I will never complain about about qantas again after...

[tuppaware]

I will never complain about about qantas again after flying American Airlines in the US....

I will never complain about about qantas safety after seeing flaps that look rusted on an AA 767-200

I will never complain about about qantas again after seeing how rude AA staff are!


Anyway rant over.. I think we have it lucky in our country, as we have such high expectations of our airlines!

 

[drewbles]

I will never complain about about qantas again after flying American Airlines in the US....

I will never complain about about qantas safety after seeing flaps that look rusted on an AA 767-200

I will never complain about about qantas again after seeing how rude AA staff are!


Anyway rant over.. I think we have it lucky in our country, as we have such high expectations of our airlines!

I'll agree with the first two, but the staff? I've never had anything but above-and-beyond service from AA staff. I've seen a few saccharin cabin crew (and even one I heard sigh loudly and say 'i have to do this damn blurb 10 times today' and then launch into a welcome aboard speech).

The AAngels at the AC are exceptional. The gate agents have been excellent as have the check-in guys.

Did you just have a bad run?

 

[tuppaware]

I'll agree with the first two, but the staff? I've never had anything but above-and-beyond service from AA staff. I've seen a few saccharin cabin crew (and even one I heard sigh loudly and say 'i have to do this damn blurb 10 times today' and then launch into a welcome aboard speech).

The AAngels at the AC are exceptional. The gate agents have been excellent as have the check-in guys.

Did you just have a bad run?

The last line was harsh. I think I had a bad flight in Y, I must admit First was good. Just a different style of service... I got the feeling they didn't care.

 

[BAM1748]

I've never had a bad flight with AA and would say they have gone beyond the call of duty when I was stuck because of bad weather earlier this year.

Staff, good, plane was ok, on board service fine.

Well done AA.

 

[straitman]

I've never had a bad flight with AA and would say they have gone beyond the call of duty when I was stuck because of bad weather earlier this year.

Staff, good, plane was ok, on board service fine.

Well done AA.

BAM1748

My limited experience with AA is similar to yours except I cannot always agree with the 'plane was OK' comment. Some are pretty dreadful :!:

 

[bellsux]

not too sure about them having rusty flaps as they are made from aluminium, most likely grease stains from jack screws, hinges, tracks and bellcranks...

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Yeah I dont think AA is going around flying rusty aircraft either. Dirty ones? indeed!

 

[Cocitus23]

I'll agree with the first two, but the staff? I've never had anything but above-and-beyond service from AA staff. I've seen a few saccharin cabin crew (and even one I heard sigh loudly and say 'i have to do this damn blurb 10 times today' and then launch into a welcome aboard speech).

The AAngels at the AC are exceptional. The gate agents have been excellent as have the check-in guys.

Did you just have a bad run?

I'll vote with drewbles on this one. I have done heaps of flying with both QF and AA. I must say that I much prefer the QF experience. Perhaps my views are coloured by the generally miserable experience at major US airports, what with security processes, comparatively poor airline lounges, cramped areas at departure gates and delays in loading because of the amount of carry-on allowed.

My wife and most of her friends are American, and they always rave about the superiority of QF over the major American carriers.

Cocitus23.

 

[kamchatsky]

But then again, why compare with the low standards US experienced? We should compare with the best, such as most Asian airlines. That's how QF can actually improve, but aiming high, not aiming low.

 

[oz_mark]

But then again, why compare with the low standards US experienced? We should compare with the best, such as most Asian airlines. That's how QF can actually improve, but aiming high, not aiming low.

Given the OP stated that it was in the US, then we should consider domestic experiences. My experience with those Asian airlines that offer domestic services would suggest that they are a fairly mediocre experience.

 

[drron]

I have made my opinions known here before.I acknowledge my experiences dont match most others.The best FA I have seen was on AA.The most professional crew-on AA.The most memorable(and pleasurable moment on a plane-again AA.
However this trip may change this-keep an eye on my TR.

 

[dajop]

Given the OP stated that it was in the US, then we should consider domestic experiences. My experience with those Asian airlines that offer domestic services would suggest that they are a fairly mediocre experience.

That's because the best ones don't do domestic flights It's impossible to do the comparisons other than like for like (eg 1hr on TG vs 1 hr on AA) really for most of Asia as geography is such that most Asian countries only have 1 -2 hour domestic flights. Reasonable to compare domestic within US, Canada, Australia, China, India, and Brazil though, with similar mix of short and medium length routes.

 

[Dave Noble]

That's because the best ones don't do domestic flights It's impossible to do the comparisons other than like for like (eg 1hr on TG vs 1 hr on AA) really for most of Asia as geography is such that most Asian countries only have 1 -2 hour domestic flights. Reasonable to compare domestic within US, Canada, Australia, China, India, and Brazil though, with similar mix of short and medium length routes.

Indeed. In my experiences, I have found shorthaul CX and MH to be well ahead of domestic Qantas

When comparing domestic USA, on the transcontinental services vs something like SYD-PER I would take AA business over QF business
On shorter AA flights such as a 1-2 hour flight vs a QF 1-2 hour domestic flight then I prefer QF to AA

Also need to consider that if a regular traveller with status, on the AA flights can get complimentary uogrades into business ( 3 class service ) or 1st ( 2 class ) on domestic flights ( plus upgrade to business on some 2 class short haul business ) subject to space availability. IF an AA EXP vs QG Platinum , being able to get free upgrades on all domestic travel is a huge benefit over QF and as Gold/Platinum getting some free upgrades plus others at not too pricey a fee is also good

Taking long haul, before never complaining about QF again, perhaps try comparing QF 1st against some other airlines 1st and see the huge difference of how far behind some carriers QF is. QF is only a middle of the road carrier

Dave

 

[docjames]

I have made my opinions known here before.I acknowledge my experiences dont match most others.The best FA I have seen was on AA.The most professional crew-on AA.The most memorable(and pleasurable moment on a plane-again AA.
However this trip may change this-keep an eye on my TR.

AA really seems to be a two tier airline. Those whose routine travel is nearer to 1A seem to find AA great, those who are usually wedged in the middle of a block of three adjacent to the rear toilet, seem to have a different impression. Funny that.

I am very much looking forward to shortly experiencing AA from closer to the front of the aircraft! Heaven knows, my Y experiences on AA tend to mimic tuppaware's. I might add my experiences with the lounge staff have been generally fine without being anything special.

 

[Keith009]

Never had any probs with AA staff. In fact I think they have the best ground (particularly ticketing) staff of any airline. Cabin crew have ranged from average to fabulous, like any other major airline. Agree though that their equipment can be rather dire.

 

[dajop]

When comparing domestic USA, on the transcontinental services vs something like SYD-PER I would take AA business over QF business

Very much depends on aircraft type, and also remember US transcontinental is a bit longer than many Australian transcontinental. MEL-PER is 4 hrs, so is STL-SFO/LAX. I've taken the latter on MD80's in F. I would take QF business MEL-PER anyday. As for staff for me it has varied (in F) from outstanding to completely awful, but much more at the positive end of the spectrum.

Unfortunately though, most of my AA F flights have been on an MD80. The two I've had on 777's have been great, but the MD80's not so great. Also have been tarnished once by experience of an 10pm DFW-LAX (3 hr flight) where the only food on offer in F was a bowl of nuts ... I am sure if I was doing the transcons my experience would be much better.

 

[Ewing]

I've only ever travelled once on AA in Y (LAX-JFK) and couldn't complain. The crew were efficient and friendly, and whilst I didn't purchase any alcoholic beverages the soft drink and water was flowing readily without needing to ask.

The rest of my AA travel has been in domestic F and on those flights I've had some of the best crews I've ever experienced on any airline including QF.

On a more recent flight from LAX-AUS we were diverted to DFW due to weather in Austin. The crew handled this splendidly and even continued beverage service while we were on the ground waiting for news on what was happening (we ended up refuelling and then flying to AUS).

Having said that, I concur with docjames - if you are travelling in Y and don't have any oneworld status, AA are truly a two tier airline.

The PriorityAAccess which is given if flying in F or if you're Oneworld Ruby or above is truly a life saver though when it comes to boarding and getting that precious overhead space (in Y) and even getting through security in a timely fashion.

Last year I was travelling with a colleague who was NB at the time. We were on separate bookings and he was in Y so he didn't get PriorityAAccess so we were split up at security. I'd have enough time in the AC to have a few drinks and relax, whereas he'd be basically running for the flight.

Besides, who can resist the delicious hot nuts and warm cookie that you get on some of the longer AA flights. That's much better than the packet of cashews/almonds that QF give you

I know this post is mainly about service, but if we look at the fleet - sure AA have some good and bad planes in their fleet just like anyone else. As an example, the ex-BA 767s that QF are using are shockers and don't even get me started on the 734s with convertible J that I always seem to find myself on

 

[drewbles]

I have made my opinions known here before.I acknowledge my experiences dont match most others.The best FA I have seen was on AA.The most professional crew-on AA.The most memorable(and pleasurable moment on a plane-again AA.
However this trip may change this-keep an eye on my TR.

I've done hundreds of segments on QF and probably 40 or so on AA. I've got to agree with you here.

AA crew have been sensational in general. And a big thanks to "Amber" on a ORD-YYZ flight last year who reminded us with such passion only found by people genuinely excited to be working in a plane that "tonight we'll be disembarking via jetbridge!"

AA staff almost feel apologetic about lack of food and service in the F cabin so they compensate with many 'i'm so sorry we don't have anything more to give you' looks and just load you up with alcohol at request (or even not at request, sometimes it just comes and comes).

And one of my best Y experiences was on a 762 from SFO to ORD (just before above mentioned Amber). Crew were professional, friendly and nothing was too much effort.

 

[Dave Noble]

Very much depends on aircraft type, and also remember US transcontinental is a bit longer than many Australian transcontinental. MEL-PER is 4 hrs, so is STL-SFO/LAX. I've taken the latter on MD80's in F. I would take QF business MEL-PER anyday. As for staff for me it has varied (in F) from outstanding to completely awful, but much more at the positive end of the spectrum.

MEL-PER isn't really transcontinental , more almost transcontinental. SYD-PER is 5 hours and BNE-PER is slightly longer. Comparing the business class on QF vs the 763/762s that tend to ply the east-west coast non stop, I would rate AA much higher in business class/ (762)/1st class(763)

The MD80s et al on the shorter routes are ok, but nothing special but then QF J isn't that amazing domestically

Dave

 

[Paddy55]

I'll vote with drewbles on this one. I have done heaps of flying with both QF and AA. I must say that I much prefer the QF experience. Perhaps my views are coloured by the generally miserable experience at major US airports, what with security processes, comparatively poor airline lounges, cramped areas at departure gates and delays in loading because of the amount of carry-on allowed.

My wife and most of her friends are American, and they always rave about the superiority of QF over the major American carriers.

Cocitus23.

What he said.

Agree with comments on MD80's and add that ERDs should be avoided where possible - I'm 6' 3" and those 2 planes are a tight fit!

Had about 20 flights and found staff on ground and in most helpful and there is a greater consistency of experience I find than on, say United. :evil:

Paddy