American Airlines will bring Pecan Lodge’s smoked brisket and sausage to First Class on select DFW-to-LGA/JFK routes, with a February barbecue platter (brisket and sausage with sides) and a March chopped brisket sandwich; orders open Jan 11 via aa.com or the airline app, as AA expands premium offerings alongside Champagne Bollinger, Lavazza coffee, and complimentary Wi‑Fi for AAdvantage members.
JetBlue is struggling with profitability due to decreased demand and is implementing aggressive cost-cutting measures, including capacity reduction and route adjustments, while investing in a premium service upgrade with first class. The airline aims to turn around its financial situation by focusing on premium offerings and restructuring, but progress is slow, and industry consolidation could be beneficial.
Southwest Airlines is considering expanding its offerings to include first-class seats, airport lounges, and long-haul international flights, as part of its ongoing evolution to meet consumer demand, despite not having official plans yet. The airline is exploring these options to stay competitive and better serve customer needs, with a focus on long-term strategy and adaptation to market pressures.
British Airways has unveiled a new first class seat design for its A380 aircraft, set to launch in 2026. The new seats are wider, feature a lie-flat bed, and include amenities like a 32-inch 4K entertainment screen and adjustable mood lighting. The design aims to enhance privacy and comfort, with features like a sliding door and "do not disturb" button. Despite a trend among some airlines to reduce first class offerings, BA sees a strong market for premium travel. The first retrofitted A380 is expected to fly in early 2026.
Delta Air Lines has partnered with Shake Shack to offer cheeseburgers as an entree option for first-class passengers on domestic flights over 900 miles, starting December 1 from Boston Logan International Airport. This collaboration marks a unique move to incorporate a popular dining brand into Delta's in-flight service, with plans to expand the offering to other U.S. cities in 2025. Passengers can preselect their meal via Delta's app or online up to 24 hours before departure.
American Airlines is ordering 260 new narrow-body jets, including 85 Boeing 737 Max 10s and 85 Airbus A321neos, as well as planning to grow its first class on some of its narrow-body planes starting in 2025. The order is a vote of confidence for Boeing, which has been struggling with production flaws and delays, and reflects the airline's response to high demand for premium seats.
A flight in China was delayed for three hours and eventually cancelled after a passenger demanded a free first-class upgrade for his child, leading to 300 passengers having to rebook their flights. The incident occurred when the man insisted that his unsupervised crying child be moved to first class at no extra cost, despite having only paid for two first-class tickets. The airline claimed the cancellation was due to weather conditions, but many suspected the man's tantrum was the actual cause. On social media, people criticized the man's behavior and suggested alternative solutions.
A person planning a family vacation insists on flying first class while the rest of the family flies coach, causing tension and arguments. The advice columnist suggests that while it's understandable to want luxury, family trips should prioritize togetherness and compromise. In another letter, a woman confesses to lying about the paternity of her child for 36 years and seeks advice on whether to reveal the truth to her husband and daughter. The columnist advises that secrets like these often come out and recommends honesty, acknowledging that love and family bonds can transcend biological ties.
An American Airlines passenger claims that his girlfriend was removed from her first-class seat so that an off-duty pilot could take her place. The passenger alleges that the crew initially claimed the seat was broken, but then a pilot was seated in it. American Airlines has not yet responded to the complaint. Deadheading pilots, who are being paid to fly to another location for work but are not actively working, are sometimes seated among other passengers. American Airlines pilots are given first-class priority for deadheading flights due to a new union contract. This is not the first incident of a passenger being bumped from first class for a pilot this year.
Shari Levitin, a self-proclaimed wealth expert and sales trainer, sparked controversy by claiming that people who fly first-class are more productive and work harder than those in coach. Levitin argued that successful individuals prioritize learning, growth, and curiosity, and are constantly striving to reach the next level. However, her comments received backlash from viewers who found them snobbish and insulting. Some pointed out that economy class lacks the space and amenities for productive work, while others argued that first-class passengers may be working on company time or accumulating wealth through passive income. Despite the criticism, some viewers agreed with Levitin's observations and praised her insights.
American Airlines is facing criticism after a passenger complained that their first class flight did not include the advertised meal service. The airline responded by stating that meals and snacks are considered complimentary conveniences and that their ticket prices reflect the cost of transportation. This issue highlights a larger problem within the airline industry, where advertised amenities may not always be delivered as promised, and passengers have limited recourse for complaints.
A plus-sized British Airways passenger was stuck in his first-class seat for three hours after the plane landed in the UK from Nigeria. Emergency services had to remove a door and hoist him out of his seat. The passenger was seated in 1A, a coveted seat typically reserved for Executive Club Gold card holders. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of seat size and comfort for larger passengers on airlines.
A plus-sized British Airways passenger was stuck in his first-class seat for three hours after the plane landed in the UK from Nigeria. Emergency services had to remove a door and use a hoist to extricate him from the seat. The passenger was seated in 1A, a coveted seat typically reserved for Executive Club Gold card holders. This incident highlights concerns about seat sizes and accommodations for plus-sized passengers on airlines.
A traveler upgraded their British Airways ticket from business class to first class for $500, experiencing the airline's new first-class suites with private doors, lie-flat seats, and in-flight entertainment. The upgrade was considered a good value for the 22-hour journey, but the traveler wouldn't pay thousands extra for a first-class seat.
The United Airlines 757-300 first class flight from Los Angeles to Houston was a pleasant experience. The seats were comfortable with ample legroom, and the in-flight entertainment system offered streaming videos and TV shows. The meal service was satisfactory, and the crew was friendly and professional. The flight landed on time despite stormy weather conditions. Overall, it was a good flight experience.
