Originally Posted by
kalia960
There are so many threads on AI that whatever can be said has been said.
That's the key. Some things just cannot be expressed in words.
Originally Posted by
kalia960
Still, just to repeat, it may be that the seat and cabin service are comparable to AA/UA/LH/etc., and no doubt the food is better on AI.
I would disagree, especially since we are comparing economy class. I would rate all of those carriers better with respect to food and seating. Food in AI economy has really gone downhill these days, and, if the OP has 77W segments, the padding/cushioning of the seats is rather thin. When your travel time is 25+ hours, it will make a difference. On-board service level is about equal, though, for longhaul flights. The FAs are usually alright in longhaul. One point in favor of AI economy class is that IFE is decent (larger screen than AA, for example).
And yes, I concur with you and many others that IRROPS is when AI truly underperforms its peers, as well as in most interactions with ground staff, be they at the airport or on the Reservations phone line.