Flying between cities in the United States can often feel like an ordeal, but choosing the right seat can transform your journey into a pleasurable experience. US Travel Editor Ted Thornhill highlights eight standout domestic airline seats that range from economy classics to splurge-worthy business class, ensuring your next trip is more enjoyable.
Top Basic Economy Seats
JetBlue Core Economy
Why it stands out: JetBlue Core Economy sets the gold standard for coach-class travel, offering generous legroom with 32-34 inches of pitch compared to the industry average of 30-31 inches. The seats are 18 inches wide, providing extra comfort, and feature luxurious cushioning and adjustable headrests for better sleep support. Most of the fleet includes seatback entertainment screens and free gate-to-gate wifi without loyalty program sign-ups.
Cost: Competitive pricing, with transcontinental fares ranging from $180 to $350.
Routes: Available on key routes like New York to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, and Las Vegas, primarily on Airbus A321 and A220 aircraft.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who value space and amenities.
In a nutshell: An economy-plus experience that rivals the best standard coach seats in the US.
Alaska Airlines Main Cabin
Why it stands out: Alaska Airlines delivers a consistently comfortable coach experience with Recaro memory-foam seats on Airbus aircraft, USB-C charging, and 31 inches of pitch. Non-alcoholic drinks and carry-on luggage are complimentary, and eye-level seatback device holders allow for easy tablet or phone docking.
Cost: Reasonable fares, typically from $140 to $320 one-way.
Routes: Extensive West Coast network from Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles to destinations like San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Florida.
Best for: Travelers seeking comfort without flashy extras.
In a nutshell: A quietly excellent and reliable option.
Southwest Airlines Economy
Why it stands out: Southwest Airlines offers a stress-free economy experience with 31-32 inches of seat pitch and comfortable padding. Free onboard streaming to personal devices and complimentary messaging via apps like iMessage and WhatsApp add convenience.
Cost: Good value fares, typically from $120 to $300, with flexible booking options.
Routes: Serves over 100 destinations across the US, with dense coverage in California, Texas, the Southwest, and Florida, using a uniform fleet of Boeing 737s.
Best for: Families and travelers prioritizing space and flexibility.
In a nutshell: Low on frills but high on comfort and reliability.
Top Extra Legroom Economy Seats
Delta Air Lines Comfort Plus
Why it stands out: Delta's Comfort Plus provides a noticeable upgrade with 34-36 inches of pitch, premium upholstery, early boarding, dedicated overhead bin space, and complimentary alcoholic drinks on most flights.
Cost: Upgrade fees range from $40 to $150 one-way, offering good value compared to domestic first class.
Routes: Available across Delta's domestic network, including key routes like New York-Los Angeles and Seattle-Boston, on aircraft such as 737s, A320s, and A321s.
In a nutshell: A satisfyingly elevated economy experience without the high cost of first class.
United Airlines Economy Plus
Why it stands out: United's Economy Plus increases legroom to 34-35 inches of pitch, often including exit-row and bulkhead positions for extra space, making it ideal for taller travelers.
Cost: Upgrades cost between $30 and $180 extra.
Routes: Widespread availability on United's domestic fleet, including hub-to-hub routes like Newark-Los Angeles and San Francisco-Chicago.
Best for: Tall passengers who need additional legroom.
In a nutshell: A straightforward upgrade that significantly enhances comfort for longer legs.
Alaska Airlines Premium Class
Why it stands out: Alaska's Premium Class offers 35 inches of pitch, early boarding, front-row seats for quick exits, and complimentary alcoholic drinks and snacks, providing tangible improvements over standard economy.
Cost: Upgrade fees typically range from $30 to $120 one-way, representing excellent value for mid-length flights.
Routes: Available across Alaska's network, primarily on Boeing 737 aircraft.
Best for: Travelers on two to five-hour flights seeking extra pampering without the first-class price tag.
In a nutshell: One of the best upgrade options for enhanced comfort.
Top Business-Class Seats
JetBlue Mint
Why it stands out: JetBlue Mint is the pinnacle of US domestic business class, featuring fully lie-flat seats that convert to a six-foot-five-inch bed, direct aisle access, a 17-inch entertainment screen, and gourmet dining with complimentary drinks. The Mint Studio version offers even more space, akin to a mini apartment in the sky.
Cost: Fares range from $500 to $700 one-way, with higher prices during peak times.
Routes: Available on select top-tier routes like New York City to Los Angeles and San Francisco, using Airbus A321 aircraft.
Best for: Travelers who find regular domestic first class inadequate.
In a nutshell: A business-class trailblazer that sets the standard for premium travel.
American Airlines Flagship Business
Why it stands out: American Airlines' Flagship Suite is a game-changer with fully lie-flat suites, direct aisle access, privacy doors on newer aircraft, chef-curated meals, and cinematic entertainment screens. It represents a significant upgrade from older recliner-style first class.
Cost: Fares start around $600 and can reach four figures during peak periods.
Routes: Currently available on key routes between New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, with plans to expand, using A321XLR and retrofitted A321T aircraft.
Best for: Travelers seeking a world-class experience without private jet costs.
In a nutshell: A world-class domestic seat that rivals JetBlue Mint for luxury and comfort.
