It depend. If you judge first class by the amenities of the other majors: no, NW first class isn't First Class. Food, seating and entertainment are not as good. Service, however, I must say, can be worse or better. One of the best flight attendants I ever had was on NW first. NW doesn't, however, intend that they be top dog in this category of service. They don't intend to add movies, equivalent food, or as comfortable seating--though some will like NW's foot rests on domestic first. Moreover, I don't expect that NW will add sleeper seats internationally. The improvments in WBC last year, such as hot towel service, etc., are nothing special since they egregiously lacked such amenities anyway.

If you judge NW's coach to be "second class" then you might consider the front cabin to be "First Class."

NW has attempted to make improvement in the food category, and they deserve credit here. Many have testified to the domestic improvement here. Shorter flights have some food. And the food on longer flights is better. Nonetheless, NW doesn't intend to match the quality and service of the others, which is evident, but a conscious decision.

For me, however, there are some germane factors surrounding NW "first class" seating that I should mention. These factors have seriously made me consider going back to NW over CO, when it comes to first. NW has the key first class amenity for me: leg room. And NW does have small foot rests that others don't have. NW does have 16 first class seats on the 319/320s, which is tremendous, and far superior to many of the other majors.Upgrading is easier. Try 8 seats on UA 319 or even 12 or 14 on CO. NW allows elite member to upgrade reward tickets via status. Auto system of upgrading for elites is good as well; no calling. Food is improved.

JL2