domestic · 5h 30m · 4,139 km

New York (JFK) to San Francisco

3 airlines · 5 aircraft ranked

In business class, Delta's Delta One Suite (A330-900) leads the field with a 8.5/10.In premium economy, Delta's Delta Premium Select (767-300ER) edges out the field with a 5.7/10.

How we score → Last updated June 2026

Quick pick

Best business class:strong pick

Fly Delta. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.

If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.

Best premium economy:close call

Fly Delta. It has a wider seat (19" vs 18").

If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.

Best economy:close call

Fly JetBlue. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.

If prices are similar, go with this one.

Best first class:clear winner

Fly American. It has 25 more inches of legroom and a lie-flat bed.

A noticeably better product that justifies the pick.

Airlines label their premium cabin differently on this route. Americanflies First Class (recliner). Delta, Delta, JetBluefly Business Class (suite/lie-flat). Check both tabs to compare all options.
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Tap any two to compare head-to-head
1
Delta One SuiteDelta · Airbus A330-900 · 2019 cabinBest on route
Suite with door · 1-2-1 · 46" pitchVery reliablePoints: Amex MR
lounge + NC headphones + Longer bed + Dine on demand
8.5
Excellent
Seat 8.7·Amenity 8.3
2
MintJetBlue · Airbus A321LR · 2021 cabin
Suite with door · 1-1 · 58" pitchOften delayedValue farePoints: Chase UR, Amex MR (1:0.8), Capital One (1:0.6), Citi TYP
7.7
Very good
Seat 8.0·Amenity 7.2
3
Delta OneDelta · Boeing 767-300ER · 2019 cabin
Lie-flat · 1-2-1 · 77" pitchVery reliablePoints: Amex MR
7.0
Very good
Seat 6.2·Amenity 8.3
4
Flagship BusinessAmerican · Airbus A321T · 2014 cabin
Lie-flat · 2-2 · 43" pitchAvg. reliabilityPoints: Citi TYP
6.4
Good
Seat 5.9·Amenity 7.1

Select two airlines to compare head-to-head

You might get a different plane on Delta: A330-900 (8.5) vs 767-300ER (7.0). The A330-900 is noticeably better. Look for it when booking.

Data verified June 2026

Find your flight

New routes and airlines added regularly. One short email when we do.

Airlines on this route

Same corridor, nearby airports

Flying with family

  • Seatback screens on Delta, Delta, JetBlue, American. American: bring your own device.
  • Most legroom: JetBlue (32"). Least: American (30"). That 2" difference matters with kids.

Route insights

  • In business class, Delta's Delta One Suite (A330-900) leads the field with a 8.5/10.
  • In premium economy, Delta's Delta Premium Select (767-300ER) edges out the field with a 5.7/10.
  • In economy, JetBlue's Core (A321LR) edges out the field with a 5.7/10.
  • In first class, American's Flagship First (A321T) dominates the field with a 6.7/10.

Frequently asked

Which is better in business: Delta or JetBlue on JFK-SFO?

Delta One Suite (Delta Air Lines, A330-900) edges out Mint (JetBlue Airways, A321LR) in business, scoring 8.5/10 vs 7.7. The deciding factor: extras.

Which is better in economy: Delta or JetBlue on JFK-SFO?

Core (JetBlue Airways, A321LR) edges out Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, A330-900) in economy, scoring 5.7/10 vs 4.9. The deciding factor: AC + USB-C vs USB-C only. Delta Air Lines fights back on dining.

Which is better in business: Delta or American on JFK-SFO?

Delta One Suite (Delta Air Lines, A330-900) dominates Flagship Business (American Airlines, A321T) in business, scoring 8.5/10 vs 6.4. The deciding factor: a closed suite door vs an open cabin.

Which is better in economy: Delta or American on JFK-SFO?

Main Cabin (Delta Air Lines, A330-900) and Main Cabin Extra (American Airlines, A321T) score virtually the same in economy: 4.9 vs 5.2/10. The biggest gap is power — AC + USB-C vs USB-C only — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.

Which is better in business: JetBlue or American on JFK-SFO?

Mint (JetBlue Airways, A321LR) beats Flagship Business (American Airlines, A321T) in business, scoring 7.7/10 vs 6.4. The deciding factor: a closed suite door vs an open cabin. American Airlines fights back on legroom and bed length.

Which is better in economy: JetBlue or American on JFK-SFO?

Core (JetBlue Airways, A321LR) edges out Main Cabin Extra (American Airlines, A321T) in economy, scoring 5.7/10 vs 5.2. The deciding factor: blanket vs no bedding.

What are the best seats in Delta Delta One Suite on JFK-SFO?

Best: Odd-numbered window seats (1A, 3A, 5A, 7A and equivalent on right side) are positioned closer to the window and farther from the aisle, offering maximum privacy. Center pairs work well for couples when the privacy divider is lowered. Avoid: Seat 8A is an orphaned solo window seat in the last row of the cabin -- good for solo travelers but isolated. Even-numbered window seats are closer to the aisle with less privacy. All 29 passengers share only 2 lavatories, a significant downside vs the A350. 29 staggered suites with sliding privacy doors and do-not-disturb indicators. Memory foam cushions on all beds. 18.5-inch seatback screen is among the largest in the industry. Only 2 lavatories for the entire business class cabin is a notable weak point compared to 4 on the A350.

What are the best seats in Delta Delta Premium Select on JFK-SFO?

Best: Row 20 bulkhead has the most legroom. Window doublets (A-B and H-J) are ideal for couples. Row 23 passengers can stand behind their seat and still view IFE. Avoid: Center seats (D-E-F) in any row, especially in row 23 which is closest to the economy cabin partition. 28 seats in 4 rows. Premium amenity kit, enhanced meal service, and dedicated flight attendant. Adjustable headrest with privacy wings. USB-A and AC power at every seat.

What are the best seats in Delta Main Cabin on JFK-SFO?

Best: Delta Comfort+ rows 30-36 (56 seats) offer 34 inches of pitch with extra legroom, priority boarding, and dedicated overhead bins. Row 30 bulkhead has the most space. Window doublets (2-abreast) on each side are great for couples. Avoid: Last 2-3 rows near rear lavatories and galley. Center block middle seats (E and F in the 4-abreast center) are worst on long flights. 2-4-2 layout is more comfortable than 3-3-3 on competing aircraft for couples -- no middle-seat risk in the side sections. 56 of the 224 economy seats are Delta Comfort+ with extra pitch. Complimentary meal service on international flights. Delta Sync free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members.

What are the best seats in Delta Delta One on JFK-SFO?

Best: Even-numbered window seats are recessed closer to the window with better privacy shields. Bulkhead row 1 has the most space. Avoid: Odd-numbered rows sit closer to the aisle with less privacy. Last row nearest the premium economy curtain. 26 Thompson Vantage seats in 1-2-1 staggered layout — same product family as the 767-400ER but with smaller 10.1-inch IFE screens vs 16-inch on the 764. No sliding doors. Narrower fuselage than widebody aircraft makes seats feel slightly tighter. Missoni amenity kit and duvet provided.

What are the best seats in Delta Delta Premium Select on JFK-SFO?

Best: All seats are in 2-2-2 — no middle seats in any row. Window pairs ideal for couples. Avoid: Last row nearest economy cabin. 18 Premium Select seats in 2-2-2 layout. No middle seats is a significant advantage. 10-inch seatback IFE. Premium amenity kit and enhanced meal service included.

What are the best seats in Delta Main Cabin on JFK-SFO?

Best: Comfort+ rows offer 34-inch pitch. Window doublets (2-abreast sides) avoid the center middle seat. Avoid: Center seat E in the 3-abreast middle section. Last rows near rear galley. 151 economy seats including 21 Comfort+ with 34-inch pitch. 2-3-2 layout means no middle seat on the sides. 10.1-inch seatback IFE at every seat. Complimentary meals on international flights. Delta Sync free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members.

What are the best seats in JetBlue Mint on JFK-SFO?

Best: 1A and 1F are both Mint Studios with extra shoulder width, a secondary buddy seat that extends the bed area, and the largest screen in the cabin at 22 inches Avoid: Neither Studio seat has meaningful disadvantages; both are the premium pick Mint Studios cost an upcharge over standard Mint Suites. The buddy seat folds out to extend the sleeping surface and can seat a companion during meal service. Studio passengers get the same meal service as Suites.

What are the best seats in JetBlue Core on JFK-SFO?

Best: Even More Space rows 14-17 offer 35-37 inches of pitch for an upcharge. Exit rows provide up to 41 inches. Avoid: Last rows (30-31) near the rear galley and lavatory. Middle seats (B, E) in any row. JetBlue economy on transatlantic flights includes complimentary snacks, drinks, and a meal. All passengers get free unlimited WiFi and seatback IFE with 10.1-inch screens. Even More Space seats are a separate purchase with extra legroom. Power includes AC outlet and USB-A at every seat. Exit row seats on the A320/A321 family offer extra legroom but do not recline. The row immediately before the exit also has limited recline due to clearance requirements.

What are the best seats in American Flagship First on JFK-SFO?

Best: Row 1A and 1L are farthest from the galley and offer the most privacy. All seats have direct aisle access in the 1-1 layout. Avoid: Row 5 is closest to the business class cabin and may experience some noise from the galley area between cabins. Only 10 suites total on this narrowbody. The 1-1 configuration is unique for a single-aisle aircraft. Sliding doors on all suites. This fleet is being phased out as the A321XLR enters service.

What are the best seats in American Flagship Business on JFK-SFO?

Best: Window seats (A and F) in rows 6-7 offer more privacy and are farther from the economy cabin. Row 6 is a bulkhead with extra legroom. Avoid: Aisle seats in the 2-2 configuration (B and E) lack direct aisle access when the seat is fully reclined. Passengers in window seats must climb over the aisle passenger. Row 10 is closest to the main cabin. The 2-2 layout means not all seats have direct aisle access, a notable downside for a lie-flat product. Quality of the sleep experience is still strong for a narrowbody. Viasat Ka-band Wi-Fi. Live TV available on seatback screens.

What are the best seats in American Main Cabin Extra on JFK-SFO?

Best: Rows 11-16 are designated Main Cabin Extra with 35 inches of pitch. Row 11 bulkhead has the most legroom. Exit row offers additional space. Avoid: Last row (22) has limited recline and is near the rear lavatory. Middle seats (B and E) are least desirable. Half of the economy cabin (36 seats) is Main Cabin Extra with additional pitch. Seatback IFE screens with live TV in all economy seats. Only 72 economy seats total, making this a very premium-heavy narrowbody configuration. Exit row seats on the A320/A321 family offer extra legroom but do not recline. The row immediately before the exit also has limited recline due to clearance requirements.

What are the best seats in American First Class on JFK-SFO?

Best: Row 1A and 1L are farthest from the galley and offer the most privacy. All seats have direct aisle access in the 1-1 layout. Avoid: Row 5 is closest to the business class cabin and may experience some noise from the galley area between cabins. Only 10 suites total on this narrowbody. The 1-1 configuration is unique for a single-aisle aircraft. Sliding doors on all suites. This fleet is being phased out as the A321XLR enters service.

What are the best seats in American Main Cabin on JFK-SFO?

Best: Rows 11-16 are designated Main Cabin Extra with 35 inches of pitch. Row 11 bulkhead has the most legroom. Exit row offers additional space. Avoid: Last row (22) has limited recline and is near the rear lavatory. Middle seats (B and E) are least desirable. Half of the economy cabin (36 seats) is Main Cabin Extra with additional pitch. Seatback IFE screens with live TV in all economy seats. Only 72 economy seats total, making this a very premium-heavy narrowbody configuration. Exit row seats on the A320/A321 family offer extra legroom but do not recline. The row immediately before the exit also has limited recline due to clearance requirements.