US airlines add cheaper, stripped-down fares to first class cabins
Delta, United and JetBlue are selling lower-priced first class tickets with fewer perks, while outlets say American could stand out by keeping its fares simple.
Several US airlines are splitting first class into two kinds of tickets. The cheaper kind keeps the premium seat but takes away some extras that used to come with it, according to View from the Wing and Aviation A2Z.
Delta already sells this type of fare on domestic flights. View from the Wing says it has a $300 change fee and does not include advance seat choice. Aviation A2Z says Delta First Basic began on selected routes on July 8.
United plans a similar fare called First Base, and JetBlue is preparing one called BlueFirst Base. According to View from the Wing, the United edition comes with a smaller number of bags included and does not let passengers alter their flights. Travel and Tour World says it is expected to keep a carry-on and the main United First experience.
Several outlets say American Airlines could gain an edge by not copying this move. Live and Let's Fly and View from the Wing both suggest American could keep seat selection and other basics included. These are the outlets' views, and the notes do not say American has made any such plan.
What it means for travelers
A cheap first class ticket may not include things you expect, such as picking your seat, checked bags or flight changes. Two tickets for the same cabin can have very different rules. Reading the fare details before you buy can help you avoid surprise fees.
What to watch next
Check exactly what each fare includes on the airline's own website before you book. Watch for United's First Base rollout this fall and for JetBlue's BlueFirst Base.
How the story unfolded
Read the original reporting
- Aviation A2Z – United and Delta Are Downgrading First Class. American Could Cash In ↗
- Live and Let's Fly – American Airlines Can Win Over First Class Flyers By Refusing To Be As Stingy As United And Delta ↗
- View from the Wing – United And Delta Are Cheapening First Class—American Airlines Could Win By Refusing To Follow ↗
- Travel and Tour World – United Airlines Associates With Delta, JetBlue, American and More as United First Base Challenges Traditional Premium Pricing ↗
- TheTravel – American Airlines Expands Global Network Amid Business Class Setbacks And Intensifying Rivalry With United Airlines ↗
Quick questions
What is the news in short?
Delta, United and JetBlue are selling lower-priced first class tickets with fewer perks, while outlets say American could stand out by keeping its fares simple.
How does this affect trips to United States?
A cheap first class ticket may not include things you expect, such as picking your seat, checked bags or flight changes. Two tickets for the same cabin can have very different rules. Reading the fare details before you buy can help you avoid surprise fees.
What happens next?
Check exactly what each fare includes on the airline's own website before you book. Watch for United's First Base rollout this fall and for JetBlue's BlueFirst Base.
Where does this information come from?
This brief is based on reporting from Aviation A2Z, Live and Let's Fly, View from the Wing, Travel and Tour World and TheTravel. Links to the original stories are listed on this page.
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How we made this brief: RoamSun brings together facts reported by the outlets listed above and writes a fresh, short explanation with the help of AI. Every brief is checked so it does not copy the publishers' wording. The original reporting belongs to those outlets – please read their full stories.
