Originally Posted by royalflight

It has been many years since I last travelled American, so I decided to try it again flying first class from LAS to PHX last Saturday the 26th on flight 538. I am from Canada so I paid $251.00 (Canadian). This is only a one hour flight but as I prefer the service and amenities traditionally offered in first class, I decided to pay the difference. Big mistake! On practically any other airline you would have entrance to the first-class lounge. But on AA, sorry not for domestic first-class. After take off the captain announced they were expecting turbulence therefore beverage service would be suspended. What! a little bit of rough air and nothing to eat and drink? For the most part the one hour flight was smooth just the occasional bit of rough air. Do you think first-class should have some sort of in-flight entertainment? Sorry not on AA. When I complained to the FA she stated that all the TV screens were removed and unless you had your own electronic device (which I did not) you were out of luck. Arriving in PHX was there any priority given to first class for luggage arrival? Once again AA's little first class joke. your bag will be one of the last off.

So to recap: No first class lounge, no beverage (other than water before we took off). Nothing to eat, not even a bag of peanuts. No in-flight entertainment, and no priority baggage service. I did have a nice leather first-class type seat, but that was hardly worth the price. If AA could not provide any service on an overpriced one hour flight, I would hate to think what a five hour transcontinental flight would be like. "Good evening sir I hope you will enjoy your one glass of water in our deluxe first class cabin."

It is interesting to note that my sister who frequently flies Southwest on the PHX to LAS route always receives a beverage and something to eat (paid for of course) regardless of any turbulence. Looking at the massive check-in lines at SW that airline is not an option, nor is AA for me at anytime in the future.

Originally Posted by royalflight

I think the whole point of my criticisms is why offer a first class, regardless of the price, if no first class service is provided? I was lured into paying the extra fare and (wrongly) assumed I would receive something for that extra fare. In Canada AC will provide a business class lounge with complimentary alcoholic beverages and food for a one hour flight in J (F no longer available) and on board will provide at least some beverage and snack service, therefore well worth paying the extra fare. I think this is really a bait and switch operation, offering a premium experience and providing only what the economy passengers receive.