Interesting to read this. The reasons for various problems are surely complex. However, I look at a couple of big factors. First, the traveling public rarely compares apples to apples. They see a low price on a discount airline and falsely believe a major carrier should match it, yet then expect tremendous service/benefits from the major carrier, things they can't get from a discount airline. Anecdotally, I hear people discussing this quite regularly. "Frontier costs $74 to Denver each way. American is ripping me off at $425 r/t." Second, because of those low fares from discount airlines, there is not the financial support to operate the industry properly. Frankly, the entire airline industry is bankrupt in terms of honest accounting. Without various subsidies from government, the system would be radically different.
It should be radically different. There are far too many aircraft flying at this point. JFK, LHR, and many other airports are statistically saturated. Any weather or other event causes massive delays. There is no slack in the system at these places to absorb the investable events. The same applies to the airlines. They do not have as many spare aircraft/personnel to cover for uncertainties, most likely because this increases costs. And the flying public does not want to pay more to fly to cover those costs when some startup airline will fly cheap until they burn through their initial cash pile and the realities of the industry catch up to them. Rinse. Repeat.
Ultimately, the solutions lie in facing the reality of aviation. It is tremendously expensive to own and operate aircraft and airports. The public must be made to see this. If you want to travel between New York and London at a speed of 500+ miles per hour, safely, in a clean, well-staffed aircraft, arrive on-time at a similarly equipped and operated airport, then you must pay what it costs. And the cost must be paid by the traveler in every way. Not subsidized by gov't, the engine mfg, the aircraft mfg, or anyone else. You want to fly? You have to pay. Otherwise, someone else is making up the difference and hiding the true cost and the fantasy continues.
With regard to American Airlines cabin staff specifically, I've been loyal to this airline since 1995. My loyalty is now in question. After several transatlantic flights this year with sub-par service in so-called Business class, I can honestly say my disappointment has reached a new level. My most recent flight (two days ago) one FA could only be described as churlish. Another was clearly out of her element and incapable of doing the job. They all disappeared for several hours. I did see one napping in the galley. Then during the final hour or so of the flight, they all re-appeared and were bright and cheerful. Perhaps they were trying to make amends so as to erase their pathetic efforts earlier. Sorry, if you don't like your job, please find another. Don't treat poorly those of us who pay for the service you are supposed to provide or work out your issues on us.
Ironically, on short flights (1-1.5 hours) inside the USA, I have had excellent service on every single one this year. Every single one.
No doubt the airline morass will grind on. Which is sad. I'm old enough to remember when flying was a more pleasant experience, something to look forward to, instead of an ordeal.
Safe travels.