American Airlines – Better than Flying has been in a Long Time
Written: May 12 '09 (Updated May 13 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Better service than other airlines
Cons: Flying is still too much like work
The Bottom Line: American Airlines has made flying just a little nicer than other airlines.
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| mmcphee's Full Review: American Airlines |
I remember the days when flying was fun. You sat in big comfortable seats with more leg room than a car. You had your choice of full hot meals with real silverware. Not anymore. Flying has become a chore, and one I have tried to avoid more and more in the last several years. American Airlines actually surprised me by making flying almost pleasant again.
Why American Airlines?
My requirements were simple; to get from Connecticut to Reno, Nevada with as few stops as possible at an acceptable price. There were no non-stop flights available and American had the only one stop flight. My boss approved the extra $120 charge over the two (or more) stop flights available and so I booked the flight via our corporate travel agency website.
Check-In
I arrived over an hour early for check-in and that gave me plenty of time. Hartford had plenty of self check kiosks to make the early morning rush go smoothly. Scan the credit card used to reserve your flight and the computer brings up your itinerary. You can change your seat assignment at this time and also pay for your checked baggage: $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second bag. My boarding passes and receipt printed from the terminal. After showing my ID to the customer service agent, I dropped of my bag, checked to my final destination and headed for the gate with plenty of time to spare. Reno had only one self-check kiosk and it wasn't functioning so everyone had to wait to be checked in by the single agent. He was efficient and pleasant and the wait went by quickly.
Regional Jet Service
I hate flying. Looking out the window I was not thrilled to be taking a "regional jet" for the 2 ½ hour flight to Chicago's O'Hare airport, which is one of American Airlines hubs along with Dallas/Fort Worth and Miami. I was surprised to be taking such a small plane for such a relatively long flight but there wasn't much I could do at that point. The flight was uneventful and included free beverage service. They even give you the whole can of soda! Although the in flight magazine claims they offer snacks for purchase on all flights longer than 2 hours, there was nothing on this flight. On regional jet service you are only allowed one personal item as a carry-on, everything else must be checked. They do gate check so you can get your luggage on the jetway as you exit the plane.
The Rest of the Trip
The other three legs of my flights were on 737s and MD-80s, otherwise known to me as a "real" planes. Since all of these flights were over three hours snacks and meals were available for purchase for $3 - $10. From Chicago to Reno and Dallas to Hartford a movie was shown. Headphones were sold for $2 but the inputs accept standard earphone jacks. For someone who hates to fly, the distraction of a movie is appreciated.
On all flights the crew was always accommodating, perhaps a little too accommodating. On my flight from Chicago to Reno I was seated with two women who were trying to get a jump start on their Reno vacation. The flight attendant served them as much alcohol as they had money for, despite the fact they were getting louder and rowdier with each bottle of wine.
My luggage arrived in one piece at both destinations, and I can't really ask for more than that. The space under the seat in front of me was just large enough for my laptop bag, leaving me with very little leg room. Trying to use my laptop on the small tray was nearly impossible so I just gave up.
Food was pricey, $6 for a sandwich, but I wasn't paying. My roast beef sandwich was decently tasty but a little small for the size. I was disappointed at the limited number of choices available for purchase. Although the magazine in the pocket listed a number of possible sandwiches and snacks only one sandwich and two snacks were available on each leg. If you are particular about what you eat definitely plan on bringing your own food on board. On all flights the attendants came up and down the aisle several times to offer refills on drinks and sell additional snacks.
Final Thoughts
Flying just seems like too much work. Gone are the days of enjoying air travel, at least for me. Highlights from my American Airlines flights included two movies and entire cans of soda, that's sad. And yet American seems to be doing it slightly better than other airlines I have flown lately including Southwest and USAir. If the price is right I would definitely consider American over other airlines for its better service.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
mmcphee
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Member: Mary Ellen
Location: Nutmeg State
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