American Airlines - USA Domestic - Review/Opinion

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Max Samuels

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Over the past 2 years I have been doing quite a lot of domestic flights on American within the USA – more than 30 flights – on a variety of routes, in both First and Economy. So I think I have a large enough sample to make an informed opinion, which I thought I would share with you all.

Like most people, my impression of AA a decade ago was pretty poor; coughpy service, bad attitudes, “flying bus” mentality etc. Since American re-branded a few years ago, however, the experience as a passenger has absolutely improved. And this is even more so if you have oneworld Emerald status – which translates to “AA Executive Platinum”. In fact, I think that every time I fly them (about every 6 months), the continuous improvement is noticeable.

When you book an AA domestic flight, unlike QF that blocks rows for their elite pax, AA allows you to choose to sit in “premium” areas of the cabin for extra $, which includes more leg room and free booze/food. But if you’re a oneworld Emerald, once you enter your FF# into the booking, all these features become available for free – and extends to everyone in the same booking as yourself. Although QF domestic promises “free” booze after 4pm weekdays, we all know that you’re lucky if you get offered a second glass of wine. The FAs on American, however, have this nifty iPad-like device that they use to take payment for food/bev, but it also acts as sophisticated seat map showing where all the “Exec Plats” are sitting – so no matter where you are seated, everything is free. As much as you like. You can keep pressing that call-button and they will keep bringing the Vodkas! Also, on a recent flight from LAX to HNL, I was seated in Economy with an empty seat next to me at an exit row. After take-off someone moved from their seat and sat next to me. When the FAs came through they noticed this, and asked me “is this gentleman traveling with you”? When I said “no”, they quickly made him go back and apologised to me!

American also seem to honour the various rules of the oneworld program better in so far as recognising status. For example, I have been upgraded twice on oversold flights to First, even on the cheapest Economy ticket. It is hard to imagine that there were no American Advantage members on that flight – but there were obviously no “Exec Plats” – and they seem to offer upgrades based on oneworld tiers – something QF definitely doesn’t do. In fact one time, there were 3 of us on a single booking, from SEA to LAX, all in Economy, the other 2 had no FF status at all…. and American upgraded us all at the gate for “operational” reasons. QF has done that once for me, I think…. long ago.

Also, the refurbished Admirals Clubs in the major airports now have separate “Flagship First” lounges, which are open to Emerald and Sapphire members. Whereas the Admirals Clubs are often regarded to be inferior to QF’s domestic clubs in Australia, the Flagship First lounges are far superior to most of the QF lounges, (except the SYD/MEL/LAX First lounges), in my opinion. The food and beverage selection is vast – and the bar includes champagne (was Bollinger recently) – all for free – there is no fee charged for “premium” spirits and wine, like there is in the Admirals Club.

They also operate “Flagship First Check-in” at these airports, which is open to oneworld Emerald members too. These vary from airport to airport, but the one at LAX is on the curb of T4, and after checking in, you are personally escorted to the top of the TSA line – which can literally save you hours. The other day it took me less than 5 mins from curb-side drop-off to departure gate - which is amazing for LAX.

How do they compare with other US airlines? Well, last week I put them to the test! I was travelling with my friend, a lifelong Delta devotee – she has the Delta equivalent of whatever oneworld Emerald is – and I finally convinced her to fly on AA with me from LAX to DFW – in Economy. After years of telling me how terrible AA was, she was able to experience it as my guest. And the verdict? As one of Delta’s TOP fliers, she said the benefits and perks of AA were far superior – best lounge she had ever seen for any US Airline, great inflight service (the continuous free booze & snacks) – and this was all in Economy. She couldn’t believe the turn around that AA has made after years of being near the bottom.

Now, obviously, I have not flown every airline the US has to offer, and this review is anecdotal. But I thought I would share with you all… in case you are wondering, as a QF FF, whether it’s worth it to stick to AA when flying US domestic… If you ask me, I say “yes”.
 
Well this is quite different from my experience with American Airlines over the past few years! My flights with them have ranged from mediocre to nightmare and I can't recall ever having an excellent experience with them. But I really do hope that you're correct and that things are improving!
 
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I agree with you.AA have always treated their premium pax well especially if they put you on a high eagle rating in the past.As a LTP with AA I have had upgrades ahead of at least 1 EXP fellow and always treated well-twice on cancelled longhaul flights(due to weather) we arrived at checkin to see they had already arranged suitable alternatives.A third time we were on a QFF award ticket and our CDG-JFK flight was cancelled due to the usual French general strike.I showed my Aadvantage card and we were rerouted via MIA-the only AA flight out of CDG that day.

I also have only rarely come across the supposedly typical older hopeless and angry FA.Most experiences with cabib crew have been positive.

The reason I have fallen out of love is their Aadvantage program.previously I could get F awards for the 2 of us with ease.Now virtually impossible.
 
I also fully agree - I’ve travelled AA a lot in the last few years (in Flagship Business, domestic first and domestic Economy (main cabin extra) and have been very impressed by their service and consistency.

In many flights from Asia to North America in J, I found their planes, seats, service and food to be excellent and consistent, and honestly I definitely prefer their J service to QF. There is nothing pretentious about it but it is very solid and comfortable, and the staff are very “down to earth” and make for a relaxing trip.
 
Over the past 2 years I have been doing quite a lot of domestic flights on American within the USA – more than 30 flights – on a variety of routes, in both First and Economy. So I think I have a large enough sample to make an informed opinion, which I thought I would share with you all.

Like most people, my impression of AA a decade ago was pretty poor; coughpy service, bad attitudes, “flying bus” mentality etc. Since American re-branded a few years ago, however, the experience as a passenger has absolutely improved. And this is even more so if you have oneworld Emerald status – which translates to “AA Executive Platinum”. In fact, I think that every time I fly them (about every 6 months), the continuous improvement is noticeable.

When you book an AA domestic flight, unlike QF that blocks rows for their elite pax, AA allows you to choose to sit in “premium” areas of the cabin for extra $, which includes more leg room and free booze/food. But if you’re a oneworld Emerald, once you enter your FF# into the booking, all these features become available for free – and extends to everyone in the same booking as yourself. Although QF domestic promises “free” booze after 4pm weekdays, we all know that you’re lucky if you get offered a second glass of wine. The FAs on American, however, have this nifty iPad-like device that they use to take payment for food/bev, but it also acts as sophisticated seat map showing where all the “Exec Plats” are sitting – so no matter where you are seated, everything is free. As much as you like. You can keep pressing that call-button and they will keep bringing the Vodkas! Also, on a recent flight from LAX to HNL, I was seated in Economy with an empty seat next to me at an exit row. After take-off someone moved from their seat and sat next to me. When the FAs came through they noticed this, and asked me “is this gentleman traveling with you”? When I said “no”, they quickly made him go back and apologised to me!

American also seem to honour the various rules of the oneworld program better in so far as recognising status. For example, I have been upgraded twice on oversold flights to First, even on the cheapest Economy ticket. It is hard to imagine that there were no American Advantage members on that flight – but there were obviously no “Exec Plats” – and they seem to offer upgrades based on oneworld tiers – something QF definitely doesn’t do. In fact one time, there were 3 of us on a single booking, from SEA to LAX, all in Economy, the other 2 had no FF status at all…. and American upgraded us all at the gate for “operational” reasons. QF has done that once for me, I think…. long ago.

Also, the refurbished Admirals Clubs in the major airports now have separate “Flagship First” lounges, which are open to Emerald and Sapphire members. Whereas the Admirals Clubs are often regarded to be inferior to QF’s domestic clubs in Australia, the Flagship First lounges are far superior to most of the QF lounges, (except the SYD/MEL/LAX First lounges), in my opinion. The food and beverage selection is vast – and the bar includes champagne (was Bollinger recently) – all for free – there is no fee charged for “premium” spirits and wine, like there is in the Admirals Club.

They also operate “Flagship First Check-in” at these airports, which is open to oneworld Emerald members too. These vary from airport to airport, but the one at LAX is on the curb of T4, and after checking in, you are personally escorted to the top of the TSA line – which can literally save you hours. The other day it took me less than 5 mins from curb-side drop-off to departure gate - which is amazing for LAX.

How do they compare with other US airlines? Well, last week I put them to the test! I was travelling with my friend, a lifelong Delta devotee – she has the Delta equivalent of whatever oneworld Emerald is – and I finally convinced her to fly on AA with me from LAX to DFW – in Economy. After years of telling me how terrible AA was, she was able to experience it as my guest. And the verdict? As one of Delta’s TOP fliers, she said the benefits and perks of AA were far superior – best lounge she had ever seen for any US Airline, great inflight service (the continuous free booze & snacks) – and this was all in Economy. She couldn’t believe the turn around that AA has made after years of being near the bottom.

Now, obviously, I have not flown every airline the US has to offer, and this review is anecdotal. But I thought I would share with you all… in case you are wondering, as a QF FF, whether it’s worth it to stick to AA when flying US domestic… If you ask me, I say “yes”.

I am pleased the cabin service but the Airline is one of the worst I have flown on in recent years for lack of punctuality. We had 4 flights with them in March/ April this year and every flight was a minimum of 1 hour late departing and the wait at the baggage carousel was between 35 and 55 minutes after arriving At the Carousel.
I fly quite a lot both domestically in Australia and Internationally and rate AA as one of the worst Airlines! I won’t be flying with them again.
 
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Very interested in this discussion. I have been reading on OMaaT about the disruptions caused by their on-going 'mechanics' industrial actions (pulling aircraft out of service at late notice).


Have a bunch of AA flights coming up (well, early next year) and wondering how much padding to put in the schedule.
 
Very interested in this discussion. I have been reading on OMaaT about the disruptions caused by their on-going 'mechanics' industrial actions (pulling aircraft out of service at late notice).


Have a bunch of AA flights coming up (well, early next year) and wondering how much padding to put in the schedule.
I would allow at least 2 hours. We experienced a number of stressed travellers at the carousel and their comments lead me to believe the delay was normal with AA. They also cancelled a flight on us meaning we only had 45 minutes after eventually getting our cases at Lax( instead of the 4 hours I had allowed) to get from terminal 4 to terminal 2 for our international connection. We had to run and made it with seconds to spare!
When I found out that our flight was changed, they had a too bad attitude and offered me a refund. The only problem was( and they new it) was I did not have any choice because of the lack of time to swap airlines due to the International connection. Never again!
 
Welcome to AFF @Roasha :) Oh yes, 2 hours is my normal minimum. I have a relatively non critical AA to AA connection in DFW of 1.25 hrs and a more important one later at DFW of about 3 hours. Will keep an eye on the timings of those flights in the months prior.
 
I’m QF WP and only fly AA in J.

In general, I would say that AA has improved - at least domestically. I had a very ordinary international flight with a very surly crew GRU-DFW last year.

The hard product is much better; not so sure about the soft product. Most crew are just doing the job but very occasionally I’ve experienced great friendly relaxed crew.

Agree that Flagship First checkin is brilliant! The personal escort to the head of the queue is something else. I don’t dare look at the people that are stopped to let me in ;).
 
Well... as someone who has been flying AA for 19 years, and now based in LAX and flying AA more than I would care to acknowledge... I have to say that this is a VERY rose-tinted glasses view of AA.

Let's get into it....


Like most people, my impression of AA a decade ago was pretty poor; coughpy service, bad attitudes, “flying bus” mentality etc. Since American re-branded a few years ago, however, the experience as a passenger has absolutely improved. And this is even more so if you have oneworld Emerald status – which translates to “AA Executive Platinum”. In fact, I think that every time I fly them (about every 6 months), the continuous improvement is noticeable.

Actually - they were earning the "most improved award" in the couple of years leading up to the merger. Previous management had absolutely made improvements, new aircraft were coming on-line at a rate of 1 per week, and elite recognition (including recognizing QF WP- as you say - as Executive Platinums - was much improved.
Since the merger and rebranding - everything has been steadily degrading, including employee morale.

You are correct in your assessment of how they were a decade or so ago.

When you book an AA domestic flight, unlike QF that blocks rows for their elite pax, AA allows you to choose to sit in “premium” areas of the cabin for extra $, which includes more leg room and free booze/food. But if you’re a oneworld Emerald, once you enter your FF# into the booking, all these features become available for free – and extends to everyone in the same booking as yourself. Although QF domestic promises “free” booze after 4pm weekdays, we all know that you’re lucky if you get offered a second glass of wine. The FAs on American, however, have this nifty iPad-like device that they use to take payment for food/bev, but it also acts as sophisticated seat map showing where all the “Exec Plats” are sitting – so no matter where you are seated, everything is free. As much as you like. You can keep pressing that call-button and they will keep bringing the Vodkas! Also, on a recent flight from LAX to HNL, I was seated in Economy with an empty seat next to me at an exit row. After take-off someone moved from their seat and sat next to me. When the FAs came through they noticed this, and asked me “is this gentleman traveling with you”? When I said “no”, they quickly made him go back and apologised to me!

Yes - all Oneworld Sapphires get complimentary Main Cabin Extra which is the extra legroom seats at booking. And this is better than Delta (Comfort+) where the extra legroom seats are regarded as a higher cabin - so it's actually an upgrade (which VA WPs get access to - albeit low on the upgrade list). And recently - due to competition from Delta, everyone gets free booze in MCE on AA,
For sometime - since before the merger/rebranding, EPs got a free snack and drink when seated in the Main Cabin - on the tablet - OWE looks like EP, so whilst not policy, the free snack and drink got extended. That said - if in MCE booze is now free. If you're in the Main Cabin, then you should only expect 1 free drink - as that is the policy and many FAs enforce it.

Don't expect empty seats next to you on AA - as a general rule - standbys will fill any empty seats. Unless you're flying some obscure route - you won't have an empty seat next to you. Far better chance of that happening on QF.

American also seem to honour the various rules of the oneworld program better in so far as recognising status. For example, I have been upgraded twice on oversold flights to First, even on the cheapest Economy ticket. It is hard to imagine that there were no American Advantage members on that flight – but there were obviously no “Exec Plats” – and they seem to offer upgrades based on oneworld tiers – something QF definitely doesn’t do. In fact one time, there were 3 of us on a single booking, from SEA to LAX, all in Economy, the other 2 had no FF status at all…. and American upgraded us all at the gate for “operational” reasons. QF has done that once for me, I think…. long ago.

Because all AA elites have already been upgraded if there are still seats in the forward cabin - if Y is oversold - OW elites will commonly get Op-Up'd. Yes - in the rare instance that Y is oversold and there are no AA elites remaining on the upgrade list - then they will process Op-Ups in OW status order.

It is known to occur from time to time - usually on non-business routes such as LAS, or even obscure AA routes such as YYZ.

QF absolutely does Op-Ups for WPs - but again - you'll find this on leisure routes during school holidays most often.

Also, the refurbished Admirals Clubs in the major airports now have separate “Flagship First” lounges, which are open to Emerald and Sapphire members. Whereas the Admirals Clubs are often regarded to be inferior to QF’s domestic clubs in Australia, the Flagship First lounges are far superior to most of the QF lounges, (except the SYD/MEL/LAX First lounges), in my opinion. The food and beverage selection is vast – and the bar includes champagne (was Bollinger recently) – all for free – there is no fee charged for “premium” spirits and wine, like there is in the Admirals Club.
Yes - ACs are worse than QPs generally - but all QF members get premium drinks complimentary without having to pay. It use to be via 'chits', but will now be loaded against your BP when you enter the club.

FLs - this is one area where it is true and accurate to describe a real improvement in the last 24 months. Not only are the FLs improved - but access is now extended to OWS and not just OWE. This is a great benefit for QF SGs.

They also operate “Flagship First Check-in” at these airports, which is open to oneworld Emerald members too. These vary from airport to airport, but the one at LAX is on the curb of T4, and after checking in, you are personally escorted to the top of the TSA line – which can literally save you hours. The other day it took me less than 5 mins from curb-side drop-off to departure gate - which is amazing for LAX.
Also a real improvement as QF WPs get access on all flights.
That said - IME - it's often a waste of time. But can be useful when the security lines are long and you don't have Pre/CLEAR (which most Aussies won't).

How do they compare with other US airlines? Well, last week I put them to the test! I was travelling with my friend, a lifelong Delta devotee – she has the Delta equivalent of whatever oneworld Emerald is – and I finally convinced her to fly on AA with me from LAX to DFW – in Economy. After years of telling me how terrible AA was, she was able to experience it as my guest. And the verdict? As one of Delta’s TOP fliers, she said the benefits and perks of AA were far superior – best lounge she had ever seen for any US Airline, great inflight service (the continuous free booze & snacks) – and this was all in Economy. She couldn’t believe the turn around that AA has made after years of being near the bottom.
That's most definitively not the reaction you'll get from most DL elites. I would say this is the expected response from around 1 in 100 DL elites if you put them on an AA flight.

DL is a far more reliable airline to fly, the staff are happier and appear to actually enjoy their jobs and their employer, and the in-cabin treatment is far superior. Even the free snacks for plebs in Y are better.

AA's wifi is better and faster generally - but DL has free messaging without having to pay. And free 1 hr wifi if you have T-Mobile.

Now, obviously, I have not flown every airline the US has to offer, and this review is anecdotal. But I thought I would share with you all… in case you are wondering, as a QF FF, whether it’s worth it to stick to AA when flying US domestic… If you ask me, I say “yes”.
Generally - as a QF WP - AA would make sense.

But not this year.

With the mechanics BS going on - you have a 99.98% chance that your flight will be delayed/cancelled. As a straw poll - all 10 out of 10 of my last AA flights were delayed/cancelled.

That said - I've had a great run of paying for AA, and ending up flying on DL/UA and being able to earn credit on both. But as fun as that is - I actually do need to arrive at my destination in a timely manner - so the rest of my travel for the US summer will all be on DL/UA.

Once the operations improve (perhaps in 6 months) - AA will be the natural choice for QF WP/SGs - and DL will be a great choice for VA WP/SGs.
 
This is all interesting (and useful) to read. I'm QF WP and generally travel to destinations in Asia and Europe, I've not been stateside for at least 7 years now but we'll be off to the states early next year for a west to east and back again month long trip.

I had been tossing up between UA (on which I have status in MP) or AA and my general impression of AA was bad enough that I was going to stay away. But overall my benefits based on the above would be much better as OWE on AA than *SG on UA, and there's even a chance that the points and SC credit will improve by then due to the JV (I notice the calculator is currently disabled for US on the QF website so I suspect that is what they are working on now).

I find AA consistently cheaper than UA on all of the domestic routes that I have sampled so far. I appreciate the feedback both positive and negative here while I think it over. I know UA's reputation isn't great either so this doesn't seem like a great stretch to me, but I'm an absolute nothing in SkyTeam so DL isn't really in the game, when I'm looking at a good 30 hours worth of domestic flying through the US with the family in tow (who are not so comfortable doing those sort of hours as I am) - I'll be looking for whatever takes the edge off the most.
 
This is all interesting (and useful) to read. I'm QF WP and generally travel to destinations in Asia and Europe, I've not been stateside for at least 7 years now but we'll be off to the states early next year for a west to east and back again month long trip.

I had been tossing up between UA (on which I have status in MP) or AA and my general impression of AA was bad enough that I was going to stay away. But overall my benefits based on the above would be much better as OWE on AA than *SG on UA, and there's even a chance that the points and SC credit will improve by then due to the JV (I notice the calculator is currently disabled for US on the QF website so I suspect that is what they are working on now).

I find AA consistently cheaper than UA on all of the domestic routes that I have sampled so far. I appreciate the feedback both positive and negative here while I think it over. I know UA's reputation isn't great either so this doesn't seem like a great stretch to me, but I'm an absolute nothing in SkyTeam so DL isn't really in the game, when I'm looking at a good 30 hours worth of domestic flying through the US with the family in tow (who are not so comfortable doing those sort of hours as I am) - I'll be looking for whatever takes the edge off the most.

The real issue right now is AA’s reliability or lack thereof.

It’s not so bad for me - I can get back to LAX a multitude of ways, even if I’m late - and I can re-route on basically any airline.

But if you need to make your cruise, or ensure you connect on time to your QF flight back home - you could be in the poo poo right now.

And UA really is hugely improved on where they were previously.
- their WiFi sucks
- FA attitude is still an issue, but wildly inconsistent (and AA is the same)
- they really are genuinely trying to improve
- the new T7 at LAX is fantastic
- they’re the best OTP at LAX right now.
- SFO is a massive hub for them (so perfect for west coast arrivals/departures)
- First cabin fares can be great value for those who want to buy direct into P/Z and credit to NZ (for those who did the match)

And DL is perfect for VA folks - with buying W (Comfort+) a great value sweet spot.
 
They have a priority boarding system that works every time.
 
Just bought a "first" class SFO-LAX one way on points - departs one week from today.
Now, I know that USA domestic "first" is just J for everyone else but I can't believe that there is no lounge access or kerbside priority for what must surely be a flagship route? Have I made a mistake?
Must I join the queues/hordes making their way to the gate?
Do I get in to the Admirals Club?
Please help.... I may need to use my PP instead!
 
Just bought a "first" class SFO-LAX one way on points - departs one week from today.
Now, I know that USA domestic "first" is just J for everyone else but I can't believe that there is no lounge access or kerbside priority for what must surely be a flagship route? Have I made a mistake?
Must I join the queues/hordes making their way to the gate?
Do I get in to the Admirals Club?
Please help.... I may need to use my PP instead!

SFO-LAX is not a flagship route. You’ll get the regular domestic first perks (priority check in and boarding) but no lounge unless you have oneworld status or AC membership.
 
Flew LAS-ORD a few days ago in First (using old US Airways miles that moved across with the merger) . FLIGHT was very nice indeed. friendly, attentive FA. Informative pilot (take off weight and speed? Thats a first for me) The Kosher meal was outstanding...and more food than I could eat. HOWEVER...we left an hour late because of staffing problems. We literally waited for FA's to get off another flight and race over to ours. Communication during that period was poor. The onboard experience (largely) made up for all that.....and I only had to get to an airport hotel on arrival...but still...
 
SFO-LAX is not a flagship route. You’ll get the regular domestic first perks (priority check in and boarding) but no lounge unless you have oneworld status or AC membership.
You will also get priority TSA. The aircraft will probs be a tiny Embraer jet yeah?
But the booze is free-flowing and I always like the service on AA.

Doesn't matter if you don't have lounge access - the bars in SFO are more fun anyway :)
 
I have to say that this is a VERY rose-tinted glasses view of AA.
Lol..... VERY rose tinted? I think you should come back here and base yourself in SYD or MEL and try being a regular domestic QF passenger.... see how those glasses work for you then hehe

DL lounge in LAX nowhere near as good as Flagship First, in my opinion.
 
Agree that Flagship First checkin is brilliant! The personal escort to the head of the queue is something else. I don’t dare look at the people that are stopped to let me in ;).
Totally agree - that alone is enough to make it worth while when the general TSA line is 1hr+
 
I am pleased the cabin service but the Airline is one of the worst I have flown on in recent years for lack of punctuality. We had 4 flights with them in March/ April this year and every flight was a minimum of 1 hour late departing and the wait at the baggage carousel was between 35 and 55 minutes after arriving At the Carousel.
I fly quite a lot both domestically in Australia and Internationally and rate AA as one of the worst Airlines! I won’t be flying with them again.
I suppose that if one has only one experience and it is bad, they would come to that conclusion. It would be the same for any first time QF flyers that were delayed 3 days in LAX on QF94 recently? 3 DAYS - not hours. And then, if some of those pax were flying from MEL-SYD a few days later.... 3 weeks ago QF cancelled almost all of its flight MEL-SYD. So if that was someone's first impression of Qantas it would be pretty rubbish!! In summer, the chance of an afternoon flight on the east coast being delayed is really high - so high in fact that regular flyers won 't even book one - esp on a Friday night....

I actually don't factor delays into rating an airline... it happens to everyone. I rate how they handle it. Recently a delay with AA caused me to miss a connection and they just put me on the next flight (different routing).
 
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