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-   -   American cutting costs (https://www.fodors.com/community/air-travel/american-cutting-costs-625672/)

LvSun Jun 22nd, 2006 02:55 PM

American cutting costs
 
Tonight NBC Nightly news had a report on how American Airlines is saving money. Sounds logical. Goto http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13365942/

We flew on United a couple days ago and they also asked us to put down our window shade. At the time I thought that was sort of weird, but it makes sense.


allanc Jun 22nd, 2006 04:57 PM

Good for American. This is good for AA, the environment, and their customers. If they are prudent, they will do an add on how they are doing their 'bit' for the environment. Makes for good press and may garner some additional 'green' travellers. But I am somewhat biased...I really like AA for domestic US travel.

JAGIRL Jun 22nd, 2006 07:06 PM

I somehow see "standing room only" seating and the banning of carry-on bags in the very near future.

lynnejoel1015 Jun 22nd, 2006 07:36 PM

In the not-too-distant future, we're going to run out of petroleum so this is an excellent example of forward-thinking
(really, it's common sense) by the AA execs.

soccr Jun 23rd, 2006 04:48 AM

I'd love some winglets myself....

Carrybean Jun 23rd, 2006 06:22 AM

Me, too - Buffalo style. Good for AA. Another reason to stick with them.

I will say I miss the open any time snacks area they used to have on trans-Atlantic flight but my waistline doesn't need it anyway.

rkkwan Jun 23rd, 2006 06:29 AM

Next time, when your flight runs out of water or when you wonder why you don't get a pillow or magazine, just tell yourself you're helping the environment. Makes you feel a lot better, doesn't it? :)

wally34949 Jun 27th, 2006 07:37 AM

They could save a lot of electricity if they would turn off the Fasten Seat Belt Sign. Put you finger on that sign the next time you are sitting on the plane. Feel how hot it gets.

Gardyloo Jun 27th, 2006 08:14 AM

<i>Feel how hot it gets.</i>

They do it so that the cabin will be so warm that you'll buy more drinks.

gail Jun 27th, 2006 01:12 PM

Coming soon to an airline near you - mini treadmills under feet of passengers. These will be used to generate electricity for the flight. They will try to sell it as way to promote circulation to the legs during long flights.

LvSun Jun 28th, 2006 08:49 AM

Gail, Sounds great to me! At least I'd have somewhere to put my legs!

laguna92688 Jun 28th, 2006 09:02 AM

&quot;Good for American.&quot; and &quot;I really like AA for domestic travel&quot;-you probably need to get out more.
Due to their incompetence and inefficiency they are in this situation. I cannot understand why all US-based airlines (with the exception of SW) are so poorly managed and are losing so much money despite charging such ludicrous prices for flying with them. For example is it reasonable for them not to serve food and to offer almost non-existant service on a 7 hr flight from Boston-LAX. You compare these jokers with any international airline and still tell me if this is positive news

LT Jun 28th, 2006 09:14 AM

I think AA could save even more $$ by not buying politicians to keep the ridiculous Wright Amendment in place (and the &quot;compromise&quot; is a joke).

LvSun Jun 28th, 2006 09:32 AM

Laguna,
I don't even care if they charge for the food. A couple years ago, hubby &amp; I were on planes all day and due to circling in the air, delays on ground (while in plane), etc. we had to run to catch our plane each leg. Not a second to spare to grab any food. It was our bad luck that we were never on a plane when they were serving a meal. Talk about starving. On our last flight, there was no snacks or anything. We were begging the attendent to find anything to feed us. He found a couple misplaced bags of pretzels. Since then, I never travel without snacks in my little carry-on.

wally34949 Jun 28th, 2006 09:38 AM

I just spoke to someone who flew Continental to Stockholm today and he said the flight attendants were rather gray. The profitable airlines have a much younger staff.

Just flew Span Air and the flight attendants were around 25. I am not saying that we should get rid of people when they get older, however, I am going to assume their salaries do go up after 20 or 30 years of service with the airline.

JAGIRL Jun 28th, 2006 09:42 AM

Great one gail.
Or maybe they'll strap us to the wings of the plane and tell us to flap our hands!

They'll sell those &quot;seats&quot; as &quot;AA introduces <font color="purple">exo<font color="red">tic tr<font color="blue">av<font color="gold">el <font color="black"> for the environmentally conscious, claustrophobic passenger&quot;</font></font></font></font></font>

Carrybean Jun 28th, 2006 03:23 PM

If you don't like AA, don't fly them. I do &amp; now we have more options than just AA down here &amp; I'm STILL sticking with them. I've found their customer service far superior to 2 other airlines common to this area. While there have been some bad situations in the past, for the last 6-7 years any glitches were resolved to my satisfaction completely.

Frankly, air fares for sure haven't kept up comparing prices 20 years ago to now. I've been an AA frequent flier since 1985 or 86 &amp; I'm still loyal. No, I don't own stock in the company.

wally34949 Jun 29th, 2006 03:37 AM

The article goes on to say that American did turn a profit, so maybe they can bring back free beer and wine on International flights.

jamaltay Jun 30th, 2006 12:10 AM

Wally....I really hate to be the one to report this, but AA announced yesterday that they are going to convert all toilets on all their flights to coin op (exact change required).

On the other hand, it will also be a great revenue boast. Maybe they will be able to offer free booze.

LvSun Jun 30th, 2006 10:14 AM

Jama,
That was funny!!


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