Interesting experience flying AA.

[FlyboyAl]

I've just arrived in LA after a 3 hour flight from Dallas on AA.
I have nothing good to sat about the cabin crew - they were disinterested to the point of being rude.
We left at 11am and flew over the "lunchtime"period - our snak was a can of coke!
We were also in an exit row and the woman next to us, and all the ones on the other side, had their bags on the floor which we not moved.
The crew knew they were there, and did nothing.
Our flight over to Dallas last week was only marginally better, but the crew attitude was the same.
Alan

 

[SeatBackForward]

I've just arrived in LA after a 3 hour flight from Dallas on AA.
I have nothing good to sat about the cabin crew - they were disinterested to the point of being rude.
We left at 11am and flew over the "lunchtime"period - our snak was a can of coke!
We were also in an exit row and the woman next to us, and all the ones on the other side, had their bags on the floor which we not moved.
The crew knew they were there, and did nothing.
Our flight over to Dallas last week was only marginally better, but the crew attitude was the same.
Alan

That's pretty much the entire US Domestic flying experience

 

[UP4014]

I've just arrived in LA after a 3 hour flight from Dallas on AA.
I have nothing good to sat about the cabin crew - they were disinterested to the point of being rude.
We left at 11am and flew over the "lunchtime"period - our snak was a can of coke!
We were also in an exit row and the woman next to us, and all the ones on the other side, had their bags on the floor which we not moved.
The crew knew they were there, and did nothing.
Our flight over to Dallas last week was only marginally better, but the crew attitude was the same.
Alan

Leave some feed back for them.

 

[winfred]

I did not ask for too much. Just send me to a hotel with a room when they cancel the flight at 1:30am.

There is a sequel to all this. Stay tuned.

I turned up at the airport early afternoon the following day. The AA staff at premium check in area was extremely helpful and got me the next flight to KL via Miami and Doha. It was something I was told the previous day by the ground staff and service centre that it was impossible.

I don't think all the tools were taken away. The staff member just need to be more resourceful and willing to try and it can be done.

 

[justinbrett]

I've just arrived in LA after a 3 hour flight from Dallas on AA.
I have nothing good to sat about the cabin crew - they were disinterested to the point of being rude.
We left at 11am and flew over the "lunchtime"period - our snak was a can of coke!
We were also in an exit row and the woman next to us, and all the ones on the other side, had their bags on the floor which we not moved.
The crew knew they were there, and did nothing.
Our flight over to Dallas last week was only marginally better, but the crew attitude was the same.
Alan

Believe it or not this is an improvement of what you got 15-20 years ago.

Back then you got absolutely nothing, not even water free. Maybe cups of tap water on a trans-con flight, but that's it. I remember flying IAD-LAX and being absolutely starving at the end of it.

I find AA staff really good, but YMMV - and every crew is different.

Regarding the exit row, were they there during take off and landing? That's definitely not normal. However if they were just there during the flight, that's permitted.

 

[Scarlett]

I've just arrived in LA after a 3 hour flight from Dallas on AA.
I have nothing good to sat about the cabin crew - they were disinterested to the point of being rude.
We left at 11am and flew over the "lunchtime"period - our snak was a can of coke!
We were also in an exit row and the woman next to us, and all the ones on the other side, had their bags on the floor which we not moved.
The crew knew they were there, and did nothing.
Our flight over to Dallas last week was only marginally better, but the crew attitude was the same.
Alan

I wonder if Americans would consider this a natural state of affairs (and a form of Stockholm Syndrome) because those staff aren’t working for tips so why would they be pleasant?

 

[FlyboyAl]

Believe it or not this is an improvement of what you got 15-20 years ago.

Back then you got absolutely nothing, not even water free. Maybe cups of tap water on a trans-con flight, but that's it. I remember flying IAD-LAX and being absolutely starving at the end of it.

I find AA staff really good, but YMMV - and every crew is different.

Regarding the exit row, were they there during take off and landing? That's definitely not normal. However if they were just there during the flight, that's permitted.

They were there at take off, and the FA sat in a jump seat right next to the seats with gear under them.
I understand that this is the state of the nation over here - it just makes me realise how good we have it at home.
Even JQ are better than this.
Alan

 

[justinbrett]

They were there at take off, and the FA sat in a jump seat right next to the seats with gear under them.
I understand that this is the state of the nation over here - it just makes me realise how good we have it at home.
Even JQ are better than this.
Alan

No I think you just got unlucky, twice. I fly AA all the time and I find them very professional.

 

[Bundy Bear]

I remember once reading before I travelled to the US that flying US domestic was like taking a bus don’t expect anything but a seat, if you get extra then its a win.
And if the price is ok fly first.
And tip the barman, if you have lounge at LAX always good to change a $10/20 for a bunch of ones.

 

[pyffii]

Just flown 3 of 5 sectors with American in business and so far brilliant service great meals and on time to early arrivals…way better than QF

 

[justinbrett]

I remember once reading before I travelled to the US that flying US domestic was like taking a bus don’t expect anything but a seat

Service/inclusions on AA Y is pretty much on par with VA, and exceed JQ.

 

[dajop]

Service/inclusions on AA Y is pretty much on par with VA, and exceed JQ.

Inclusions yes. Free non alcoholic drinks and a biscoff or two. At least you go in with that expectation, unlike some carriers who create this whole marketing aura and expectation around wonderful food, even in economy, and at certain times of the day, and some would even argue at all times of the day, can disappoint. (I wonder who..)

Although always felt that Jetstar had a much better for purchase food menu - with things like toasties and hot items available.

 

[justinbrett]

Although always felt that Jetstar had a much better for purchase food menu - with things like toasties and hot items available.

Rarely available on short flights, which is the bulk of the network.

 

[RooFlyer]

They were there at take off, and the FA sat in a jump seat right next to the seats with gear under them.
I understand that this is the state of the nation over here - it just makes me realise how good we have it at home.
Even JQ are better than this.
Alan

I have two strong memories of my flying with AA during 44 flights.

First - bad. Guy in 1D, direct line of sight from the FAs seated up the front, had his laptop case on his lap all through take-off roll and ascent. I posted a pic on AFF at the time.

Second - brilliant. Straight after boarding in J at Belize City, I realised I had left my iPad in the gate area - I knew exactly where, as I was charging it. Boarding was across the tarmac apron and stairs. I asked the J FA if she might radio or contact colleagues if someone might bring it across to the stairs. One of the pilots was standing in the open coughpit door, overheard and asked why the problem was. I explained. He said "No problem, I can get it, if its still there", and he exited the plane. Abt 10 mins later, he re-appeared with my iPad!! I suspect he was going to go back into the terminal anyway, but just brilliant. I sure sent positive feedback!!

 

[dajop]

Rarely available on short flights, which is the bulk of the network.

Yes sort of my point. Jetstar offering is better in that sense

 

[justinbrett]

Yes sort of my point. Jetstar offering is better in that sense

I was referring to Jetstar.

 

[dajop]

I was referring to Jetstar.

I was thinking about most of my recent (short haul) flights on AA and Jetstar, both were around 2 hrs length, and lot more BOB food, including warm food like toasties, sausage rolls , going out on Jetstar. Mind you one could argue AA's BOB is better than QF's food offering on non-meal time flights ...

 

[justinbrett]

I was thinking about most of my recent (short haul) flights on AA and Jetstar, both were around 2 hrs length, and lot more BOB food, including warm food like toasties, sausage rolls , going out on Jetstar. Mind you one could argue AA's BOB is better than QF's food offering on non-meal time flights ...

Jetstar must have lifted their game recently, I've never seen them offer hot options on any flight less than 3 hours (domestic transcon). Pretty much just pringles, cheese & crackers, muffins, banana bread etc.

I haven't flown AA Y since covid, only F; pre covid it beat the pants off Jetsar. In any case the free drinks would make up for it.

 

[I love to travel]

Slightly OT but can anyone confirm whether you still get free luggage if OWE on an economy basic fare. They may have changed the rules recently. Thanks

 

[Berlin]

I’ve been traveling on AA a fair bit this year, both domestic and longer haul to/from Europe and mostly had good to excellent experiences. Staff usually friendly and helpful, decent food for the most part and all flights on time, no luggage lost.

I personally find Qantas to be even better but I’d chose both anytime over the likes of JAL or SQ, both with whom I had nothing but disappointing experiences in post Covid times.

Granted, if the choice is there, I’d probably chose QR over them all but on many routes that’s not an option.