I think the term "first class" for 2-class flights within North America is very misleading.

The airlines should rebrand it as "business class" just like airlines in other parts of the world have been doing. Only American Airlines have rebranded their front cabin on 2-class aircraft for flights to Canada and Carribean as "business class", while keeping with the name "first class" on 2-cabin flights within the U.S.

The term "first class" should be reserved for the front most cabin on a 3-class aircraft flying transcontinental or intercontinental long haul routes and have seats that turn into beds, personal service etc.

Only airlines such as Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qantas etc. have true "first class" services (read more about their services in the respective forums).

[This message has been edited by daniellam (edited Mar 02, 2004).]