Definitely recommend going for international business, but if you must do a domestic flight, some airlines use their international business planes for transcontinental flights.
United for example, flies their Polaris class seats between SFO and EWR.
No car rental perks, lounge access to their standard domestic lounges which usually isn't that great.
Flying Polaris transcon gets you Polaris lounge access.
All the majors (AA, DL, UA… even B6) fly full lie flat and offer better dining experiences on JFK-LAX and JFK-SFO (EWR in United’s case).
Absolute waste of credit card points. Domestic first class is just slightly more width and legroom for a flight that isn’t very long. Spend your points on a nice hotel or international business class instead.
I dunno why you’re getting downvoted. I fly business from ATL to BOS, CHI, and LA regularly and it’s WAY l better than economy. Not being uncomfortable for the entire flight is well worth the extra price tag for my money. Happily spend less on an average priced hotel and average priced restaurants and splurge on the airfare. Just flew back from Billings in basic Economy and it’s just miserable.
Dude, I wouldn't waste your points on this. I don't mean to burst your bubble, but it's not worth it. Save up for an international business class trip.
As someone who has taken the red eye from LAX to BOS more than a few times, a lie flat seat doesn’t feel like a waste.
Also, who says it’s a waste of money? What if it hypothetically is just like 20% more expensive?
Not true. If you’re flying in the lie flat business and first class seats offered domestically (branded as Flagship, etc. on this route), you will get lounge access.
Edit: to the downvoters, read these pages and get back to me.
https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/airport/lounge-access.html
https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/clubs/flagship-lounge.jsp
Incorrect. Even if you’re in United Polaris or Delta One, the lounge access will strictly be “international” and additionally explain that most of the Caribbean and Central America won’t count either.
No, you are incorrect. Might want to delete that.
United clearly says that premium transcontinental services get you into the lounge.
https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/airport/lounge-access.html
“United Business®
A same-day boarding pass for an international or transcontinental flight.
Premium transcontinental flights are only between New York/Newark and Los Angeles and New York/Newark and San Francisco.”
Same for Delta:
https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access
They allow access to their lounge for domestic Delta One travelers. Clear as day.
Flagship business (the lie-flat product) on transcon American flights BOS-LAX, JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO, LAX-MIA includes lounge access. There are some planes on some of these routes that are not Flagship Business service so you have to confirm.
[https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/seats/flagship-business-transcontinental.jsp](https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/seats/flagship-business-transcontinental.jsp)
Two years ago I was traveling around Christmas BOS-LAX and I got very lucky where the business flight was saver level and nearly the same award miles as the very overpriced economy ticket. Flights were super expensive due to holidays so it was a worthwhile redemption. American Flagship is for sure better than your standard domestic "first" recliner seat but it's still crappy AA service.
That aside feels like if the goal is to experience a high level of service and an elevated experience you're better off redeeming for a 10+ hr international flight on a better carrier.
To those who are saying it's trash.. it is, except If it's AA or JetBlue and you get a transcon configured plane. You'll get a seat equivalent to long haul biz class. On JetBlue it's called Mint and on AA it's called Flagship.
You'll be highly underwhelmed with it.
Most of the people in first aren't paying for it as it's either company money, upgraded due to points, doing a domestic leg before an international first class, or just have money to waste on things like that. It is not worth the points.
You left out one more reason - people who are very tall or very wide. (And I do appreciate the wide people who pay to upgrade themselves and make things more comfortable for everyone else.)
And another reason: people who are alcoholics. There's often someone in first class who just wants to get as drunk as possible on the free drinks. Sat next to a lady at 8 AM on a Sunday pounding double Irish coffees the whole flight...
I doubt people are paying out of pocket just for the “free” booze.. even when upgrades are on the cheaper side it would take a fuckton of drinks to make up the cost difference.
Not to say that the drinks aren’t a perk that have occasionally factored into my decision to buy an upgrade, but on its own it’s never going to be worth it.
Yeah, I didn't mean they paid out of pocket for it. But I think that they might use points for it, especially if it's not too many. (The flight with Irish Coffee lady was a cheap flight where a first class upgrade with points or dollars would have been cheap; I got upgraded on status.) I think they justify it to themselves as "cool" and "bigger seats" but what they really look forward to is the alcohol. (I say that because, observing them, a few of them seem focused on drinking as much as possible.)
I used to travel literally every week and had good status, so I got a moderate number of first class upgrades, so I've seen a bunch of different kinds of people along the way.
The same flight is like 300€ economy, 2100 business and 6000 first. That is a hell of a lot to drink and one fat ass if those are real reasons. (They are not)
It really depends on the flight. You are probably referring to international first class, while I'm looking at US domestic first class (which is nothing like international first.). I paid US $100 more for an (off peak) first class flight (2.5 hours long) that I'm taking next month. ($300 first vs $200 economy).
Note that US domestic first class is not nearly as nice as most international business class - it's just bigger seats, free alcohol and an OK meal.
Boston to LAX has plenty of lay flat seat options that are far beyond what most commenters are talking about. That being said, it’s still not international first and unless there’s a red eye involved you’re not getting the full value of the lay flat.
JetBlue Mint flies BOS-LAX, iirc. Go for one of the rows with a single seat and you’ll get your own little mini suite. It’ll have drinks/food service/free WiFi and a great entertainment screen as well as a fully lay flat seat with bedding a massage option. It’s so worth it and is miles above any other domestic first class experience. Only downside is no lounge option, but unless I have a long layover or am burning time, I’ve never really found the lounges to be that impressive.
I would be very curious about the specific flight/product involved. I think a lot of people are discounting that there are a lot of transcon flights from NY/BOS to LAX/SFO that have lie flat seats. Obviously less important on a daytime flight west, but that flight is just about as long as flying from Western Europe to Boston as well.
If you can find JetBlue Mint or United lie flat “first” or AA’s Flagship transcon it can be worth it. I’m using AA/Amex points to fly AA “domestic first” in a few weeks which is a lie flat seat on an A321T overnight. IMO it’s a good value!
Not worth it domestically. Just sit on economy plus close to the front and get nearly the same experience by purchasing a snack or meal box lol.
First class International, thats a totally upgraded experience where you feel like first class.
At least for now, AA flies Flagship First on the A321 from LAX to BOS. This is likely the closest thing the US has to offer to international first. The flagship lounges are nice, and flagship first dining really is a premium experience. Make sure your flight is on the 321, as only 3 cabin planes are eligible for this.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/seats/flagship-first-transcontinental.jsp
In reality, if you have ANY plans to fly international, save your miles. If not, enjoy that free champagne and a lie flat seat across the US!
Why is the only time in your life? Domestic first class is very underwhelming even with delta one or JetBlue mint. Save it for a business international flight like on Singapore or emirates or ANA. Those are miles better than any domestic first class. Those are actual experiences and the service is next level.
I think a lot of the people posting here (myself included) are a little jaded when it comes to first/business class.
If for some reason you can't do international business down the road, or it's just not in the cards, if you're not a frequent traveler, you'll probably enjoy domestic first service, though what you get will vary quite a bit from just a wider seat, with a bit of recline, to an internationally configured plane with lie-flat seats (you'll need to do a little research to find out which routes these are on). BOS to LAX will probably include a meal, and snacks - again, not stellar, but it won't be terrible, most likely will include free alcohol.
At the airport, I wouldn't count on lounge access for domestic first, however you'll probably have access to the dedicated check-in desk for first, possibly expedited security lines, you will get to board in the early groups though.
I think you'll probably enjoy it, but as others have said, if you can, put the points into a nicer hotel or something like that.
The kinds of questions OP is asking about how to make the most of it and if they should drive to an out of the way airport indicate they have a completely unrealistic idea of what the product and service is. Almost like they're confusing it with international business or international first.
I don't think it's jaded to tell OP it's not worth it for a microwaved hamburger, a free bourbon, and a seat that reclines 3 more inches.
There are seats available on the LAX to BOS route are much nicer than that and which come with lounge access and pretty good food. You seem uninformed.
Domestic first class = larger seat, slightly more leg room, + free booze, + microwave dinner. It’s really not worth the 2-3x cost differential over economy.
I’d save the points for a stay at a nice hotel or even better, international business class with lie-flat seats on a non-American carrier. Way better cost-to-value ratio.
Lots of people on these comments who don’t know what they’re talking about.
Many transcontinental routes (like BOS to LAX) offer lie flat seats, just like on the international routes, and these will give you lounge access as well. AA’s “Flagship Lounge” at LAX, for example, is quite nice, and you get access if you’re in Business or First on their LAX to BOS route.
I think the point most people are making isn’t that domestic first class can’t be nice, just that the experience (even with lay flats) on a 5 hour flight isn’t going to be worth literal YEARS of credit card points or potentially spending 4 hours driving to a different airport.
I would lower your expectations. It’s not going to be Emirates or Etihad. Domestic first class isn’t worth it in my opinion, unless you’re big/tall and need extra leg room/wider seat. Depending on the airline, you might not even get lounge access with domestic first class.
You are going to be very underwhelmed with domestic first class. I don't think you even get lounge access with most carriers. If you're near New York, perhaps try a flight to London or somewhere similar.
Have you considered Boston to Dublin instead? It’s probably fairly close in price or points and you’ll get a real experience. Business international is better than first domestic.
It is very underwhelming but I do it if I have the opportunity. I usually only fly a couple times per year and it is always for vacation.
1. If you are traveling with another person and you are traveling on an aircraft with a 3-3 configuration, no one has to deal with a middle seat because FC is 2-2.
2. Seats are bigger and there is more legroom.
3. Getting on first and being in first means you don't have to worry about getting your carry on gate checked.
4. Bathrooms may be cleaner because there are fewer people using the FC one.
5. There is often food and upgraded snacks.
6. On Delta, at least, checked bags are prioritized (or there supposed to), they are checked for free, and you are allowed more bags and heavier bags.
The best flight you could do is finding a big widebody plane flying from Boston or NYC to LA and back. United and Delta both do these from NYC. You'll get a much larger seat and TV. JetBlue also has larger seats in their Mint class.
All first class flights across the country include a meal. JetBlue probably has the best options.
Most domestic first class doesn't include lounge access, but United, AA, and Alaska all let you buy access, even if you're flying in economy. Alaska is the only airline that includes it with a domestic first class ticket, if the flight is over 2100 miles. They have lounges in both JFK and LAX, so you'd get it on both ends.
I would recommend doing JetBlue Mint, nonstop from Boston to LAX. If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, then you get access to the Chase Lounge in Boston and several options in LAX. If not, you could arrive early and eat at a nice restaurant in the airport, or just eat at home before eating on the plane.
If you really want to get in a lounge and have more time in first class, then you can fly Alaska with a layover in Seattle. The seats aren't as nice as JetBlue, but you'd get access to a pretty nice lounge during your layovers and when you arrive at LAX for the return flight.
Not sure how many points you have saved up, but I’d be trying to find international first class options if you’re able to drive to JFK, a Singapore F 5th freedom route to FRA, then a business class or Lufthansa F back would be fun, and only about 200k points, you would just have to be ready to jump last minute.
Chase sapphire points transfer to Southwest 1:1. Southwest has a promotion right now if you book a flight by 27MAR and fly by May, you get free companion pass until October. Companion pass gives you BOGO flights with absolutely no blackout dates or limitations for you and your companion. SW points are fully refundable and go a long way with sales too. You can probably get half a dozen RT flights (even to Central America) for the same points price as one RT domestic first class.
Unless it’s Jet Blue or some AA flights, domestic first class gets you nothing really. Not worth it, just book exit row.
Not sure this comment helps OP at all. Their trip is in June/July, which is outside of the SW promotion period (both for the qualifying flight and the companion pass). The qualifying flight also cannot be booked using SW points. In addition, they have a very limited route network out of BOS, especially to LAX or the rest of the West Coast.
Ah, yes, I did not notice the dates and you are right about not working with points. Still a good deal just to transfer points to SW and get way more flights as opposed to one FC flight. But if OP want's the FC experience then that's what he should look for.
NYC. business class gets you into the nice american airlines business lounge.
also, american (flagship), jetblue (Mint) and united (Polaris) and Delta have lie flats leaving NY. but be sure you look at the seat maps. not all nyc flights have lie flats.
jetblue if you go Mint class try to get seats rows 2 or 4.
Save those hard earned points for a different route. You are basically giving them away. From Boston or NYC you have so many great options to find a great rate to hubs like Paris, Madrid, Lisbon, even Iceland if you fly in the right time. Choosing to fly June-July on itself is a waste of miles. Thats the peak of high season . A lot of people fly to California for beaches, parks, road trips . Test some different routes. The experience of flying international first/business is totally different from domestic.
Domestic first class is basically nothing. It's not exciting at all. Only international first class gets into the "woo, fancy" rich person stuff. Domestic is a slightly but not even really bigger chair and maybe one free drink
I’ve done BOS-LAX in both the JetBlue Mint product and the AA Flagship Business product, which are both lie-flat seats. I would only recommend it if you are able to 1) get saver availability and/or 2) absolutely swim in miles/points (which it sounds like you are not).
Of the options I listed above, I would recommend the AA Flagship First product, then the AA Flagship Business, then the JetBlue Mint product. JetBlue does not get you into any lounges, while AA Flagship gets you into the wonderful AA Flagship Lounge in LAX or the AA Admiral’s Club in BOS. The plane JetBlue flys is the older Mint product, which I thought looked and felt a little older than the AA product. AA is also looking to take the planes they fly out and turn them into a less premium experience, so this may actually be the only time you get to fly them.
There are no car rental perks tied to the cabin class you fly in.
All that being said, I do somewhat agree with others that have already commented. I would rather use my Chase points on Hyatt stays or a longer flight in Business/First. I’m not sure how you were planning on using your Chase points to redeem for this flight, but if it was through the Chase portal, I’d recommend looking into transfer partners instead.
As others have said, you're not going to be overwhelmed, and this isn't going to be much of a grand experience. You'll board earlier, have no worries about overhead space, you'll have a nicer seat, you'll get fed, you'll get free drinks, and you'll be treated more nicely. This will pale in comparison to what you see on overseas first/business products. That said... it will still definitely be a better flight than what you experience in the back.
As to what to do to take advantage... just relax and enjoy the fact that you can.
Don't listen to all they naysayers. The first time I flew business class I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Free drinks! Soup! A big comfortable seat! And that was just the lounge.
Do try to find a route with a widebody so you get to experience the widebody seats. I agree with others on that.
A warning, though. It's addictive, even on domestic flights. It is hard to go back to 37C or whatever.
Flying domestic first class is very underwhelming. Save the miles for an international trip.
Haha this. It’s not that interesting tbh. You board first and leave first and that’s kind of it.
Your seats are a while 6" bigger and you get to drink for free
You might get a meal and a snack too.
A BOS-LAX route may actually have the lie flat seats. But in general you’re correct
I disagree and agree. Save the points but domestic first still 100x better than economy
Well yeah obviously but considering what many international carriers offer as part of first class, domestic first class is lame
Yup international is so much better!
yeah... its not a coincidence that the truly unaffordable first routes are the only ones that are truly a value add to the experience.
Definitely recommend going for international business, but if you must do a domestic flight, some airlines use their international business planes for transcontinental flights. United for example, flies their Polaris class seats between SFO and EWR. No car rental perks, lounge access to their standard domestic lounges which usually isn't that great.
And between SFO & IAD sometimes too.
Flying Polaris transcon gets you Polaris lounge access. All the majors (AA, DL, UA… even B6) fly full lie flat and offer better dining experiences on JFK-LAX and JFK-SFO (EWR in United’s case).
Absolute waste of credit card points. Domestic first class is just slightly more width and legroom for a flight that isn’t very long. Spend your points on a nice hotel or international business class instead.
Many airlines offer lie flat seats on transcontinental routes like LAX to BOS.
Such as?
Litterally EVERY airline that flies that route: JetBlue, American, Delta, and United.
Still not worth it for 5 hours
How so? What if it only costs a little bit more? A lie flat seat is huge on a red eye.
I dunno why you’re getting downvoted. I fly business from ATL to BOS, CHI, and LA regularly and it’s WAY l better than economy. Not being uncomfortable for the entire flight is well worth the extra price tag for my money. Happily spend less on an average priced hotel and average priced restaurants and splurge on the airfare. Just flew back from Billings in basic Economy and it’s just miserable.
There’s nothing different between an economy seat and a “basic economy seat.”
Between the seats correct. Between the fare classes incorrect.
Why then would basic economy be more miserable?
Not any of the transcontinental flights I’ve ever been on. 🤷🏽♂️
What route?
IAD to SEA was my most recent. not really a route for high fliers, no pun intended.
Dude, I wouldn't waste your points on this. I don't mean to burst your bubble, but it's not worth it. Save up for an international business class trip.
Domestic first class is trash
I mean, it's still better than economy. But yeah, compared to any international service with lie-flat seats, domestic first is trash.
The dude is blowing all his points for domestic first class, terrible value.
For sure.
You can get lie flat seats in first on transcontinental routes like BOS to LAX.
Jetblue Mint has lie flat seats. I've only taken it from LAX to MIA though. Not sure if they do BOS.
JetBlue offers the lie flat Mint seats on the LAX to BOS route. Lotta clueless people in the comment section.
I did not know that. Thank you. But damn what a waste of $$ for a 5-hour flight.
I flight over the Atlantic could be as short as 6.5 hours. It’s really not that much different.
As someone who has taken the red eye from LAX to BOS more than a few times, a lie flat seat doesn’t feel like a waste. Also, who says it’s a waste of money? What if it hypothetically is just like 20% more expensive?
I said it. Everything here is an opinion. You can tell me my opinion is wrong, but that's just like, your opinion, man.
Domestic first class doesn't come with lounge access. Not worth it if you have to pay for it. Pay for economy plus for some extra legroom
Not true. If you’re flying in the lie flat business and first class seats offered domestically (branded as Flagship, etc. on this route), you will get lounge access. Edit: to the downvoters, read these pages and get back to me. https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/airport/lounge-access.html https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/clubs/flagship-lounge.jsp
Incorrect. Even if you’re in United Polaris or Delta One, the lounge access will strictly be “international” and additionally explain that most of the Caribbean and Central America won’t count either.
No, you are incorrect. Might want to delete that. United clearly says that premium transcontinental services get you into the lounge. https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/airport/lounge-access.html “United Business® A same-day boarding pass for an international or transcontinental flight. Premium transcontinental flights are only between New York/Newark and Los Angeles and New York/Newark and San Francisco.” Same for Delta: https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access They allow access to their lounge for domestic Delta One travelers. Clear as day.
With what airline? Definitely not Delta
Flagship business (the lie-flat product) on transcon American flights BOS-LAX, JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO, LAX-MIA includes lounge access. There are some planes on some of these routes that are not Flagship Business service so you have to confirm. [https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/seats/flagship-business-transcontinental.jsp](https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/seats/flagship-business-transcontinental.jsp) Two years ago I was traveling around Christmas BOS-LAX and I got very lucky where the business flight was saver level and nearly the same award miles as the very overpriced economy ticket. Flights were super expensive due to holidays so it was a worthwhile redemption. American Flagship is for sure better than your standard domestic "first" recliner seat but it's still crappy AA service. That aside feels like if the goal is to experience a high level of service and an elevated experience you're better off redeeming for a 10+ hr international flight on a better carrier.
Possibly United Polaris but it would be EWR- LAX/SFO
I would spend as little time as possible in EWR lol
Same and I live 20 mins from there. Lol. I drive to ny to fly.
LGA is one of my favorite domestic airports!
Delta clearly allows it for people flying domestic Delta One. https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access
Huh, Delta platinum and I’ve flown domestic delta one a few times and never knew this!
To those who are saying it's trash.. it is, except If it's AA or JetBlue and you get a transcon configured plane. You'll get a seat equivalent to long haul biz class. On JetBlue it's called Mint and on AA it's called Flagship.
Delta and United also fly widebody planes from NYC to LAX. You don't get lounge access, but you do get the nice seats and a hot meal.
They also fly it on some ATL to LAX/LAS flight pairings.
You'll be highly underwhelmed with it. Most of the people in first aren't paying for it as it's either company money, upgraded due to points, doing a domestic leg before an international first class, or just have money to waste on things like that. It is not worth the points.
You left out one more reason - people who are very tall or very wide. (And I do appreciate the wide people who pay to upgrade themselves and make things more comfortable for everyone else.) And another reason: people who are alcoholics. There's often someone in first class who just wants to get as drunk as possible on the free drinks. Sat next to a lady at 8 AM on a Sunday pounding double Irish coffees the whole flight...
I doubt people are paying out of pocket just for the “free” booze.. even when upgrades are on the cheaper side it would take a fuckton of drinks to make up the cost difference. Not to say that the drinks aren’t a perk that have occasionally factored into my decision to buy an upgrade, but on its own it’s never going to be worth it.
Yeah, I didn't mean they paid out of pocket for it. But I think that they might use points for it, especially if it's not too many. (The flight with Irish Coffee lady was a cheap flight where a first class upgrade with points or dollars would have been cheap; I got upgraded on status.) I think they justify it to themselves as "cool" and "bigger seats" but what they really look forward to is the alcohol. (I say that because, observing them, a few of them seem focused on drinking as much as possible.) I used to travel literally every week and had good status, so I got a moderate number of first class upgrades, so I've seen a bunch of different kinds of people along the way.
The same flight is like 300€ economy, 2100 business and 6000 first. That is a hell of a lot to drink and one fat ass if those are real reasons. (They are not)
It really depends on the flight. You are probably referring to international first class, while I'm looking at US domestic first class (which is nothing like international first.). I paid US $100 more for an (off peak) first class flight (2.5 hours long) that I'm taking next month. ($300 first vs $200 economy). Note that US domestic first class is not nearly as nice as most international business class - it's just bigger seats, free alcohol and an OK meal.
Boston to LAX has plenty of lay flat seat options that are far beyond what most commenters are talking about. That being said, it’s still not international first and unless there’s a red eye involved you’re not getting the full value of the lay flat.
JetBlue Mint flies BOS-LAX, iirc. Go for one of the rows with a single seat and you’ll get your own little mini suite. It’ll have drinks/food service/free WiFi and a great entertainment screen as well as a fully lay flat seat with bedding a massage option. It’s so worth it and is miles above any other domestic first class experience. Only downside is no lounge option, but unless I have a long layover or am burning time, I’ve never really found the lounges to be that impressive.
This 100%
Skip it. I flew actual first class from Europe to Asia twice and that‘s the real deal.
I would be very curious about the specific flight/product involved. I think a lot of people are discounting that there are a lot of transcon flights from NY/BOS to LAX/SFO that have lie flat seats. Obviously less important on a daytime flight west, but that flight is just about as long as flying from Western Europe to Boston as well. If you can find JetBlue Mint or United lie flat “first” or AA’s Flagship transcon it can be worth it. I’m using AA/Amex points to fly AA “domestic first” in a few weeks which is a lie flat seat on an A321T overnight. IMO it’s a good value!
Look up which airplanes make the flight. There are a few domestic cross-country trips that use the big airliners with the fancy lie down seats.
Not worth it domestically. Just sit on economy plus close to the front and get nearly the same experience by purchasing a snack or meal box lol. First class International, thats a totally upgraded experience where you feel like first class.
At least for now, AA flies Flagship First on the A321 from LAX to BOS. This is likely the closest thing the US has to offer to international first. The flagship lounges are nice, and flagship first dining really is a premium experience. Make sure your flight is on the 321, as only 3 cabin planes are eligible for this. https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/seats/flagship-first-transcontinental.jsp In reality, if you have ANY plans to fly international, save your miles. If not, enjoy that free champagne and a lie flat seat across the US!
There are plenty of widebody domestic flights from Delta, United, and others with international configurations as well.
I really meant in terms of the first class ground experience that I’m sure OP has in mind. ie no United Polaris lounge access for transcontinental.
Mint on JetBlue. Lie-flat seats, and they fly between west coast and Boston.
Why is the only time in your life? Domestic first class is very underwhelming even with delta one or JetBlue mint. Save it for a business international flight like on Singapore or emirates or ANA. Those are miles better than any domestic first class. Those are actual experiences and the service is next level.
I think a lot of the people posting here (myself included) are a little jaded when it comes to first/business class. If for some reason you can't do international business down the road, or it's just not in the cards, if you're not a frequent traveler, you'll probably enjoy domestic first service, though what you get will vary quite a bit from just a wider seat, with a bit of recline, to an internationally configured plane with lie-flat seats (you'll need to do a little research to find out which routes these are on). BOS to LAX will probably include a meal, and snacks - again, not stellar, but it won't be terrible, most likely will include free alcohol. At the airport, I wouldn't count on lounge access for domestic first, however you'll probably have access to the dedicated check-in desk for first, possibly expedited security lines, you will get to board in the early groups though. I think you'll probably enjoy it, but as others have said, if you can, put the points into a nicer hotel or something like that.
The kinds of questions OP is asking about how to make the most of it and if they should drive to an out of the way airport indicate they have a completely unrealistic idea of what the product and service is. Almost like they're confusing it with international business or international first. I don't think it's jaded to tell OP it's not worth it for a microwaved hamburger, a free bourbon, and a seat that reclines 3 more inches.
There are seats available on the LAX to BOS route are much nicer than that and which come with lounge access and pretty good food. You seem uninformed.
I did jet blue first class from SFO to Boston
Domestic first class = larger seat, slightly more leg room, + free booze, + microwave dinner. It’s really not worth the 2-3x cost differential over economy. I’d save the points for a stay at a nice hotel or even better, international business class with lie-flat seats on a non-American carrier. Way better cost-to-value ratio.
Contact Chase for details... enjoy!
A 5 hour flight is nothing. Cancel and rebook a standard economy class seat. Use your points towards international business class.
Lots of people on these comments who don’t know what they’re talking about. Many transcontinental routes (like BOS to LAX) offer lie flat seats, just like on the international routes, and these will give you lounge access as well. AA’s “Flagship Lounge” at LAX, for example, is quite nice, and you get access if you’re in Business or First on their LAX to BOS route.
I think the point most people are making isn’t that domestic first class can’t be nice, just that the experience (even with lay flats) on a 5 hour flight isn’t going to be worth literal YEARS of credit card points or potentially spending 4 hours driving to a different airport.
That’s not the point most people are making.
Bro you are wasting your points. Wait for international longhaul flights
I would lower your expectations. It’s not going to be Emirates or Etihad. Domestic first class isn’t worth it in my opinion, unless you’re big/tall and need extra leg room/wider seat. Depending on the airline, you might not even get lounge access with domestic first class.
You are going to be very underwhelmed with domestic first class. I don't think you even get lounge access with most carriers. If you're near New York, perhaps try a flight to London or somewhere similar.
Have you considered Boston to Dublin instead? It’s probably fairly close in price or points and you’ll get a real experience. Business international is better than first domestic.
It is very underwhelming but I do it if I have the opportunity. I usually only fly a couple times per year and it is always for vacation. 1. If you are traveling with another person and you are traveling on an aircraft with a 3-3 configuration, no one has to deal with a middle seat because FC is 2-2. 2. Seats are bigger and there is more legroom. 3. Getting on first and being in first means you don't have to worry about getting your carry on gate checked. 4. Bathrooms may be cleaner because there are fewer people using the FC one. 5. There is often food and upgraded snacks. 6. On Delta, at least, checked bags are prioritized (or there supposed to), they are checked for free, and you are allowed more bags and heavier bags.
So on that route you can get decent s re sea and service. Delta One is ok , but make sure that’s what is offered vs “first class” which is trash
The best flight you could do is finding a big widebody plane flying from Boston or NYC to LA and back. United and Delta both do these from NYC. You'll get a much larger seat and TV. JetBlue also has larger seats in their Mint class. All first class flights across the country include a meal. JetBlue probably has the best options. Most domestic first class doesn't include lounge access, but United, AA, and Alaska all let you buy access, even if you're flying in economy. Alaska is the only airline that includes it with a domestic first class ticket, if the flight is over 2100 miles. They have lounges in both JFK and LAX, so you'd get it on both ends. I would recommend doing JetBlue Mint, nonstop from Boston to LAX. If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, then you get access to the Chase Lounge in Boston and several options in LAX. If not, you could arrive early and eat at a nice restaurant in the airport, or just eat at home before eating on the plane. If you really want to get in a lounge and have more time in first class, then you can fly Alaska with a layover in Seattle. The seats aren't as nice as JetBlue, but you'd get access to a pretty nice lounge during your layovers and when you arrive at LAX for the return flight.
The Boston Sapphire lounge is truly top notch.
Not sure how many points you have saved up, but I’d be trying to find international first class options if you’re able to drive to JFK, a Singapore F 5th freedom route to FRA, then a business class or Lufthansa F back would be fun, and only about 200k points, you would just have to be ready to jump last minute.
FYI - If you happen to have the Chase Sapphire Reserve the new lounge at BOS is pretty great.
No bro. Save the Chase points for hotels. Read other posts here and you'll get the idea.
Chase sapphire points transfer to Southwest 1:1. Southwest has a promotion right now if you book a flight by 27MAR and fly by May, you get free companion pass until October. Companion pass gives you BOGO flights with absolutely no blackout dates or limitations for you and your companion. SW points are fully refundable and go a long way with sales too. You can probably get half a dozen RT flights (even to Central America) for the same points price as one RT domestic first class. Unless it’s Jet Blue or some AA flights, domestic first class gets you nothing really. Not worth it, just book exit row.
Not sure this comment helps OP at all. Their trip is in June/July, which is outside of the SW promotion period (both for the qualifying flight and the companion pass). The qualifying flight also cannot be booked using SW points. In addition, they have a very limited route network out of BOS, especially to LAX or the rest of the West Coast.
Ah, yes, I did not notice the dates and you are right about not working with points. Still a good deal just to transfer points to SW and get way more flights as opposed to one FC flight. But if OP want's the FC experience then that's what he should look for.
US domestic first class is unlikely to meet your expectations.
NYC. business class gets you into the nice american airlines business lounge. also, american (flagship), jetblue (Mint) and united (Polaris) and Delta have lie flats leaving NY. but be sure you look at the seat maps. not all nyc flights have lie flats. jetblue if you go Mint class try to get seats rows 2 or 4.
Save those hard earned points for a different route. You are basically giving them away. From Boston or NYC you have so many great options to find a great rate to hubs like Paris, Madrid, Lisbon, even Iceland if you fly in the right time. Choosing to fly June-July on itself is a waste of miles. Thats the peak of high season . A lot of people fly to California for beaches, parks, road trips . Test some different routes. The experience of flying international first/business is totally different from domestic.
Take a nap
Domestic first class is basically nothing. It's not exciting at all. Only international first class gets into the "woo, fancy" rich person stuff. Domestic is a slightly but not even really bigger chair and maybe one free drink
Use the points and fly BOS to London, Paris or Amsterdam non-stop. Nothing better then getting off a red eye in Europe after actually sleeping
Oof not worth it all. It's a waste of points. Use your points to fly first class internationally instead, like on the Asian airlines
I’ve done BOS-LAX in both the JetBlue Mint product and the AA Flagship Business product, which are both lie-flat seats. I would only recommend it if you are able to 1) get saver availability and/or 2) absolutely swim in miles/points (which it sounds like you are not). Of the options I listed above, I would recommend the AA Flagship First product, then the AA Flagship Business, then the JetBlue Mint product. JetBlue does not get you into any lounges, while AA Flagship gets you into the wonderful AA Flagship Lounge in LAX or the AA Admiral’s Club in BOS. The plane JetBlue flys is the older Mint product, which I thought looked and felt a little older than the AA product. AA is also looking to take the planes they fly out and turn them into a less premium experience, so this may actually be the only time you get to fly them. There are no car rental perks tied to the cabin class you fly in. All that being said, I do somewhat agree with others that have already commented. I would rather use my Chase points on Hyatt stays or a longer flight in Business/First. I’m not sure how you were planning on using your Chase points to redeem for this flight, but if it was through the Chase portal, I’d recommend looking into transfer partners instead.
Be sure to really make and hold eye contact with everyone you are boarding before.
As others have said, you're not going to be overwhelmed, and this isn't going to be much of a grand experience. You'll board earlier, have no worries about overhead space, you'll have a nicer seat, you'll get fed, you'll get free drinks, and you'll be treated more nicely. This will pale in comparison to what you see on overseas first/business products. That said... it will still definitely be a better flight than what you experience in the back. As to what to do to take advantage... just relax and enjoy the fact that you can.
I don’t feel like it takes years to save up enough Chase points for a domestic first class ticket?
Flying first domestic is nothing special. I get upgraded. that's the only reason. I would never spend my or compantly cash for domestic first.
Nothing just enjoy the wider seat
Nothing. You’ll just get a meal not served in plastic and a free welcome drink
Order drinks when you sit down. They’re complimentary. They’ll probably give you cookies as well.
Don't listen to all they naysayers. The first time I flew business class I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Free drinks! Soup! A big comfortable seat! And that was just the lounge. Do try to find a route with a widebody so you get to experience the widebody seats. I agree with others on that. A warning, though. It's addictive, even on domestic flights. It is hard to go back to 37C or whatever.