Not all airlines offer first class availability, and those that do don't offer it on all flights, so when and where you want to travel will affect your ability to choose first class. The extra luxury is most welcome on long-haul international flights.

No, First Class is definitely not available on all flights, and in 2026, it is actually becoming increasingly rare. Most domestic flights and short-haul international flights (like a 2-hour hop from London to Paris or New York to Chicago) only offer Business Class (sometimes branded as "First" in the U.S. domestic market, but without the luxury amenities). True "International First Class"—featuring private suites, pajamas, and caviar service—is typically reserved for long-haul wide-body aircraft (like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A380) flying between major global hubs like Dubai, Singapore, London, and New York. Many airlines, including Delta, United, and American, have actually phased out "International First" in favor of high-end "Business Plus" products (like Polaris or Delta One) because the gap in comfort has narrowed. Furthermore, "budget" airlines like Southwest, Ryanair, or EasyJet operate on a single-cabin model with no premium classes at all. If you are booking a flight, always check the "equipment" (aircraft type) to see if a true First Class cabin is even an option for that specific route.