I can see why AA are in Chapter 11

[Reggie]

Okay this is the start of my rant, for the AA fan boi's keep moving nothing to see here.

The start of my day with AA, involved lining up and waiting in the "First Class - Priority Checkin" queue at Las Vegas for 50 minutes. The queue was unbelievably long, and they had a grand total of 1 person serving "their most important" customers.

Next no lounge in Las Vegas, to ad to the fact they have shut the one in Dulles.

Flight is completely full, and boards late at the scheduled departure time. We take advantage of priority boarding to ensure we get our carryon in the overhead lockers (2 pieces between 3 of us). I am in F and SWMBOed and Reggie jnr are in Y because QF books award J into Y in the US. The FA's announce numerous times, one piece in the locker and 1 under the seat in front off you, but it obvious there will be problems with the kitchen sinks being bought on as carryon. FA says we need to hurry up as we are late because everyone is taking so long to board :shock:, yet after we are seated we wait for another 20mins before push back.

Get to runaway, and we have a high temp problem, back to gate we go (This I have no problem with, with flying SAFETY FIRST)

Anyway we wait and wait and wait. So I go back to see SWMBOed and she is upset, but won't tell me why. Later I found out that the male appendage head in 11A (YKWYA), has turned around and had a very big go at her, because he reconds Reggie jnr has been kicking his seat. Now he is 3 years old and can brely reach the seat back, and SWMBOed hadn't seen it happen once. So I take Jnr up to my seat whilst we wait, and tell him stories etc. When plane is okayed to fly, I take Jnr back and swap with SWMBOed. I was unimpressed to find her carryon under the seat taking up my leg room. After landing I find out that the FA had come and taken out her carryon and told her to store it under the seat as it was small and they needed the room for the other pax (you know, the ones who got on late with multiple pieces of oversized carryon)

Then to top off this flight, the FA for first served only the first 3 rows of First class drinks and snacks before the commencement of descent. The FA didn't appologise, acknowlodege or say anthing to the 4 pax in the 4th row. On top of this the 2 other FA's in coach didin't provide any service to coach or assist in F to esnure that the premium pax were provided with a drink and snack.

Then to top it off, the AC dragon refused to allow us access to the Flagship lounge in T4 at LAX "as I am entitled to only one guest" as a Platinum and all of us flying in J, I said that as Jnr was only 3, and there had been no problem on Saturday when we flew to Las Vegas, I thought that was tough. Anyway I know thems is the rules and we have to abide by them, but I can really see why so many people hate AA.

On the positive note, the kids room in the AC is great, actually make that wonderful, and makes up for the lack of access to the Flagship lounge.

Anyway rant over, now it is time to head over to TBIT for QF12 to SYD. We were told as we had a child we should go at 8:30.

 

[drewbles]

Okay this is the start of my rant, for the AA fan boi's keep moving nothing to see here.

The start of my day with AA, involved lining up and waiting in the "First Class - Priority Checkin" queue at Las Vegas for 50 minutes. The queue was unbelievably long, and they had a grand total of 1 person serving "their most important" customers.

Next no lounge in Las Vegas, to ad to the fact they have shut the one in Dulles.

LAS is a leisure spot for AA and indeed, all carriers. There are very very few lounges in LAS at all, and most airlines have closed them. I've frequently flown to LAS in F and not had a full cabin (so not many EXP's on the route either). Whilst I agree it was poor that it took so long to check-in in F, I can also see why AA don't count it as a priority.

Flight is completely full, and boards late at the scheduled departure time. We take advantage of priority boarding to ensure we get our carryon in the overhead lockers (2 pieces between 3 of us). I am in F and SWMBOed and Reggie jnr are in Y because QF books award J into Y in the US. The FA's announce numerous times, one piece in the locker and 1 under the seat in front off you, but it obvious there will be problems with the kitchen sinks being bought on as carryon. FA says we need to hurry up as we are late because everyone is taking so long to board :shock:, yet after we are seated we wait for another 20mins before push back.

If this was the cause of AA being in Chapter 11, then *every* US airline would be in chapter 11. It's a USA syndrome, not AA. It's bought about due to checked bag fees. If they can avoid a price, it'll be done.

Get to runaway, and we have a high temp problem, back to gate we go (This I have no problem with, with flying SAFETY FIRST)

Anyway we wait and wait and wait. So I go back to see SWMBOed and she is upset, but won't tell me why. Later I found out that the male appendage head in 11A (YKWYA), has turned around and had a very big go at her, because he reconds Reggie jnr has been kicking his seat. Now he is 3 years old and can brely reach the seat back, and SWMBOed hadn't seen it happen once. So I take Jnr up to my seat whilst we wait, and tell him stories etc. When plane is okayed to fly, I take Jnr back and swap with SWMBOed. I was unimpressed to find her carryon under the seat taking up my leg room. After landing I find out that the FA had come and taken out her carryon and told her to store it under the seat as it was small and they needed the room for the other pax (you know, the ones who got on late with multiple pieces of oversized carryon)

Welcome to the USA again. They clearly state (on every US carrier I've been on which is AS, US, AA, UA and VX that 'any piece of luggage that can fit under the seat in front of you must be placed there'. The FA was doing their best in lieu of the kitchen sinks brought aboard.

Then to top off this flight, the FA for first served only the first 3 rows of First class drinks and snacks before the commencement of descent. The FA didn't appologise, acknowlodege or say anthing to the 4 pax in the 4th row. On top of this the 2 other FA's in coach didin't provide any service to coach or assist in F to esnure that the premium pax were provided with a drink and snack.

F is always serviced by only one FA on this route. What a/c were you on? There are only 4 rows of F on 737's and MD80's, perhaps the people in row 4 were actually Y pax that were seated there due to oversell. I don't know the specifics, but i'm throwing it out there.

Then to top it off, the AC dragon refused to allow us access to the Flagship lounge in T4 at LAX "as I am entitled to only one guest" as a Platinum and all of us flying in J, I said that as Jnr was only 3, and there had been no problem on Saturday when we flew to Las Vegas, I thought that was tough. Anyway I know thems is the rules and we have to abide by them, but I can really see why so many people hate AA.

Rules are rules yes, but it's still poor. 3 year olds don't usually count do they? I would have thought you should have gained access (and the AAngels at those lounges have been nothing but wonderful to me, i'm guessing you were unfortunate in having one that was having a bad day).

On the positive note, the kids room in the AC is great, actually make that wonderful, and makes up for the lack of access to the Flagship lounge.

Anyway rant over, now it is time to head over to TBIT for QF12 to SYD. We were told as we had a child we should go at 8:30.

Most of the issues here relate to domestic travel in the USA, not AA alone. It's sardines in a pressurised can, that's about it!

 

[serfty]

There is an issue with AA pilots at the moment - they are on an "unofficial" go slow - see here:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ge/seems-there-may-some-unofficial-43400.html

It is possible the pilot expected there to be a high temp problem and deliberately taxied out before heading back, making the delay much worse.

Then again that may have been legitimate ...

 

[Katie]

Then to top it off, the AC dragon refused to allow us access to the Flagship lounge in T4 at LAX "as I am entitled to only one guest" as a Platinum and all of us flying in J, I said that as Jnr was only 3, and there had been no problem on Saturday when we flew to Las Vegas, I thought that was tough. Anyway I know thems is the rules and we have to abide by them, but I can really see why so many people hate AA.

On the positive note, the kids room in the AC is great, actually make that wonderful, and makes up for the lack of access to the Flagship lounge.

That sucks. When we flkex LAX-AKL in April, I was allowed to take Mr Katie and Little Miss 5 into the Flagship lounge. Not sure if it "helped" that our flight was leaving T4 rather than TBIT?? Clearly some inconsistency, and unfortunately for you all, probably due to you scoring a Dragon rather than a typical AAngel.

We came close to going over to the AA lounge, as the kid's room *is* great (the ones in DFW lounges are also good, and the shard JAL/AA lounge in HNL is pretty cool for kids), but I didn't really want to move after 24hrs of food poisoning effects.

 

[moa999]

Mirrors my experience at LAS a couple of weeks ago at 9am.
An absolute zoo.

20-odd people in the First lines. Two agents. One serving the right lane, one serving the left (which I took, who then subsequently decided to serve left and right).
Result 55min wait, missed flight, thankfully space in F on the next one (LAS-LAX) and a tight connection to my JL flight to NRT.

Economy had about 75 people in line and about two agents.

I was carry-on only flying First but couldnt use the machine due to the international connection...

 

[serfty]

Mirrors my experience at LAS a couple of weeks ago at 9am.
An absolute zoo. ......

Again that is not an AA specific
type of issue - such could happen with any USA airline.

FWIW, there is a lounge available at LAS for those with PP.


Posted on a wing and a prayer ...

 

[Newk]

domestic flying in the USA is the pits.
A large part of the "problem" (as I see it) is the kitchen sink carry on mentality that is all pervasive

 

[moa999]

Again that is not an AA specific
type of issue - such could happen with any USA airline.
FWIW, there is a lounge available at LAS for those with PP. ...

I was flying AA from LAS.
None of the other airline around AA had any queues. I only left myself limited time (as driving from Flagstaff) and my prior (1 week earlier) experience at LAS (admittedly 7pm flight) was zero line and computer checkin working.
I should have listened to the warnings to leave two hours at LAS... Anyone a DCIRC ticket meant I managed to get F on the next flight anyway.

Used the PP lounge - small and tucked away but better alcohol than most AA lounges, food was biscuits and crisps, but then that is better than AA.

 

[serfty]

...

Used the PP lounge - small and tucked away but better alcohol than most AA lounges, food was biscuits and crisps, but then that is better than AA.

It was a CO lounge, now a "United Club" - used it in both badgings.

As for the queues, such can ebb and flow between any airline/day/port/time.

No, I am not an AApologist, I have flown on them more than 100 times in the last few years. Mostly in the pointy end. I have also flown UA and US, again mainly point end stuff and they are little different.

In November, I'll be checking out the DL service, but really don't expect too much ...

 

[Mak404matt]

It was a CO lounge, now a "United Club" - used it in both badgings.

As for the queues, such can ebb and flow between any airline/day/port/time.

No, I am not an AApologist, I have flown on them more than 100 times in the last few years. Mostly in the pointy end. I have also flown UA and US, again mainly point end stuff and they are little different.

In November, I'll be checking out the DL service, but really don't expect too much ...

There is 2 new lounges available for PP now, 'The Club at LAS'.

Really good staff, good bar, basic snacks. Good views and air-conditioned. Didn't notice showers though.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Relevant

According to report released by the Bureau of Transport Statistics, U.S. airlines added more than $1.7 billion in baggage fees to their coffers, the most ever received in the first six months of a year.

In the first quarter of 2012, America's 15 largest airlines collected $816 million. The number grew to $932 million in the second quarter.

Leading the way is ​

Delta Air Lines, with $231 million in the second quarter, while United Airlines was second with $195 million. American, US Airways and Southwest rounded out the top five. (Southwest does not charge for the first checked bag, but its subsidiary AirTran Airways does.)

Baggage fees were introduced in 2008 and have gone up since, as as Scott Mayerowitz of AP points out:

Many of these fees were first introduced to allow airlines to offset rising fuel costs. In 2007, the airlines paid an average of $2.09 a gallon for jet fuel. The next year, prices spiked 46% to $3.06. During the first seven months of this year, airlines have paid an average of $2.96 a gallon.

Airfares have climbed in recent years but not as fast as the cost of fuel. Passengers have shown reluctance to book tickets if the base fare is too high, hence the introduction of the fees.​

The increase in baggage fees is also a part of the overarching story of how airlines have been increasingly dependent on ancillary revenue since the industry was deregulated in the 1970s.

When low-cost competitors such as Southwest, Spirit Airlines and JetBlue entered the market, offering low airfares by cutting perks, legacy carriers like Delta and United had to go in the same direction as well.
Airlines to passengers: Get used to bag fees- MSN Money

and

...according to Transportation Department figures, domestic airlines generated $3.4 billion in revenue from checked bags last year, compared with a mere $464.3 million in 2007, the year before most airlines started charging most customers to check bags. Domestic airlines raised an additional $2.4 billion from penalty fees when passengers cancel a so-called nonrefundable reservation and rebook that ticket at a later time.
​

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/24/business/revenue-from-extra-fees-adds-up-for-airlines.html

 

[moa999]

Yep, Was "The Club" at LAS that I used earlier this month.
Is a small lounge tucked away in the satellite terminal that AA uses ("D" gates from memory).
From the train take the furthest escalator from you, double back and you are at the lounge. Then a relatively short walk to the main pier gates AA uses.

Smallish area divided into two rooms - maybe would seat 30ppl max.
Coffee and biscuits on a self serve bench, crisps on the bar. Good selection including six or so bottled beers and a wide range of spirits (tipping obviously required).
There is a small toilet between the two sections, dont think any room or showers.

 

[ozscot]

I fly frequently with AA on my own in F. They're usually ok. This week had two sectors with the whole family and mother in Y. LAX-MIA, MIA-BOS. 6 of us. I'm WP, my wife is PG everybody else is zilch.

At the airport AA were very good. Recognised my status at the F check in / bag drop and happily said "fine I see you're traveling with the whole family." Priority security lines, lounge access and priority boarding equally no problem for all of us. We had 4 heavy checked in bags which were no problem, no charge and they arrived very quickly.

On the plane sucked though. Both old, noisy 757s. No screens, no real service, carry on everywhere, surly inconsiderate passengers, late departures "waiting for a crew member." We expected nothing and got exactly that. If not part of a OW RTW ticket, I'd avoid for sure and fly JetBlue extra leg room seats.

 

[cove]

With the reported AA flight cancellations and delays just make sure you are not on a really tight schedule to make it to your long haul flight from either Dallas or Los Angeles back to Australia.

 

[Frances Platinum]

Total sympathy for the OP.

Perhaps fortunately (?) had no issues flying AA from Honolulu to Aruba via Chicago/Miami a couple of months ago. But we were in the pointy end and had only paid the instant upgrade fare ($800 each way, having missed the $500 specials of a week or two earlier). All 6 flights departed/arrived on time, all connections made, all cabin crew friendly and professional, all lounge staff welcoming, no problems in Flagship ORD, the staff even remembered me from my last visit over a year previously. Positioned ourselves to get on the aircraft at start of boarding being first/platinum. At those prices it seemed Ok value (30 hours of flights and 720 SCs for $1600).

Reading the in flight magazine it seems AA are just starting a massive fleet/product upgrade (don't know how that sits with Chapter 11 financials!).

That said, I would do my best to avoid travelling in Y on AA: I can only imagine it could be a nightmare.

Sympathise with those who've had uncomfortable and frustrating experiences.

 

[Reggie]

OK now in Sydney, for the day befofe the final leg back to perth tomorrow.

LAS is a leisure spot for AA and indeed, all carriers. There are very very few lounges in LAS at all, and most airlines have closed them. I've frequently flown to LAS in F and not had a full cabin (so not many EXP's on the route either). Whilst I agree it was poor that it took so long to check-in in F, I can also see why AA don't count it as a priority.

I understand this, and have also flown in and out of LAS before. The big difference this time was that the 4 yearly MINEXPO was on, and there were many many high status pax there. The flights in and out of Vegas were all pretty much fuil. I know many Australians who had to drive in and out of LAS as they couldn't get flights.

Welcome to the USA again. They clearly state (on every US carrier I've been on which is AS, US, AA, UA and VX that 'any piece of luggage that can fit under the seat in front of you must be placed there'. The FA was doing their best in lieu of the kitchen sinks brought aboard.

I have only heard them say "If you have two pieces of hand luggage please put the smaller one under your seat. I have only flown AA when in US over the past 6 years. If it is the case, you should get on the plane with two oversized cases so you can have leg room.

F is always serviced by only one FA on this route. What a/c were you on? There are only 4 rows of F on 737's and MD80's, perhaps the people in row 4 were actually Y pax that were seated there due to oversell. I don't know the specifics, but i'm throwing it out there.

I know this route is serviced by only one FA in F. However they usually also run a service through Y with 2 FA's, which is was what happened on LAX-LAS. On LAS-LAX the 2 FA's in Y didin't leave the Y Galley. My seat was in row 4 and i paid for an F seat, and the other three also had paid F tickets, I am pretty sure it was a MD80.

 

[drron]

The problems the OP had with AA is not why they went into Chapter 11 but because they are in Chapter 11.The pilots are revolting-take that whichever way you want!
AA is finally moving against the pilots-
American Airlines threatens pilots

American Airlines Inc. warned the top leadership at the Allied Pilots Association on Wednesday to get its members to quit disrupting American’s flight schedule and said it was prepared to go to court to seek an injunction if American’s operations don’t improve.


American spokesman Bruce Hicks confirmed that airline management had sent the letter, an effort to end several weeks in which nearly half of American’s flights were at least 15 minutes late and dozens of flights were canceled each day.
“We do not want to pursue a legal remedy, but we will be left with little alternative if APA does not take action to stop those pilots who are intentionally harming the operation,” Hicks said late Wednesday. “American’s operations have continued to suffer for more than a week now, and we must take the appropriate steps to ensure our customers and our airline are protected.”

 

[Robert Qld]

Totally agree with all points about LAS and im a AA fan.

It is one of the least desirable routes for American legacy airline employees (plus its dominated by SouthWest - this I wonder about other airlines even bothering) and thus you'd get the bottom of the barrel just not in lounge infostructure but quality of employees. One of the few times I've almost cracked at an airline employee was at McCarran (I'm one of the easiest people to role with - it takes a lot to get me annoyed)

I enjoy AA except for their Vegas runs and services. Hell I spent one leg last year DFW-LAS watching the somewhat youngish FA chewing gum for like an hour.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Okay this is the start of my rant, for the AA fan boi's keep moving nothing to see here.

The start of my day with AA, involved lining up and waiting in the "First Class - Priority Checkin" queue at Las Vegas for 50 minutes. The queue was unbelievably long, and they had a grand total of 1 person serving "their most important" customers.

Next no lounge in Las Vegas, to ad to the fact they have shut the one in Dulles.

Flew LAS-LAX last Sunday night on AA in F - kerb side check-in in like 2 mins with 2 large pcs - no AA lounge but PP gets you into lounge near D16 - LAS lounge I think it is called - basic and spartan but lovely staff - only 5 pax in total - all on the AA flt to LAX.

Yes F was full - no delay at all - whole experience was smooth as a baby's bum - go figure.

EDIT: Sorry guys should have read down more - +1 to what guys posted below - there is no shower - but glad I found the Lounge anyway.

 

[Kefci2000]

Hell I spent one leg last year DFW-LAS watching the somewhat youngish FA chewing gum for like an hour.

Is it just me or is that a little wrong??