When it comes to earning frequent flyer points on domestic flights within the United States, the answer is usually no – you do not get more points simply for flying first class compared to flying coach. Most major US airlines award miles based on the fare class and route flown, not the cabin class. However, there are some exceptions and strategies frequent travelers use to maximize points earned when booking first class tickets.
How US Airlines Calculate Miles
Most domestic US frequent flyer programs including American AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, and Southwest Rapid Rewards award 100% of the base fare as redeemable miles regardless of whether you fly in first class or economy. They do not award bonus miles simply for flying in a premium cabin on a domestic route. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is an exception – they award first class bonuses on all domestic flights, usually around 125% of the fare.
For this reason, buying a more expensive first or business class ticket on a US airline does not directly translate to more miles – the extra money goes towards a better seating experience, not greater mileage rewards. The number of miles earned is still based on the base fare paid, the route flown, the booking code, and frequent flyer status.
Factors That Increase Miles
While the cabin class does not affect redeemable miles, there are some other factors that can increase the miles earned when buying a first class fare:
- Elite status bonus miles – Most airlines award extra elite bonus miles as a percentage of flight miles, usually 25-100%. Higher status fliers earn larger bonuses.
- Cabin class bonuses on partner airlines – When crediting flights to US airline accounts, many international partner airlines do award a first class bonus, usually around 25-50% more miles.
- Higher fare classes – Some discounted economy class tickets book into special fare classes that earn only 25-50% miles. Paying for first class guarantees a high fare booking code with 100% miles.
- Length of flight segments – Because first class fares are higher, the increased base fare means more miles on long-haul flights vs short hops.
While first class costs more, factors like these can lead to 25-100% more miles on the same route compared to discounted economy fares. The actual difference depends on the airline, route, and flyer’s elite status.
Miles Earned on a Typical US Domestic Flight
To illustrate the difference in miles, here is an example flight on American Airlines from New York to Los Angeles, comparing discounted economy and full-fare first class tickets:
Fare Type | Price | Miles Earned |
---|---|---|
Discounted Economy | $200 | 1,556 miles |
Full Fare First Class | $800 | 3,210 miles |
In this case, the first class ticket earns over twice as many redeemable miles due to the higher base fare. However, if the economy ticket was a higher Y or B fare class, the difference would be much smaller.
Tips for Maximizing Miles in First Class
Here are some best practices for frequent flyers looking to earn extra miles from first class fares:
- Book high fare economy tickets when available – Often Y and B economy classes earn 100% miles as first class would
- Utilize elite status bonuses – Fly the minimum to re-qualify for status and earn the largest mileage bonuses
- Credit to partner airlines – When flying partners like British Airways, credit to them to earn first class bonuses
- Book longer flights – The mileage difference is greater on long transcontinental and intercontinental routes
- Upgrade with miles – Use regional or system-wide upgrades to fly first class when already booked in economy
Using Miles to Book First Class Awards
In addition to earning more miles when buying first class tickets, flyers can also redeem their frequent flyer miles for first class award flights. Most US airlines require the following for one-way domestic first class awards:
Airline | Miles Required (One-way) |
---|---|
American AAdvantage | 15,000 miles |
United MileagePlus | 20,000 – 30,000 miles |
Delta SkyMiles | 25,000 miles |
Alaska Mileage Plan | 20,000 miles |
Southwest Rapid Rewards | 15,000 points |
Rates are even higher for partner airline awards. Planning ahead and booking when award space opens up is key to finding first class award availability.
The Value of First Class Upgrades
While first class airfares do not directly earn drastically more base miles, frequent flyers still find high value in confirming seats up front. The additional miles from booking first class are usually secondary. Primary benefits include:
- Access to comfortable, spacious seating with more recline and legroom
- Priority boarding and check-in
- Premium cabin experience with enhanced amenities and dining
- Greater flexibility to change or upgrade tickets later
- Complimentary upgrades and perks with top-tier status
For business travelers where time is money, the benefits often justify the premium price over economy. Leisure travelers enjoy first class upgrades as a chance to experience luxury and pampering in the sky at vacation time.
Conclusion
While most US frequent flyer programs do not directly award extra miles for flying domestic first class, the higher fares and other factors can result in 25-100% more redeemable miles. First class fares guarantee a high fare class booking which earns full mileage credit. The extras like status bonuses, cabin bonuses, and longer flights contribute additional miles as well. Savvy flyers take advantage of these extra miles while enjoying the comfort, service, and prestige of flying first or business class on domestic routes.