I was going to write a delicious post about our recent trip to Maui, but I am so annoyed with American Airlines that I need to vent. I am sure this vent will act as a detox that will allow me to move on about our trip, but until then…
Here are all the things that suck about American Airlines:
- They charge you for your luggage. I know, most airlines do, but it still sucks.
- As of June 1, 2011, they no longer allow you to take a stroller over 20 lbs to the gate. You have to check it at the ticket counter. For many parents who only have 1 stroller, this means you have to carry your child through the airport or follow your toddler through the crowds. (I suggest buying a cheapie umbrella stroller for your toddler – we spent $20 on one at kmart and couldn’t live without it at the airport and on our trip.) As far as I know, they are the only airline to implement this restriction.
- Many of the flight attendants are rude, get annoyed by the passengers and seem like they hate their job. I apologize if you are a flight attendant and you work for AA and you are actually courteous to the passengers and like your job. For some reason, I don’t think you exist, but if you do, I apologize for the judgement.
- They ran out of food for purchase by the time they hit row 10, except for cheese and crackers. Luckily we planned in advance and brought a bunch of snacks and a meal, but for those passengers who didn’t, they had no option.
- THEY RAN OUT OF BOTTLED WATER! And I quote, “we are all out of bottled water, but we do have airplane water. Although, I don’t recommend it because it tastes like chemicals.”
- Okay, no water, I’ll take a ginger ale. Oh wait, they ran out of that too!
- The airplane seemed older than my 90 year old grandfather. You would think they would retire a plane that looks so run down that the passengers don’t feel safe. Nope!
The only plus I can give American Airlines is that we arrived to and back from Maui on time. That is a huge plus considering we departed Maui 20 minutes after the rest of our family who was on a United airlines flight to SF, yet we landed, de-boarded and got home before they even got off their plane. I don’t know what is worse, horrible customer service on American Airlines with an on time arrival or being trapped on the tarmac for an hour when you arrive home because the United Airlines computer system is down? I’m only 32, but I safely feel like I can say, I miss the good old days of flying when the airlines treated passengers with respect, there was actually leg room, a meal was included in the price of your ticket and your baggage flew free.
If you happen to have a choice when choosing an airline, I would recommend avoiding American Airlines at all costs, especially if you are traveling with kids.
That is horrible! I will be booking my New York trip on Virgin Atlantic!
The stroller policy is so crazy! I just discovered it yesterday when we were checking in our luggage at the Minneapolis airport. It doesn’t save AA any time or money and seriously inconveniences its passengers. Umbrella strollers don’t cut it when you’ve got more than one child and enough carry-ons to keep everyone entertained on the flight, and you can only put so much in a backpack. You need the area under the stroller for the bags. This is just stupid, stupid, stupid, and I’m outraged! Plus, if you check a stroller at the ticket agent, it’s at a far greater risk of being damaged. When you’re going for a long vacation, that’s not a risk you can take! You need your stroller in the airport, and you need it intact when you arrive. And what if they lose it, or it doesn’t make your connection? Also, without a stroller, we wouldn’t make our connections. I’m so frustrated with this policy.
You can contact Tim Smith at AA here:
817-967-1577
mediarelations@ aa.com
Sarah