First time on AA international metal in years. Thinking the J crew could have done better.

Most likely it’s me and the FC was just doing business as usual. I guess people adapt to the carriers service.

But clearly AA’s service was different than the carriers we've flown internationally recently.

Best way I can explain it is by starting at the end with the parting announcement. "It's been a pleasure serving you."

I don't believe 'em.

OK. No big deal. I honestly don't care. But it's different.

So different, that after watching them in action, I left with the impression this J FC did not "work for our service" but instead, we are supposed to make their job easier. We are supposed to understand they are overworked, in a tight situation, trying their best and we should accommodate their needs to do that job, to get their job done.

No one wants to “over use" the crew, and maybe the question is how much service should people expect in J. But this crew moved so fast, service went out the window. No one paused, ever, to allow you to ask for something.

No catching their eye as they passed by, no nothing. After the food service was over, the J crew never responded to my service light. When I got up with my ice-less glass, they offered me a bottle of water, but not the ice. The light stayed on until the early morning.

I get it, they are busy, but other carriers seem to reach a better balance. You actually leave the flight feeling you've had business class service instead of simply the seats, food and movies.

No big deal.

My seat would not reset. After trying to fix it, the FA told me it goes that way. I was forced to clarify saying something like, you’re saying it’s fixed, but just to say, it’s not working like the other seats.

She stared me down, really stared, finally saying, “Yes, I know”.

That’s weird, right?

I was my usual cheery, polite, accommodation self which prove to be true after a surprised visit from the first class boss lady.

She came by to see what’s up and I watched her get down on all fours, rip the seat apart and get it working.

I thought it wasn’t broke? Ops! Sarcasm.

Amazing the difference.

For breakfast, I only wanted the fruit. When the FA brought the tray, I took the little plate of fruit and asked if she could take the tray back. Nope, she’ll do it in a minute. She wouldn’t take the tray back with her and she never came back.

No problem, there was space behind my seat. The tray stayed there until pre-landing check.

Never got the “yes to everything” feeling that I’ve consistently received on non USA carriers.