First Class on 3 AIRLINES in 1 Day: Which is America's Best Airline?

The 'weird alien looking things in the desert' are the heliostats and solar power towers that are part of the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility.

I fly both UA and AA quite frequently out of ORD or JAX and other Florida airports, and to me, I find AA not getting a fair reputation. The interiors of AA are a lot more consistent, and generally fresher. With United, it’s literally a hit or miss. You may get a new MAX 9 or a very tired 737-700. Crews are generally professional and pleasant on either carrier.

I recently travelled with AA out of MIA, and I must say the crew were very friendly, kind, polite and helpful. They provided us excellent customer service.

One of my biggest gripes with United as someone who very frequently flies domestic for work was something you touched upon: MASSIVE variability in aircraft fit and finish. Flying the same route over a few months repeatedly on the same day of the week at the same time, I’ve had ancient regional jets with no working wifi, old 737 NG cabins with no in-flight entertainment, 737’s with the DirecTV trim, and new 737-MAX 9’s with the latest cabin. And occasionally A320. It’s quite annoying because I don’t really have much of a choice when I fly, so the flights are either really pleasant or feel like I’m flying in 2005. Service is also hit or miss. I’ve flown two leg flights with United totaling over 5 hours in flight time and only offered one microscopic snack that tasted awful (some gelatinous “fruit” bar). Feel constantly crammed in and it’s impossible to gain premier status. Flew on 20 legs in the span of 4 months and not even close to reaching Silver. Meanwhile flew like twice on Delta and was treated like I’d been there for years. Great service and good value seat. If I had more of a choice I wouldn’t fly United anymore.

Not alien at all! It's the Ivanpah solar facility. 3 heliostats generating around 400 Megawatts total. Well played Noel... Increasing engagement with easy comment call out! Great vids and glad to see AA delivered - Us "more pedestrian" travelers can only really have one loyalty program and I invested starting with US Air back in the '90s, hence I'm an AA loyalist. It has it's issues but agreed that cabin crew makes the experience even on mixed bag equipment.

One of my 2023 highlights is getting to watch Noel's videos every Sunday afternoon. 🌅 Happy New Year, everyone.

I’m a delta fan through and through

I am an EXP with AA and on +95% of my flights, I am treated with a pre-departure beverage. Also, AA allows you to pre-book meals online/app so I'm not sure why you couldn't this time. One thing I agree they need to improve, however, is dumping the [high] fee for the internet.

The WiFi charge of $29 just seems so mid-2010’s. I’m glad to see airlines moving towards cheaper or even free wifi. Great overview of the three majors!

The second time I ever flew, it was with Delta. They had an extra seat in first class and they moved me up to it for free because I was active military (I had to travel in uniform, which was how they knew). That was a decade ago and I still remember it- it was great! The food, seats, crew, all of it

Only airline I haven’t flown first with is United. I’ve flown AA a lot and it’s been a great service. However, I just took my first flight with Delta in first class and was amazed. Delicious meal and outstanding service. Deltas done a great job modernizing their older ex NW airbuses. My A319 was 22 years old and felt nicer than any AA oasis cabin

Noel, I have been bingeing your videos like there’s no tomorrow! I love that you put yourself through all of this so the rest of us don’t have to! I literally feel homesick just watching from the comfort of my own home! This tells me I am not made of the tough enough stuff to do what you do! I’m not a seasoned traveller by any means, so thank god you are! Keep going Noel, you are amazing!

After dealing with Greyhound, you deserve these first class trips!

I have to say (having flown all three both domestic and internationally), I'm 100% team Delta. Not only has everything been consistent service and aircraft wise- I feel like the Flight Crew, ground staff and customer service have been way more helpful and willing to go above and beyond- I've encountered great staff from the other two airlines as well but Delta has just been the most consistent for me

When flying 1st or business on AA, you can select your meal in advance between 14 days to 24 hours beforehand. Once the 24 hour window has passed, though, you'll have to take what's available when they get to your seat (but most commonly you can usually have your pick).

I feel AA performs better than expectations too. I am a life time AAdvantage gold, but even so, find AA’s domestic flights to be just behind delta. Only drawback is the lack of in flight screens. I also flew AA in business from JFK to Delhi, and found them to be excellent. PJ’s, lie flat bed with mattress, excellent food, with no delays, on their 777-300 ER aircraft. I would put them on par with SQ and others, on this score. My experience with United, mirrored yours.

Have to agree about AA crew. Several years ago I swore never to travel with them again because of the surliness of the crew. However, came back from Boston to LHR with AA and the crew were lovely, so polite and smiley. Well done AA.

Thanks for this Noel and most importantly I wish you, Rach, and your children a happy and healthy New Year ! I flew Delta to and from Atlanta on the iconic 767-300 from TPA to ATL and back on the 767-400 both the get a ride on these great old Boeing aircraft before they are retired and also to compare Delta economy to premium economy. I was very impressed with the premium economy product versus the economy which was not bad either. For aircraft that were 32 and 29 years young respectively, I was surprised at the modern and spotless cabins. The captain of the 767-300 allowed me to visit the flight deck and sit jump seat for the entire pre-flight checks and he and his first officer were so engaging and accommodating. The flight deck was spotless as well a real testament to how Delta cares for their aircraft. I have always been a United guy but Delta won a new fan on that trip. Again happy New Year !!

A Noel Phillips video without a loo review?!!! Inconceivable!

I traveled for work for about 6 years domestic and international. Delta was always my choice. You should compare the apps of the airlines also. I remember Delta being the only one who allow you to pay for checked bags via the app and they also have a baggage tracking feature that tells you which carrousel your bags would come out on.