Originally Posted by
Platy
So, in reality the real "scam" is that AA has been defining a product as first class for purposes of product marketing over a period of many years whilst delivering a substandard (business class) product?! And charging top dollar.
Most QF flyers can't easily take advantage of AA status runs without also paying for the trans-Pacific fare, thus a hefty opportunity cost: so I'm not sure it would be fair to refer to AA status runs as a "scam" however you look at it.
well, yes - AA has been defining its cabin above economy as business class on any international sector ( e.g. US-Canada ) but 1st within the USA. It also prices the same as business class on routes where there is an option to travel non stop on a 3 class service
Where those travelling in what, anywhere else, would not be classed as 1st class ( and even AA doesn't call it 1st class internationally ) , I don't see that calling a status run deliberately taking advantage of this oddity a scam as being that unfair
AA's 1st class fares can be pretty cheap these days ; at one time they were expensive, but now a r/t from ORD-BOS , for example, is $455 yet earns 180 status credits; cheaper than Qantas charges for a flexible economy from SYD-MEL that earns 40 status credits