Originally Posted by LLZ
From an ex-CO guy, I really don't get where they shined so far above AA...
Well, let me count the ways...
Originally Posted by LLZ
Bags - Who checks them on business? That's what rollaboards and overheads are for.
Quite true. But then there's the time when you have to check your bag because a) you're not traveling on business
, b) your stay will be so long that your bag is too big, c) you have to carry something with you that you can not carry on board, and so you must check your bag. I personally have been in all 3 of these situations this past year. Having your bags tagged premium and actually come out first is an excellent service. I've only seen AA do this on premium international travel.
Originally Posted by LLZ
Planes - they are a little newer, and sometimes cleaner...just depends. F is usually in good condition now on AA....granted, it was rough there for a few months, . AA has some new 738s and 763s which I've been on quite recently and in tip top shape. MD80s are definitely tired, but so are some of COs birds.
Well, CO claims to fly the newest jet fleet of any major carrier. I don't think it's that big of a deal. I'll take AA's old, crappy and dingy 762 over CO's brand-new 738 any day. I just always like wide-body jets.
Originally Posted by LLZ
FAs - maybe you got lucky? I had lots of good and crappy ones on CO, just like I do on AA now.
I had friendly FAs on both legs. Granted, I've had plenty of friendly FAs on my AA trips this year, but I've also had the "bad apples", where the FAs just don't care. Since this was only a single trip, I obviously can't speak to a pattern with regards to CO. I'm sure there's variety out there. I just know that people on this board complain about AA's FAs quite a bit, so I thought I'd throw some fuel on the fire.
Originally Posted by LLZ
Food - On a comparable dinner flight, AA will serve a full three course meal, with two or three hot choices as opposed to CO's it's soup and salad. I'll take a full, proper meal, thank you.
In my opinion the only food advantage CO had was the fresh-baked cookies. I remember when AA use to do that, and I thought it was a nice touch. Not very healthy, but gives you something to smile about it.
I generally stay away from airline food, regardless of the class of service I'm traveling.
Originally Posted by LLZ
Boarding - AA lets FC pax board first...and then there's always GRP1 if not in F. Plenty of time to get on board with lots of space still available. Granted, this does not compare to a rug that lets you bypass everyone else at your convenience.....
I think AA should do both -- pre-board F/J/Elite AND set up a premium boarding lane. That way if I want to be on board first, I can do that, and if I get up there in the middle of boarding I don't have to wait in line with 100 other people to board. This would be pretty nice.
So, 2 biggest things I think AA should adopt is premium luggage handling and a premium boarding lane. Cookies would be a nice touch, but since the airline is getting rid of pillows to save money (incidentally, we had pillows and blankets in F on 1 of my 2 legs on CO), I can't really see them start baking cookies. The other 2 things don't cost all that much, but I think can be really handy.