Domestic first class in the US: 6 things to know before flying

When was the last time you traveled first class? Many travelers can be easily misled by the use of 'first class' for domestic travel in the United States, with expectations arising of lie-flat seats, lounge access, and champagne served on boarding. However, depending on your airline, first class can be more closely compared to international business class for domestic travel across the United States.

Airlines look to entice business travelers and the super-wealthy to splurge on first class travel when jetting from one side of the US to the other. However, airlines continue to face competition to fill their premium cabins, especially when their products can differ so heavily from those on their international routes.

Flying is becoming increasingly popular, and as ticket prices continue to drop, more people are packing their bags and heading somewhere on holiday for business or to visit friends and family.

Remember that if you have traveled in international first class or business class, the product offered on domestic first class flights can vary from aircraft to aircraft. Keep reading to be sure of what you are getting yourself in for. This article will break down the best bits of America's leading airlines that offer first class on domestic routes.

1 Arriving at the airport

Dedicated check-in and expedited security clearance

From the moment you arrive at the airport, first class passengers can usually find dedicated check-in desks and kiosks solely for first class passengers; this is commonly included for members of high-level status with their respective frequent flier membership program. Before you take off, extra benefits can consist of:

• Priority check-in
• Expedited security clearance

For those who need more guidance, airlines will commonly identify 'priority lanes' for elite passengers where available.

2 Lounge Access

Not always complimentary

One of the most important things to note is that having a domestic first class ticket does not automatically entitle you to airline lounge access. Depending on your carrier of choice, this is limited to the frequent flier members who have achieved the appropriate tier. For example, first class passengers are not automatically entitled to Admirals Club entry on American Airlines.

It's a similar situation with Delta Air Lines, which, according to the airline's website, holding a first class ticket domestically does not grant you free access to the Delta Sky Club. To be eligible to access the lounge, you should check with your airline regarding lounge access entitlements.

3 Boarding

Be one of the first onboard

Priority boarding has long been a key incentive to pay that little extra. You can avoid the long queues, gain the most overhead baggage space, and sit back and relax without worrying about the aircraft leaving without you.

For those passengers not booked in first class domestically, you can still pre-purchase priority boarding on all other non-complimentary tickets. For example, with United Airlines, you can add priority boarding to your booking at any time up until the date of departure.

Here are the perks for priority boarding in more detail:

• Avoiding long lines to board
• Getting to your seat first
• One of the first to store your bags either under the seat in front or in the overhead bins
• More time to relax before take-off
• Opportunity to put all your items in place (seat pocket in front, headphones on)
• Sit back and relax, enjoying the in-flight entertainment before take-off (where applicable)

4 Inflight dining

Curated meals depending on your flight duration

For most airlines, complimentary snacks and drinks are included for all passengers flying in first class. First-class passengers on United Airlines will receive complementary food for all flights over 300 miles.

When traveling in first class, free non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks and meal offerings are as follows:

5 Seats onboard

Extra plush seats make the journey more enjoyable

In this portion, we will compare Delta and American Airlines. Comfort varies from airline to airline. For those traveling with oneworld member AA, the offering can depend on the aircraft flown on your chosen route.

American Airlines Airbus A321T (Transcontinental) includes Flagship First, which offers a unique 1-1 configuration at the front of the plane, lie-flat seating, and a seat width of 21 inches.

Delta's first class domestic product offers up to eight extra inches of seat width and 5.4 inches of recline compared to those in the economy. Dedicated first-class flight attendants are also on hand to assist with any queries throughout the flight.

6 Priority baggage

First on the carousel

There's nothing better than getting off your flight and your baggage being one of the first to arrive at the carousel. One of the best perks of being a frequent or first class flier is priority baggage.

Many of America's leading airlines will offer up to two checked pieces of baggage per first class ticket; weight limits vary as identified below: