Has anyone else noticed that American Airlines first class has gone down hill?
Jul 25th, 2003, 03:35 AM
#1
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Has anyone else noticed that American Airlines first class has gone down hill?
I've been upgraded and used my miles for 1st class on AA and all I can say is what a joke, man. They really have gone down hill as far as service is concerned. Yes, I understand the cutbacks but please, they have eliminated so many things that you expected in first class. For example, on the red eye from Maui to Chicago, there was toilettry(sp?) bag. No menu for the food, meager portions and a staff that treated passengers in too familiar of a fashion. Look, I don't expect for them to kiss my ... but I dont want them to talk to me as if I was in a cheap bar room. Maybe I am not being clear. They seem to have an attiude thats too familiar and not so respectful. I mean we are talking first class here. I know some of you will say that you fly first class primarily for the comfort and I do agree. However, I remember when it really seemed special. Its not that way anymore and thats not because I travel so much in first class. It takes a while to accumulate those miles for an upgrade or a lot of $$$ for purchasing one.
Jul 25th, 2003, 04:39 AM
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Of course it has, along with all other aspects of flying, although not sure AA is worse than any other.
It completely cracked me up on a recent flight from DFW to Vancouver that in first class, the breakfast choices were either a decent egg-cheese frittata -- but there were only enough of these for half of 1st class -- OR, for the other half, fruit and FrootLoops cereal! Glad I didn't pay full fare out of my own pocket for FrootLoops. Even the FA seemed chagrined to have to offer that to the 1st class passengers, esp. the ones who were left with no choice.
It completely cracked me up on a recent flight from DFW to Vancouver that in first class, the breakfast choices were either a decent egg-cheese frittata -- but there were only enough of these for half of 1st class -- OR, for the other half, fruit and FrootLoops cereal! Glad I didn't pay full fare out of my own pocket for FrootLoops. Even the FA seemed chagrined to have to offer that to the 1st class passengers, esp. the ones who were left with no choice.
Jul 25th, 2003, 05:58 AM
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Cassandra,
For future reference, remember FEBO:
The FAs will start taking orders in (F)ront on (E)ven numbered flights, and (B)ack on (O)dd numbered flights
On occasion you will get an FA that doesn't follow the rules , but in most cases than not you will have a choice of selections if you follow FEBO. So try to get the appropriate seat assignment.
Cabicou,
Sorry to hear about your experience. In times like that I try to remind myself that at least I'm not sitting in coach. I also have a rule, that I will not upgrade on red-eyes on domestic flights, although I would on your flight. Most times you will get a nice crew, but like anything else these days on occasion you will get the lazy, incompetent FA. No excuses.
E-mail AA, and you don't have to know the names, just the flight# and the date. That's about the only way to hopefully improve service in the future, and on occasion CS will throw some miles into your account. I usually save the complaints for the real serious ones, as they do keep everything in your computer file. If one starts to complain every time, thinking that as a result there will be free miles, AA has been known to politely ask the traveler to switch to another carrier. But it sounds like your experience merits a complain. Go to AA.com and e-mail CS.
Good Luck and I hope your future flights will be better.
For future reference, remember FEBO:
The FAs will start taking orders in (F)ront on (E)ven numbered flights, and (B)ack on (O)dd numbered flights
On occasion you will get an FA that doesn't follow the rules , but in most cases than not you will have a choice of selections if you follow FEBO. So try to get the appropriate seat assignment.
Cabicou,
Sorry to hear about your experience. In times like that I try to remind myself that at least I'm not sitting in coach. I also have a rule, that I will not upgrade on red-eyes on domestic flights, although I would on your flight. Most times you will get a nice crew, but like anything else these days on occasion you will get the lazy, incompetent FA. No excuses.
E-mail AA, and you don't have to know the names, just the flight# and the date. That's about the only way to hopefully improve service in the future, and on occasion CS will throw some miles into your account. I usually save the complaints for the real serious ones, as they do keep everything in your computer file. If one starts to complain every time, thinking that as a result there will be free miles, AA has been known to politely ask the traveler to switch to another carrier. But it sounds like your experience merits a complain. Go to AA.com and e-mail CS.
Good Luck and I hope your future flights will be better.
Jul 25th, 2003, 06:48 AM
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I,too,remember the days when even a flight from BOS-ORD was great service in first class. Now, if you get the infamous cheese omelet that has ruled coach all these years,you are lucky. Transcontinental service is still OK and european service is still up to par.
At least the cocktails are still free. Has anyone noticed a difference in the Admirals Club? Price has gone way up and service is down.
At least the cocktails are still free. Has anyone noticed a difference in the Admirals Club? Price has gone way up and service is down.
Jul 25th, 2003, 08:08 AM
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Thanks, AAFF -- I didn't have cereal on that flight, although I was trying to remember that mnemonic for direction of service mostly out of curiosity.
Since we're always using an upgrade, we often have no choice about which row we get put in -- they like to put us in bulkhead where seats are slightly narrower and armrest traytable arrangement is cumbersome.
Re:Admiral's Club -- I've certainly noticed that far fewer people use it now, which was undoubtedly the idea. I'm guessing the perk'd business travelers complained about loud families camping out there and ravaging the pretzel bowls. But I think they have gone too far re
rice of membership, for individuals, nevermind "family." They need to update/upgrade/maintain their computer kiosks, for sure. But I do like the ones that offer prepared box lunches for a fee at the bar -- a GREAT service for those having to travel on the new starvation plan in coach.
(Seems to me they could still offer courtesy spousal privileges without making it a family affair. As it is, the indiv. members still bring in their clans from time to time.)
Since we're always using an upgrade, we often have no choice about which row we get put in -- they like to put us in bulkhead where seats are slightly narrower and armrest traytable arrangement is cumbersome.
Re:Admiral's Club -- I've certainly noticed that far fewer people use it now, which was undoubtedly the idea. I'm guessing the perk'd business travelers complained about loud families camping out there and ravaging the pretzel bowls. But I think they have gone too far re
rice of membership, for individuals, nevermind "family." They need to update/upgrade/maintain their computer kiosks, for sure. But I do like the ones that offer prepared box lunches for a fee at the bar -- a GREAT service for those having to travel on the new starvation plan in coach.(Seems to me they could still offer courtesy spousal privileges without making it a family affair. As it is, the indiv. members still bring in their clans from time to time.)
Jul 25th, 2003, 01:31 PM
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I RECENTLY FLEW FIRST CLASS ON DELTA FROM SALT LAKE CITY TO SAN DIEGO( UPGRADE FOR FREE) AND THE SERVICE WAS O.K. BESIDES THE EXTRA SPACE AND FREE BEER I DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING DIFFERENT FROM A PASSANGER IN COACH. I GUESS THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS ALREADY KNOW MOST PEOPLE IN FIRST CLASS DO NOT PAY THE FULL PRICE THESE DAYS....
Jul 26th, 2003, 12:24 AM
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Cabicou, I think that's more true of domestic than international flights, although perhaps Hawaii flights should be treated the same as international flights -- but Hawaii has always been more United's premiere territory than AA's. Your comment about being treated with too much familiarity, however, makes me wonder if this is a troll or if you are one of those who like to purchase deference. If so, consider using a form of transportation other than air travel.
(Ponchotj, release your cap lock key or people will think you're angry all the time.)
(Ponchotj, release your cap lock key or people will think you're angry all the time.)
Jul 27th, 2003, 09:05 AM
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doc,
I agree about AC. I would never pay for membership, but since I have status with AA, I could use the clubs for free on the day of international travel. Basically the domestic ACs are nothing more than a quiet areas to relax and wait out the time before and in between the flights. I can't see paying $300 per year for that.
Foreign ACs still offer free booze and usually they are much nicer. The BA clubs are fabulous. Early next year I will have a chance to try Cathay Pacific clubs in Hong Kong, since I will be flying first class on CX. I have been told that after you experience these, nothing will ever come close. Private spas, massages, sushi bars, library, full time restaurant, open bar, internet stations, concierge, etc..etc.. and all of that for free when you are allowed in. Can't wait!
I agree about AC. I would never pay for membership, but since I have status with AA, I could use the clubs for free on the day of international travel. Basically the domestic ACs are nothing more than a quiet areas to relax and wait out the time before and in between the flights. I can't see paying $300 per year for that.
Foreign ACs still offer free booze and usually they are much nicer. The BA clubs are fabulous. Early next year I will have a chance to try Cathay Pacific clubs in Hong Kong, since I will be flying first class on CX. I have been told that after you experience these, nothing will ever come close. Private spas, massages, sushi bars, library, full time restaurant, open bar, internet stations, concierge, etc..etc.. and all of that for free when you are allowed in. Can't wait!
Jul 27th, 2003, 01:54 PM
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AAFF - I find myself agreeing with "nearly" everything you say on these boards!! BUT: depending on one's flying patterns (i.e.- 100% domestic, 50/50 domestic/int'l, 100% intl)....
the NEED to have an AC card, or an RCC card can be very very different.
I agree that they are 'mostly' quiet places to wait out flights, but that could mean 10 hours a week for some of us. At 400 hours/year that 300$ goes a long way toward making the travelling easier....
You can: 1) have a beer, 2) leave your luggage while you take a stroll, 3) watch a news program, etc, etc....
Worth it in my book, but certainly not for everyone....Best wishes, Dave
the NEED to have an AC card, or an RCC card can be very very different.
I agree that they are 'mostly' quiet places to wait out flights, but that could mean 10 hours a week for some of us. At 400 hours/year that 300$ goes a long way toward making the travelling easier....
You can: 1) have a beer, 2) leave your luggage while you take a stroll, 3) watch a news program, etc, etc....
Worth it in my book, but certainly not for everyone....Best wishes, Dave
Jul 27th, 2003, 02:32 PM
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Hi Dave,
I agree with you. If most of my travels were domestic, I too would purchase the membership. Since most of my flights are international, I'm allowed in about 75% of the time I'm at the airports, so it doesn't make sense to me. Regardless, the ACs are 100% better than the airport bar/restaurant/gate seats, etc...
I agree with you. If most of my travels were domestic, I too would purchase the membership. Since most of my flights are international, I'm allowed in about 75% of the time I'm at the airports, so it doesn't make sense to me. Regardless, the ACs are 100% better than the airport bar/restaurant/gate seats, etc...
Aug 5th, 2003, 07:02 PM
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This is not about AA, but I can share similar experiences with Northwest (or Northworst). I flew business class to Singapore in December - they don't even have first class anymore. It was okay, especially the roomy but uncomfortable seats. But the food and the service were what we used to get in coach way back when.
As for their WorldClubs, they only serve beverages and crackers now!
No more cheese, bagels, etc. -- and they are absolutely jammed.
Having griped about this, I have no problem flying NW coach in the US, if I can get an aisle seat. I live in MSP and they go everywhere for pretty good prices. I use FF miles for free coach trips, or upgrades internationally.
As for their WorldClubs, they only serve beverages and crackers now!
No more cheese, bagels, etc. -- and they are absolutely jammed.
Having griped about this, I have no problem flying NW coach in the US, if I can get an aisle seat. I live in MSP and they go everywhere for pretty good prices. I use FF miles for free coach trips, or upgrades internationally.
Aug 20th, 2003, 04:51 AM
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I don't know why you single out American since most airlines have had to cut back across the board. But I'm also struck by all the worry about first class. Coach has deteriorated badly over the last decade and did so most during the "bubble" of the late 90s - relatively speaking, the difference is worse. I agree with soccr (and your attack on him is out of line) that this and your other post about getting used to first/bus. class is a bit of a whine, and kind of a bassackwards brag too. In these tough times, if you are lucky enough to have the miles or bucks to be there, just enjoy it. Maybe others can't but you can. So good onya, go in peace.
Aug 28th, 2003, 03:22 AM
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CFC, I just read a few of your posts and it seems to me that you take a jab at anyone you can or at anyone that has a different opinion than yours. I dont go after posters. I was merely expressing my disapproval of that posters attack on me!!!!! So if you trully want people "to go in peace" maybe you should refrain from saying such things as " backassward bragging". There is nothing wrong with a difference in opinions and in fact, it makes this forum interesting. However, its possible to do that without insulting your fellow posters.
