What’s a first-class seat these days?

American Airlines made headlines when it announced this fall that it is doing away with first class on long-haul international flights in favor of a new upgraded business class. Many of its jets for international travel already included business instead of first-class sections, but none will offer first after the updates are complete.

“The first class will not exist … at American Airlines for the simple reason that our customers aren’t buying it,” Vasu Raja, the airline’s chief commercial officer, said during an earnings call on Oct. 20.

“Frankly, by removing it, we can go provide more business-class seats, which is what our customers most want and are most willing to pay for.”

Competitors United and Delta got rid of international first class long before American made its move.

So what’s an air traveler with first-class aspirations to do? There are a few options.

Airline classes are complicated. Here’s how to know which one you need.

Don’t expect peak luxury on domestic flights

Major U.S. airlines including American, United, Delta and Alaska still offer first class on domestic flights — but don’t expect a seat in the lap of luxury.

It’s “basically un-coach,” said travel analyst Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group. “You are not in the economy cabin.”

Stephen Au, chief points strategist at Upgraded Points, a site for information about points travel and credit card rewards, said seats are typically wider with more legroom, travelers get some improved service and food is likely “a little bit better” than the menu in coach.

One big perk, he said, is that domestic first-class travelers like that they can leave the plane first. No need to linger in this top-of-the-line experience.

U.S. airlines talk up the “room to stretch out,” “thoughtful storage spaces,” faster check-in and security, priority baggage service, free alcohol and food choices, depending on the length of a flight. Even in first class, travelers generally have to pay for WiFi.

The cost, Au said, can be more than double the coach fare. A check on different airlines and routes in January shows the difference: A first-class ticket for a round trip between Dulles International and Houston on United is priced at $887, compared to $320 for the cheapest restricted fare and $389 for economy. On Delta, first class from Atlanta to Chicago O’Hare is $688, compared to $228 for basic economy and $288 for the main cabin. American has a $577 round-trip ticket for the main cabin between Charlotte and Dallas-Fort Worth, which spikes to $1,075 for first class.

Harteveldt called the option “spartan” and “borderline utilitarian” compared to…