[ethbro]

It seems like there are two divergent characteristics that lead to the differences of opinions on this.

1) Has someone ever flown in a premium class on a non-US carrier?

2) Has someone taken advantage of the end-to-end amenities? E.g. premium lounges, etc.

Personally, first class on American is an order of magnitude worse service than business on ANA or Cathay. So I could see someone saying "What's the point?" if they primarily fly domestics.

[yibg]

Big difference between domestic and international too. United international business class is pretty good (not Cathay, Ana etc first class good but on par with day Cathay business class) lounge and all are pretty up to par I think.

[asciimike]

Definitely. Domestic is generally meh. UA Polaris has stepped up their game for sure. Bedding is A+, lie flats in 1-2-1 are better than LH (which is still 2-2-2 or 2-3-2, though if you're stuck on a 2-4-2 772, I'd take the LH flight), and the Polaris lounges offer premium alcohol and decent food. Inflight food and beverages (same liquor as the rest of the plane) aren't as good, and service is still a joke compared to any non-US carrier though.