A321neo First Class Cross-Country Comparing Top 6 US Airlines' Offerings in 2024 - JetBlue Mint Suite on A321neo Transcon Flights

JetBlue's refreshed Mint Suite on the A321neo is designed to elevate the transcontinental travel experience. Each Mint Suite offers a private space thanks to the 1-1 seat configuration, a significant improvement in the domestic market. For those seeking even more space and comfort, JetBlue has introduced the Mint Studios in the first row. These larger suites come with added storage and a 22-inch TV but carry an extra charge. The Mint experience on the A321neo represents JetBlue's ambition to enhance their premium cabin product. It's noteworthy that initially, the A321neo with Mint will focus on select transcontinental routes, with JFK to LAX as one of the launch destinations during summer 2024. It will be interesting to see how this product stands up against other airlines’ offerings in the increasingly competitive first-class landscape. While the upgrades promise a more comfortable and enjoyable flight, the long-term impact and overall passenger satisfaction with this new product will have to be observed.

JetBlue's Mint Suite on the A321neo, especially on transcontinental routes, presents a compelling proposition for discerning travelers. The core design principle revolves around a suite-style layout with individual sliding doors. This isn't common in domestic first class, mirroring a feature more typically found on international business class flights. This design choice creates a sense of privacy, a welcome feature for passengers on longer journeys.

Each Mint Suite transforms into a fully flat bed, stretching 78 inches in length. For cross-country flights, the ability to lie flat is quite beneficial, allowing for rest that is noticeably more restorative than traditional reclining seats. The bedding itself is curated by high-end hospitality brands, adding to the overall sense of comfort that is clearly designed to mimic premium hotel experiences.

JetBlue's commitment to the culinary experience sets Mint apart from many domestic first-class options. Meals are prepared with seasonal ingredients using a Chef's Choice menu. It's a thoughtful touch that pushes beyond the standard fare often found on airplanes, potentially appealing to travelers with more sophisticated tastes.

Entertainment options in the Mint Suite are robust, encompassing a wide array of movies, TV shows, and live television. It caters to a range of tastes, allowing passengers to customize their in-flight entertainment during the often lengthy cross-country flights. In a very welcome move, passengers receive free, high-speed Wi-Fi which is less common in domestic first class. Combined with the multiple power outlets available at each seat, passengers can comfortably stay connected throughout the journey.


Beyond the in-flight amenities, JetBlue's dedication to an enhanced pre-flight experience is apparent through their Mint lounge access, which includes complimentary refreshments. This echoes premium offerings on international first-class flights, adding another layer of sophistication. It's interesting to note that the Mint Suites are designed to accommodate only 24 passengers on the A321neo, in contrast to the 50+ often found in first-class cabins of competitor planes. This appears to be a deliberate attempt to maintain a more intimate and personalized environment.

The Mint Suites service quality is further enhanced by dedicated crew training. This additional training contributes to an improved level of attentiveness and overall professionalism, making it stand out in the domestic landscape.

Despite its premium amenities, JetBlue often manages to offer Mint tickets at competitive rates when compared to traditional first-class offerings. This can make a high-end travel experience more accessible, thereby disrupting existing market norms for domestic travel. It's definitely a model that other airlines might consider adopting, albeit with careful attention to financial impact and customer demand.


The JetBlue A321neo Mint Suite experience highlights a trend toward greater personalization and comfort on domestic routes. Whether this is truly a sign of future trends remains to be seen, but JetBlue's strategy clearly emphasizes the need for a distinctive passenger experience.

A321neo First Class Cross-Country Comparing Top 6 US Airlines' Offerings in 2024 - Alaska Airlines A321neo Premium Class Offering

Alaska Airlines' Premium Class on the A321neo offers a comfortable middle ground for those seeking a step up from standard economy without the premium price tag of First Class. The 24 Premium Class seats offer a modest improvement over economy with four extra inches of legroom, which can make a difference on longer flights. While not exactly luxurious, each seat does include USB ports and power outlets, making it easy to keep devices charged. The in-flight Wi-Fi is there, but expect some variance in download and upload speeds.

On the positive side, they've improved their First Class meal offerings on some routes, with up to five meal choices available. It's a small but noticeable improvement. Interestingly, Alaska Airlines uses a mileage system that's based on the distance flown, not the fare class. This makes it potentially a better value when using miles for award redemptions, especially if you're booking a Premium Class seat. This can make the Alaska Airlines option slightly more attractive, particularly for those who accrue miles frequently and look to redeem them for elevated experiences on certain routes. While it doesn't offer the bells and whistles of some of the competition's premium cabins, it is a good option for those who don't want to pay a hefty price for First Class but still crave a more comfortable ride.

Alaska Airlines' A321neo Premium Class presents a middle ground between basic economy and the airline's full-fledged First Class. It offers a few key differentiators that are worth noting. The seats, while not as plush as some competitors, provide a decent amount of legroom with around four inches more than standard economy. This is particularly useful on longer flights, especially within the context of domestic travel where many airlines seem to be aggressively reducing space for passengers.

Passengers in Premium Class gain a few extras that can add to the value proposition. They can enjoy complimentary snacks and cocktails, which is less common in the domestic market at this price point. This might appeal to folks who enjoy a bit of a more relaxed experience. Each seat has a USB port and a standard power outlet, which is helpful in an era where we all carry a plethora of devices.

However, Alaska Airlines has opted for a slightly different approach when it comes to overall passenger experience. While WiFi is available for purchase, its performance can be inconsistent, especially upload speeds. Also, there's no in-flight entertainment offered with individual monitors on the A321neo, similar to the trend on other budget-oriented narrow-body aircraft.

It's interesting to note that Alaska Airlines' mileage earning system rewards distance traveled, which is more favorable for premium class awards than some of their competitors' models that rely on fare classes. In terms of cost, Premium Class on Alaska generally falls far lower than a full first class ticket. One might find it 166% more expensive than an economy ticket, but still far less than the cost of the first class seat on that same aircraft.

Premium Class provides a functional enhancement, especially if you value extra legroom and want to avoid the usual economy crowds. It's an interesting approach to the market. Whether it strikes the right balance between a premium experience and affordability will continue to shape the decision-making process of travelers. It'll be interesting to see if this model resonates with consumers and shapes the future of travel.

A321neo First Class Cross-Country Comparing Top 6 US Airlines' Offerings in 2024 - Hawaiian Airlines A321neo First Class for Mainland Routes

Hawaiian Airlines' A321neo First Class provides a standard, yet comfortable, experience for domestic travelers. The cabin features 16 first-class seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration, a fairly common setup for domestic flights. Notably, these seats share a design with those found on American Airlines, with only minor variations in finishing touches. Hawaiian Airlines opted for the A321neo to replace their aging Boeing 767s, seeking to improve operational efficiency on routes connecting the West Coast to Hawaii. Their goal is to improve services and possibly increase market share on these popular routes. Although this cabin type doesn't offer advanced features, such as lie-flat seating, frequently found on international flights, it does provide the basic elements you might expect in a domestic first-class cabin, such as a fleece blanket and pillow. The airline's ongoing fleet modernization efforts may also see more cutting-edge seating designs on future aircraft, potentially including the Boeing 787-9, which could potentially enhance the passenger experience further.

Hawaiian Airlines' A321neo first class, while using seats similar to those found on American Airlines aircraft, features a distinct finish and aims to create a more uniquely Hawaiian experience. This aircraft type was introduced to replace the older Boeing 767s for routes from the West Coast to Hawaii in 2017. Notably, the A321neo was first deployed on the Portland to Maui route in 2018.

The first class cabin includes 16 seats in a standard 2-2 configuration. While the seats themselves are not revolutionary, they do come with basic amenities like fleece blankets and pillows. However, under-seat storage is somewhat limited, a point to consider for travelers with larger bags.

The A321neo was designed to compete with other medium-haul aircraft, like the Boeing 737 and 757, making it a more efficient choice for routes connecting the mainland with Hawaii. The aircraft boasts a 40% reduction in noise compared to its peers, which can significantly improve the passenger experience, especially when coupled with the high-speed Wi-Fi that Hawaiian Airlines offers on these aircraft.

Interestingly, Hawaiian Airlines' current strategy involves adding A321neos to their fleet. However, their long-term vision includes the possibility of introducing the Boeing 787-9, which would showcase a new first class seat with direct aisle access from all window seats. This suggests that they are planning for potentially significant changes in the passenger experience, especially for longer international flights. As of today, Hawaiian has 15 A321neo planes in its fleet.


The A321neo first class offering is a reflection of Hawaiian's current position in the domestic market, offering a serviceable, comfortable option for mainland flights to Hawaii. While it's not the most luxurious domestic first class product, it's designed to optimize the experience with features that remind passengers of Hawaii's unique charm. The future, however, may see a more significant shift in their offering as they introduce newer planes, potentially evolving their first class concept more towards a global standard.