Once again, no flight safety checks
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 141
Once again, no flight safety checks
This is getting serious, and I am genuinely curious about the experience from other passengers.
As I am former cabin crew, I am a little bit more sensitive to how the flight safety checks are done than any other passenger.
This is number 3 out of 4 flights with AA within 2 months that no pre flight cabin checks have been made(and a whole lot more that was supposed to be done). Currently sitting in First from MIA to LAX and several people were reclined, had their ipad on their lap, tables out etc while taxiing and during take off. This all while one of the flight crew was having her diner on her lap (once again during taxiing and takeoff).
These are serious FAA violations and the fact that this has been happening more than once, I am genuinely considering writing them regarding these serious issues. As I wish to CC American Airlines to that email, I hope someone could give me a direct email address for their Customer Relations or Inflight Services team.
I have written a complaint but I still haven't received a confirmation back. So far the customer representatives I have been speaking with do not understand the issue regarding flight safety, which (in my opinion) should be something they should be taken seriously.
So I would like to use this thread to discuss your experiences with AA where the flight safety checks haven't been done at all. Please note that you do not need to be cabin crew in order to understand what flight checks have to be done, just listen to all the announcements they make.
Secondly (as I already mentioned) I hope one of you could provide me with a direct email address for Customer relations or Inflight Services so I am able to CC them in the email towards the FAA.
As I am former cabin crew, I am a little bit more sensitive to how the flight safety checks are done than any other passenger.
This is number 3 out of 4 flights with AA within 2 months that no pre flight cabin checks have been made(and a whole lot more that was supposed to be done). Currently sitting in First from MIA to LAX and several people were reclined, had their ipad on their lap, tables out etc while taxiing and during take off. This all while one of the flight crew was having her diner on her lap (once again during taxiing and takeoff).
These are serious FAA violations and the fact that this has been happening more than once, I am genuinely considering writing them regarding these serious issues. As I wish to CC American Airlines to that email, I hope someone could give me a direct email address for their Customer Relations or Inflight Services team.
I have written a complaint but I still haven't received a confirmation back. So far the customer representatives I have been speaking with do not understand the issue regarding flight safety, which (in my opinion) should be something they should be taken seriously.
So I would like to use this thread to discuss your experiences with AA where the flight safety checks haven't been done at all. Please note that you do not need to be cabin crew in order to understand what flight checks have to be done, just listen to all the announcements they make.
Secondly (as I already mentioned) I hope one of you could provide me with a direct email address for Customer relations or Inflight Services so I am able to CC them in the email towards the FAA.
Last edited by AlmostBritish; Jan 28, 2015 at 4:54 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
It seems AA (and many other companies) is cutting off the ability to directly email certain groups. You might try going to Twitter and see if anyone from AA there can put you in touch with someone in AA management.
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,550
Rather than write to AA, perhaps just submit the information to DOT
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
I wouldn't worry about CC'ing them. If you file a legitimate complaint with the FAA I'm sure that they will get a copy.
#5
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriot Am, MU Pt
Posts: 3,092
Just contact the FAA. I hope you took a few pictures.
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 1999
Posts: 12,097
The FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) overseeing AA can be contacted as per http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...o/ntx/contact/
FSDOs are responsible for the enforcement of airmen & aircraft regulations.
I agree with other posters that you're wasting your time with AA: you already contacted them, and they ignored you. If you witnessed an FAR violation, report it to the FAA.
FSDOs are responsible for the enforcement of airmen & aircraft regulations.
I agree with other posters that you're wasting your time with AA: you already contacted them, and they ignored you. If you witnessed an FAR violation, report it to the FAA.
#7
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 8
I would agree that you would need to contact the FAA about this. As tech savvy as everyone is, I am surprised you didn't take any photos. I find it questionable that you would say this has happened 4 times in 2 months. I seriously doubt it. Must have some kind of grudge against AA. Meal trays out and crew eating in their lap on take off? Yeah, it happens all the time....NOT.
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: AA Advanatge
Posts: 474
In the future, pull out your phone, video the infractions, swing camera to show out the window showing the plane moving and then use the contact link that Hillrider provided and inform them you have video evidence of said violations.
If you have multiple videos, from multiple flights, I promise you it will raise some flags.
Cheers,
AA777
If you have multiple videos, from multiple flights, I promise you it will raise some flags.
Cheers,
AA777
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 141
I am not saying it happens all the time, the fact that it happens is a violation on it's own. @PiedmontFH227 I do not have a grudge against AA, however I expect every airline to perform their flight safety duties within a minimal level. Currently this does not apply to the flight I have experienced.
Not making picture evidence means that I was hoping AA would have done things differently, but unfortunately the opposite is true. the fact that it's more than one occasion suggests that it's an operational issue.
I will make video evidence next time I am seeing these things happening. I was just hoping I was wrong but clearly I am not.
Accusing me of having a grudge is not making any sense and I will not take this seriously
Perhaps I have had some bad luck, but 3 out of 4 flights is quite a lot and should give a fair idea.
Thanks for all the suggestions, I will certainly consider all of them while writing my complaint.
Not making picture evidence means that I was hoping AA would have done things differently, but unfortunately the opposite is true. the fact that it's more than one occasion suggests that it's an operational issue.
I will make video evidence next time I am seeing these things happening. I was just hoping I was wrong but clearly I am not.
Accusing me of having a grudge is not making any sense and I will not take this seriously
Perhaps I have had some bad luck, but 3 out of 4 flights is quite a lot and should give a fair idea.
Thanks for all the suggestions, I will certainly consider all of them while writing my complaint.
#10
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Stockholm, Sweden + Austin, Tx
Programs: "But, I'm a GLOBALIST guest...."
Posts: 2,848
#11
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Id think twice about videotaping AA employees; it has been known to get their dander up. And... recent sources have stated the following:
boardingarea.com
and from JonNYC at travelingbetter.com
Perhaps documenting your experience to USDOT might suffice? Or, try NOT BY EMAIL:
Sean Bentel
Vice President Customer and Relations
4333 Amon Carter Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76155
Or
Robert Isom
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
4333 Amon Carter Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76155
I may be a bit more concerned than others about these issues, because I've observed some very unsafe procedures carried out by aircrew in the past - and because I've lost two good friends, one a colleague and the other a cousin, in loss of life accidents both certified as having occurred to to crew error. (PSA 182 and LANSA 502, respectively.)
boardingarea.com
Use of still and video cameras, film or digital, is permitted only for recording personal events. Photography or video recording of airline personnel, equipment, or procedures is strictly prohibited.
Photography: AA’s ban on photography will now extend to filming employees at/in “any airline area” including ticket counters, gates, cargo, baggage, (and of course on-board) effective Dec 3rd (2014)
Sean Bentel
Vice President Customer and Relations
4333 Amon Carter Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76155
Or
Robert Isom
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
4333 Amon Carter Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76155
I may be a bit more concerned than others about these issues, because I've observed some very unsafe procedures carried out by aircrew in the past - and because I've lost two good friends, one a colleague and the other a cousin, in loss of life accidents both certified as having occurred to to crew error. (PSA 182 and LANSA 502, respectively.)
Last edited by JDiver; Jan 29, 2015 at 8:55 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Delta, BC
Posts: 1,646
I would agree that you would need to contact the FAA about this. As tech savvy as everyone is, I am surprised you didn't take any photos. I find it questionable that you would say this has happened 4 times in 2 months. I seriously doubt it. Must have some kind of grudge against AA. Meal trays out and crew eating in their lap on take off? Yeah, it happens all the time....NOT.
While the frequency may be coincidentally high for the OP that in itself doesn't reduce the OP's credibility. I'm far more concerned about safety checks that involve airworthiness, the observed conduct still increases risk.
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 141
This is my issue as well, but I was in the position to actually make a vid during taxiing. During take-off and landing I am usually to busy with my won checks.
And @Robsaw, thanks for your words. I have nothing against AA at all. Had a lovely flight with them on their new 777 and I do like their service, however you can combine flight safety and service, as long as you know what you are talking about
And @Robsaw, thanks for your words. I have nothing against AA at all. Had a lovely flight with them on their new 777 and I do like their service, however you can combine flight safety and service, as long as you know what you are talking about
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
Posts: 31,789
While passengers should be holding their iPads (not just resting them on their laps), this one appears to be nit-picking, as passengers no longer have to discontinue use of certain PEDs for taxi, takeoff and landing.
Nearly every flight I'm on features someone who reclines their premium cabin seat after the flight attendants perform their checks and take their jumpseats. It's against the rules, but FAs can't see every premium cabin seat from their jumpseats - so what are they to do? They can't be up walking around once we hit the runway.
I would second (or third) the advice to not record the crewmembers.
Nearly every flight I'm on features someone who reclines their premium cabin seat after the flight attendants perform their checks and take their jumpseats. It's against the rules, but FAs can't see every premium cabin seat from their jumpseats - so what are they to do? They can't be up walking around once we hit the runway.
I would second (or third) the advice to not record the crewmembers.
#15
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Location: DFW/DAL
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Posts: 21,422
That alone would seem to be a cause for a DOT complaint.