If it feels like First Class is vanishing into thin air, that’s because it’s starting to. Airlines aren’t advertising it, but they’re steadily removing traditional First Class cabins. They are replacing them with Business Class that does a very good impression of the old front-row treatment. Instead of eight empty thrones and a dedicated galley, the focus has shifted to sleek, self-contained pods with sliding doors, lie-flat seats, wireless everything, and of course, Champagne. Airlines such as American, United, and Delta are all in the middle of this shift—and if you’re booking a long-haul seat these days, Business Class is suddenly looking very… First.
Business Class Is the New First
So, why not just keep First Class, and keep improving that instead, you may ask? The simple answer: it doesn’t sell. First takes up too much space, often goes out with empty seats, and doesn’t deliver the same return as Business. Meanwhile, Business Class has quietly become the most lucrative cabin on the plane. Especially, with leisure travelers willing to pay for comfort, privacy, and a better meal. Instead of dedicating all that square footage to just a few passengers, airlines are using Business Class pods to offer more privacy, more consistency, and more flexibility. This shift lets them pack in 50 to 70 premium seats on long-haul jets. But, they are still offering everything you’d expect from First Class: lie-flat beds, sliding doors, fine dining, big screens, and designer bedding. The branding may say Business, but don’t be fooled—this is First Class in all but name.
American Airlines
Let’s talk about American Airlines and its new Flagship Suite, which first appeared on its Boeing 787-9s and is headed for a retrofit on the 777-300ERs. The upgrades are dramatic: 51 fully enclosed suites with full-height sliding doors. Also, individual chaise lounges that stretch out into flat beds, plenty of personal storage, wireless charging, and Bluetooth-enabled 4K screens. In so doing, First Class is being removed completely to make room for these high-end pods. Even Premium Economy is getting a refresh. And this isn’t a patch — it’s more of a full-on transformation. American Airlines wants its long-haul Business Class to compete with international flag carriers. And with finishes that feel more like private apartments than airline seats, they’re not far off.
United Airlines
Over at United, the upcoming Boeing 787-9 additions will debut a fresh take on Polaris Business Class. This will include a brand-new subcategory called Polaris Studio. These forward-facing pods have sliding doors, extra seating for a guest, and a 27-inch 4K OLED screen (the largest in the U.S. skies). Oh, and high-end food service that now includes Ossetra caviar and Laurent-Perrier Rosé. Even the regular Polaris pods are getting sliding doors and an aesthetic face lift, while Premium Plus and Economy are also set for modest tech upgrades. It’s part of a $150 million investment aimed at keeping United’s premium cabins not just competitive, but desirable.
Delta Airlines
Delta was actually the first major U.S. airline to bring sliding doors to business class, way back in 2017. And its Delta One Suites are still a strong contender. While there haven’t been huge changes lately, the product has aged well. On wide-body aircraft like the A350 and A330-900neo, Delta One Suites come with lie-flat seats, sliding privacy doors, adjustable lighting, Westin Heavenly bedding, oversized IFE screens, and the airline’s signature attention to mood and materials. The vibe is less flashy and more quietly polished. Dining features seasonal, chef-curated meals, often with regional twists depending on the route. And Delta’s partnership with top wine and spirits consultants keeps the bar service current. No dramatic overhaul needed—Delta One arrived early to the party and is still perfectly dressed.
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FAQs
Q: What kind of pods is American Airlines adding to its long-haul fleet?
A: American Airlines is adding Flagship Suite business pods.
Q: What kind of pods is United Airlines debuting on its 787-9?
A: United Airlines is debuting Polaris Studio pods.
Q: What Business Class does Delta Airlines offer with sliding doors?
A: Delta Airlines offers Delta One Suites.
