These Are the 3 US Airlines First-Class Travelers Fly the Most
It's probably not a coincidence that these airlines have robust loyalty programs.
A new study analyzed statistics about who’s flying in first class, and it’s an interesting peek into the lifestyles of the rich and famous (and anyone else lucky enough to fly in a premium class).
According to a recent report from an online consumer data firm, when booking flights, there’s one airline preferred by both economy and premium passengers: Delta Air Lines. It tied with Southwest Airlines as the most popular airline among economy class passengers; both were selected as the top choice airline by 19 percent of flyers . But among first-class passengers, Southwest fell short, and flyers instead selected Delta, along with American Airlines and United Airlines.
Photo: YouGov
The study asked first-class flyers which airline they’d be most likely to book for their next premium flight. Of the respondents, 24 percent said they’d choose Delta, 23 percent would choose American, and 16 percent would choose United. Next was JetBlue, which recently introduced several new premium classes, chosen by eight percent of first-class flyers, followed by Southwest, selected by just six percent of first-class flyers. That’s likely because Southwest’s single-cabin configuration makes it less appealing to first-class travelers.
The preference for Delta, American, and United could be explained by several factors, not the least of which is that those three airlines have the most extensive international routes, and partner with the most international airlines via frequent flyer programs. Since loyalty members acquire status by buying more expensive tickets and flying longer distances, it makes sense that first-class flyers would stick with one airline — and it makes sense to have that airline be one that can get you anywhere in the world. Those airlines also operate lounges for first-class flyers, which may appeal to more affluent travelers.
Delta first-class flyers can make use of premium amenities, like upscale airport lounges. Photo: Delta/
Combined with Southwest, United, Delta, and American account for about two-thirds of all airline travel in the US. All except Southwest have various first-class products that differ based on everything from plane size to flight time and distance. All three offer a premium first-class tier with gourmet dining, priority service, and lie flat beds: Delta offers Delta One, United has Polaris Class, and American has Flagship First class. So while first-class travelers may be more likely to fly Delta, United, or American, it may not be because they have an actual preference for that airline, but more because those airlines are internationally trying to attract high-spend travelers, and have products that help first-class travelers earn and spend airline points.
The YouGov research also shared additional data about who flies first class, and in this case, it is mostly exactly what you’d expect. The stats loosely match the demographic of who is wealthiest in the US: older males who live in the mot expensive parts of the country and travel frequently. The full findings are available at YouGov.com. 
