When did Delta get rid of international first class?

From December 1998 through Spring 1999, Delta transitioned from three-class (First, Business, Economy) to two-class cabins, combining First and Business Classes together. International flights transitioned first.



Delta Air Lines essentially "retired" traditional three-class international First Class in 1998 when it introduced BusinessElite, a hybrid product that combined the luxury of First with the relative affordability of Business. This move reflected a broader industry trend toward "Super Business Class" suites. In more recent history, Delta completed the transition of its long-haul fleet away from anything labeled "First Class" by 2017, replacing it with the Delta One® suite. While Delta still offers a "First Class" product on domestic and short-haul international flights (like those to Canada or Mexico), these are equivalent to what most other global airlines call "Regional Business Class." For long-haul intercontinental travel in 2026, the top-tier product is Delta One, which features full-height sliding doors for privacy and lie-flat beds, intentionally designed to match or exceed the comfort of the "International First Class" cabins of the 1990s.

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Seats that are shown as unavailable on the map may be reserved to accommodate family seating, passengers with disabilities and crew members.

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Starting in 2024, American Airlines will do away with first class on its long-haul flights. American Airlines announced on October 20 that it would be discontinuing first-class seats on all international flights, replacing them with more business-class seats.

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You can use miles to upgrade to Delta One®, Delta Premium Select, First Class or Delta Comfort+® for eligible flights within the U.S. 50 while purchasing a ticket* either at delta.com or with Delta Reservations. If your reservation is eligible for an upgrade, you'll see the option to upgrade in your Trip Summary.

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Delta Fare class Z is a revenue fare/booking class of service that is marketed as Discount First Class / Delta One on Delta Air Lines. The fare class is considered a discounted First Class / Delta One.

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You'll enjoy a wider, more spacious seat, the flexibility to change or cancel your ticket without change fees (for flights originating in the United States and Canada), Sky Priority® service and a thoughtful travel experience from start to finish. The benefits don't stop there, either.

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With all Tiers of Medallion Status, you are eligible for Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades to First Class and Delta Comfort+®, plus, day-of-departure Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades to the Delta One® experience on flights within the U.S. 50 – including flights to Hawaii.

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What is a Delta One? Delta One is Delta's international business class and most premium fare type, usually only available on long-haul international and some long-distance domestic flights. It includes a lie-flat bed, premium food and beverage, and other luxury perks.

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Delta Airlines offers six unique seating classes, ranging from affordable Basic Economy to luxurious Delta One international experiences. Delta Comfort Plus is Delta's premium economy option, providing more inches of legroom and other perks without the price of First Class or Premium Select tickets.

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One of the reasons why first class is being removed by airlines is that business class is improving significantly. Most airlines now offer lie-flat beds on long haul flights, and increasingly these feature all-aisle access, more space and even privacy doors.

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So, no, first class is not dead. It's merely undergone a rebrand. And it remains, on average, about four to five times the cost of the same flight ticketed in coach. As such, whatever name the airline chooses to call its premier cabin, most passengers are going to continue calling it the same thing: overpriced.

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