If other airlines were doing the same thing, then AA's recent moves would be easier to understand. AA doesn't have to be the best airline in history. They merely have to put forth a competitive product. For example, AA's international mileage upgrade co-pay of $250 is much better than CO's $400 fee or DL's "fee" where you need an "upgradeable" ticket before you can even enter the upgrade lottery. However I think the food service cuts in FC have gone too far. And I haven't heard of another domestic airline charging $1 for a soda. The bean counters went overboard on this latest round of cuts.