The Cheapest First and Business Class Upgrades in America Right Now
The Cheapest First and Business Class Upgrades in America Right Now
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https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/these-are-the-most-affordable-first-and-business-class-cabins
Score lie-flat seats, free bags, priority boarding, and luxury perks for less with these surprisingly affordable premium flight upgrades across the U.S.
It’s not your imagination—the economy experience on flights is getting worse. Flyers Rights, an advocacy non-profit for airline passengers, reports that seat pitch (the space in and around your seat) has been steadily shrinking since the 1960s, so that only 90% of modern economy travelers fit comfortably in them. Then there’s the steady “unbundling” of services, where things that used to come as standard with your ticket, like a free checked bag and in-flight meal, are now subject to à la carte pricing. If you find yourself dreaming of an upgrade but think you can’t afford one, you might be pleasantly surprised. These lower-than-average cost flights in premium economy, business, and first class promise a more relaxed journey to and from your next domestic trip.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF JETBLUE AIRLINES
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New York (JFK) to San Francisco (SFO) on JetBlue Mint
JetBlue has won customer satisfaction awards for its premium travel experience, Mint. Fly from New York to San Francisco in its signature “suites,” which feature fully lie-flat seats with a Tuft & Needle memory foam pillow and a customizable blanket kit. Your ticket includes not one but two checked bags and small-plate dining from some of NYC’s trendiest restaurants and cocktail bars: Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones, and PDT (Please Don’t Tell).
$795 one way in June
Typical cost: $1,100 – $1,500
PHOTO: COURTESY OF UNITED AIRLINES
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Newark (EWR) to Los Angeles (LAX) on United Base Polaris
Some October flights from Newark to LA on United’s Base Polaris are $694 cheaper than usual. The airline now divides its Polaris business class into three categories: base, flexible, and standard. Base—which is cheaper than standard business class—offers passengers many of the same perks, including lie-flat seats, and identical amenities and dining to standard business class tickets. However, you won’t get access to the airport lounge or the flexibility to change flights or choose your seat.
$1,083 one way in October
Typical cost: $1,100 – $3,750
PHOTO: COURTESY OF JETBLUE AIRLINES
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Las Vegas (LAS) to Miami (MIA) on JetBlue Mint
Hop from one party city to another with June flight deals from JetBlue Mint, which cost up to $1,500 less than usual for this time of year. Each Mint suite comes with free, fast Wi-Fi and Master & Dynamic over-ear headphones perfect for enjoying entertainment on the plane’s 17-inch TV.
$836 one way in June
Typical cost: $845 – $2,350
PHOTO: COURTESY OF DELTA AIRLINES
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New York (JFK) to Honolulu (HNL) on Delta First Classic
Jet off to beautiful Hawaii with Delta First Classic for $1,000 less than usual. Although Delta First Classic doesn’t have lie-flat seats, it does offer a lot more space: eight inches of extra legroom compared to a standard Delta Main seat, and up to a 5.4-inch recline. You’ll also get Sky Priority accelerated check-in and security service, plus two free checked bags with expedited luggage service, ensuring they’ll be one of the first on the carousel when you arrive.
$1,435 one way in June
Typical cost: $1,700 – $4,750
PHOTO: COURTESY OF UNITED AIRLINES
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Boston (BOS) to San Francisco (SFO) on United First
Some 6.5-hour flights from Boston to San Francisco are $527 cheaper than typical flights in September. Despite the name, United First is more of a premium economy experience than a true first class. The main highlights of these tickets include: seats that are more spacious and plusher than standard economy seats, with headrests that adjust in six ways; amenities kits with Perricone MD skincare, earplugs, and eye masks; complimentary snacks, meals, and drinks; priority check-in, security, boarding, and bag handling.
$664 one way in September
Typical cost: $810 – $2,700
PHOTO: COURTESY OF AMERICAN AIRLINES
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Chicago (ORD) to San Diego (SAN) on American Airlines First
November flights from Chicago to San Diego are currently $200 cheaper than usual. American Airlines First offers a more premium flight experience throughout the U.S. Think spacious seating, premium dining, free Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment (even TVs are not a given in economy these days), and on-the-ground perks including speedy check-in, security, and boarding.
$440 one way in November
Typical cost: $550 – $960
PHOTO: LUKAS SOUZA/UNSPLASH
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Los Angeles (LAX) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) on JetBlue Mint
You can fly from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale in November for $380 less than the average price. JetBlue Mint has all the big features you want from a luxury travel experience, including those coveted lie-flat seats, but you’ll appreciate the small details, too. Think: a bag stuffed full of premium skincare from Dr. Dennis Gross and healthy touch-down treats like chocolate-covered cashews for an energy boost on arrival.
$1,024 one way in November
Typical cost: $1,200 – $2,100
PHOTO: COURTESY OF UNITED AIRLINES
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Newark (EWR) to Seattle (SEA) with United First
It’s a six-hour flight from Newark to Seattle—make the experience more comfortable with a United First ticket, which costs $333 less than average in September. You’ll fly through your dedicated check-in and expedited security screening (which means no need to get to the airport annoyingly early) and can check two 70-pound bags free of charge. Seats are more spacious and padded than regular economy, and universal AC power plugs make it convenient to charge your devices when needed.
$549 one way in September
Typical price: $570 – $1,050
PHOTO: COURTESY OF AMERICAN AIRLINES
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Newark (EWR) to Phoenix (PHX) with American Airlines First
Save $640 on the average ticket cost between Newark and Phoenix this September. American Airlines First tickets allow you to choose your seat and change your flight for free (although refunds are not included). You might consider purchasing the airline’s Five Star Service, a luxury add-on which includes access to Flagship First check-in and the Admirals Club lounge, priority boarding and re-accommodation status, car service coordination, and personalized service through the airport.
$629 one way in September
Typical Price: $1,000 – $2,600
PHOTO: COURTESY OF DELTA AIRLINES
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Los Angeles (LAX) to Austin (AUS) with Delta First Classic
Flights from Los Angeles to Austin are $142 cheaper than usual in August. You’ll enjoy a more comfortable journey with Delta First Classic, thanks to deeply reclining, spacious seats and a cabin crew member dedicated to your section, who can load you up with snacks and drinks whenever you want them.
$344 one way in August
Typical cost: $350 – $730
Why hotels must prioritize seamless connectivity as summer travel approaches
https://hotelsmag.com/news/why-hotels-must-prioritize-seamless-mobile-and-wi-fi-connectivity-as-summer-travel-approaches/
Story contributed by Brendan Hourihane, senior director, connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave.
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Whether people are heading abroad to enjoy the sunshine, travelling with family during the school holidays or taking a short city break, their hotel experience shapes the entire trip. At this time of year, as bookings rise sharply, connectivity becomes an invisible but essential part of the stay. Guests may not mention it when everything works perfectly, but they will quickly notice when it doesn’t—particularly when trying to share plans, manage travel arrangements, or stay in touch with family and friends back home.
Wi-Fi has long been a fundamental service for hotels, supporting everyday browsing, messaging, and streaming. Few hoteliers would consider operating without it. However, Wi-Fi alone no longer meets expectations. Guests increasingly expect strong, uninterrupted mobile connectivity indoors, without the friction of login portals, security concerns, or dropped calls as they move around the property. This could be a parent coordinating plans with their children, a traveller navigating last-minute flight changes and authentication checks, or someone simply wanting to stream and message uninterrupted while relaxing by the pool.
Seamless Connectivity
In-building mobile systems extend the strength, security, and capacity of public mobile networks directly into the hotel environment. Modern buildings, particularly those designed with energy-efficient materials and dense structures, can significantly weaken mobile signals indoors. Small cells provide an effective solution, delivering consistent, high-quality coverage in areas where outdoor signals struggle to reach.
These low-power access points connect securely to mobile network operators (MNOs), ensuring reliable service that aligns with guest expectations. As travellers will be using a range of networks, premium hotels support all the MNOs. This is where a neutral host provider becomes critical, working with the operators to ensure every guest remains connected, regardless of their provider. Depending on the building’s design and surrounding environment, a hotel may require support for one, several, or all MNOs, with a professional mobile survey identifying the most effective approach.
Hotels should also be wary of quick-fix solutions such as repeaters that simply amplify outdoor signals. In indoor environments, these offer limited control, are vulnerable to changes in external conditions, and often fall short on delivering consistent quality and capacity. This is particularly challenging for city-centre hotels, where limited outdoor space and surrounding buildings can further restrict signal strength.
Supported Staff
This level of connectivity goes beyond enhancing the guest experience. It also plays a crucial role in the day-to-day running of hotels during peak travel periods when staffing pressures, guest turnover, and demand for amenities intensify. During the summer months, when occupancy is consistently high and outdoor amenities such as pools, terraces, and event spaces see heavier use, maintaining seamless communication across the entire property becomes even more critical from a leadership perspective.
Reliable mobile connectivity equips hotel teams with the tools to operate more efficiently. Staff can communicate instantly across the property, enabling faster coordination when timing is critical. Guest requests, maintenance issues, and operational updates can be shared in real time. Managers can assign and track tasks directly via staff devices, helping to streamline workflows and avoid common peak-season bottlenecks. For leadership teams, this level of visibility is key to maintaining service standards during periods of sustained demand.
Maintenance issues can be identified and resolved more quickly, while housekeeping teams can update room status on the move, giving front-desk staff accurate, real-time visibility. These incremental efficiencies combine to make a meaningful difference when hotels are operating at or near full capacity.
Mobile connectivity is also essential for safety and emergency response. Clear, reliable communication channels ensure staff can respond quickly in the event of an incident, helping to protect both guests and employees.
As summer travel reaches its peak, reliable connectivity is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it is a core part of the modern hotel experience. By combining high-quality Wi-Fi with robust indoor mobile coverage, hotels can meet the expectations of today’s always-connected travellers, support operational efficiency during their busiest months, and deliver the seamless experience guests expect throughout the summer season.
US hotel industry overcomes headwinds to rebound from a disappointing year
CoStar revises 2026 RevPAR forecast to 2.8% growth
Global hotel brand CEOs took the stage at the end of Day 1 to talk about hotel performance, economic concerns, international markets and artificial intelligence. From left: Sara Eisen, of CNBC; Chris Nassetta, of Hilton; Mark Hoplamazian, of Hyatt Hotels Corp.; Sébastien Bazin, of Accor; and Elie Maalouf, of IHG Hotels & Resorts. (Bryan Wroten)
https://www.costar.com/article/839386354/us-hotel-industry-overcomes-headwinds-to-rebound-from-disappointing-year?
NEW YORK — The U.S. hotel industry is facing no shortage of headwinds, whether it be high construction and labor costs, a tense geopolitical environment, or negative sentiment toward America. Despite all of this, U.S. performance in 2026 has been solid so far, already surpassing a tough 2025 with major events such as the FIFA World Cup and America's 250th anniversary still ahead.
At the first day of the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum, hotel executives and analysts alike acknowledged the noisy environment facing the hospitality industry while simultaneously taking a bullish approach for the rest of the year and beyond.
CoStar raised its 2026 U.S. hotel revenue per available forecast to 2.8% growth, up significantly from its previous projections of 0.6% back in February.
The updated forecast also shows positive year-over-year RevPAR growth across each hotel segment, an optimistic sign for the maligned economy and midscale segments, even if their increases are projected to come in lower than the others.
"We're projecting that this year is actually very much a reversal from last year, and that room demand is going to continue to grow, and that gives us some pricing power," Jan Freitag, national director of hospitality analytics at CoStar Group, said during the "State of the state: Macro, micro and trends" session.
U.S. hotel RevPAR was down 0.3% in 2025, a major disappointment caused by many of the same concerns that still linger.
Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, said consumer sentiment reached the lowest mark in recorded history in the month of April. The price of gas remains above $4 a gallon in the U.S., heavily affecting disposable income among the bottom half of earners.
Consumer spending has steadily risen, however, indicating Americans haven't yet hit a breaking point opening their wallets for experiences, including travel, he said.
Quotes of the Day
"People want to enjoy themselves. We’re also seeing a great explosion in wealth creation, in a way the world hasn’t seen since the Industrial Revolution. … You can never say there’s no ceiling [to the strong performance luxury hotels are showing], because that would be dangerous. But I do think there’s a depth in this marketplace we have not expected, and that depth has grown over the last few years."
— Jonathan Goldstein, CEO of Cain, on the average daily rate resiliency luxury hotels are showing. Cain bought The Dominick hotel in New York City last fall and is rebranding it as Delano SoHo New York.
"My biggest stumbling block is that I know [artificial intelligence] will replace anything administrative and automated. What I need to make a decision on, is that probably a third if not 40%, of my jobs at the corporate level will be replaced by AI technology, and you’re talking about 2,000 people. I need to warn them that what you do today is not what you’ll be doing 18 months from now. And that’s fine, they don’t need to be scared, but I need to find a place for them."
— Sebastien Bazin, CEO of AccorHotels, on the current challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence in his company.
"If you don't put a shovel in the ground, you're not going to actually realize the benefit of demand exceeding the supply. If you don't finally get to work on building new hotels, you're not going to get reopened at the time when you will see that compounding effect of [average daily rate] growth and occupancy building. So, I think that I think things are setting up now for an improvement in construction."
— Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corp., on the current hotel development environment.
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