Originally Posted by
Parkdesigner
Agreed. Just said as much in the AA survey that popped up in my inbox a few hours ago.
From 2013-2018 I was doing TATL and TPAC at least once a month each, and found the long haul crews to be (for the most part) very personable.
Equally I felt domestic service was just a step up from standing in line at the DMV.
During and now post-pandemic, I find the exact opposite to be the case.
My short hops across the Midwest and South have been very pleasant, with cabin crew I would say felt as if they were really trying to lean into friendly customer service wherever possible.
My four TATL tips in the past six months... at best it's been indifferent crew, and many times just downright rude. I've found I'm not alone in this observation... other road warrior types remarking the same when "there is no more XXXX on the plane" or "nothing can be done about the broken XYZ for the next 11 hours."
Honestly, I think we all know it's not the crew's fault the very expensive seat won't recline, or they forgot to cater any specific drinks this trip... but maybe not bark it at us? (I know, I know, like asking a zebra to change its stripes!)
The last two pursers to London each made it clear, we are cattle, in their way, and WHY won't we just be good and go to sleep. STOP asking for things. Pffft!
I echo your experience on short versus long hauls.
my domestic short hauls have had fairly pleasant flight attendants who were engaged and present in doing their jobs.
My past three TATL flights with AA have been terrible - the flight attendants grunt or don’t speak at all while serving, act annoyed when asked for water refills during dinner service, try to skip serving courses, and generally attempt to avoid any work before landing. It’s lazy and rude.