How Has The "Airline Experience" Changed?
 

Flying AA to Munich (767-300) later this year. Last international flight was in early 2001.

Have heard that the in-flight experience on such a flight has changed drastically in those four years, but no hard facts.

What's the REAL story?

Hello jaulick -

My mom and I flew AA from DFW to Amsterdam and then from Munich to DFW in May of this year (actually British Airways from Munich to Gatwick, then to DFW on AA). It was my second international flight on AA since 2003 and it was actually almost enjoyable.

The flight attendants were really great (which has not been the case in the past in my experience). Food was decent, plentiful, as were the drinks. They were several empty seats and we were able to spread out (though that seems to be getting rarer these days.)

We were on a 777 so I can't really compare airplane to airplane - I've never flown a 767 transatlantic, although my DH and I will be doing just that next month. I know the 767 does not have individual TV screens in the back of the seats as the 777 does, which helps with the tedium. So you're stuck watching whatever they're showing on the big screen. The flight was on time, though and our luggage arrived with us.

I guess I have no real complaints. (Except I wish I could afford First Class!)

mom

AA does not fly to Munich.

What changed?

Not sure, you tell me.

2005

1.you board
2.put away your carry ons
3.take your seat and fasten your seat belt
4.listen to safety instructions
5.shortly after takeoff the FAs come around for drink orders, free in business, $5 for alcoholic drinks in economy.
6.dinner (still free on international flights) will be served
7.entertainment(tv programs, movies) will be shown on a big screen in economy, a personal DVD player with about 20 disks will be given to business passengers. (this is only true on a 763)
8.after dinner, another offer for drinks.
9.An announcment will be made that lights will go out shortly, please keep your seat belt outside the blanket if you plan on sleeping, so the FA can check if necessary without disturbing you. Bottled water will be distributed to all passengers.
10.Drinks can be ordered throughout the night.
11.An hour before landing, you will be offered breakfast.
12.About 15 minutes before landing, everything has to be put away, your seat belt fastened.
13.When the plane comes to a complete stop at the gate you collect your belongings, and deplane.

Was it any different in 2001?

Some of the things I like best on the flights now are:

The big seats that recline and have the electric massagers built in.

The five star cuisine, served on the fine china with Waterford stemware for the Dom.

The huge bouquets of fresh flowers all around.

The flight attendants who do pole dances during the flight for entertainment.

The live orchestra and the dance floor.

Other than that, not much has changed since you flew.

Patrick, I guess that must have been economy class, as you didn't mention the massage therapists stationed in the restrooms (which now rival 5 star hotels for their spacious layouts). Or the manicurists who come to your seat during the film presentation. %%-

But seriously, the one thing I notice is disappearing leg room. I think they have added seats on most planes, so the ride is getting... tighter.

Patrick, you're being so droll this evening. Have you been drinking?

Sincerely,
At home with sick dog and too depressed to watch the news

p.s. to the OP--I flew AA to Rome in May. Service: I felt like I was in a Seinfeld episode. Enough said.

Let's see - I've been flying overseas on average three times a year for about 20 years, and I can't think of much of anything that's changed except that United now charges me 4 euros or $5.00 for a lousy tiny bottle of wine and I have to shed my jewelry, my watch, my shoes, my belt, my umbrella, my laptop, and anything else considered suspect before I go through security. I wouldn't call that drastic.

Me drinking? Nope, tonight not a drop. I guess the humor is the best way I can think of to overcome the current overwhelming depression.

Well, the humor has certainly made me smile.

And it's finally cocktail hour in California.