kst8wct-- I can't agree with you more. I've flown AA a few times and the big problems I have with them are:

1. Bistro Bags. Granted, they are comparable to UA's snack boxes, but I really don't like the idea of having to pick them up myself during the boarding process.

2. As you said, the "Super" 80-- AA uses these on flights that are too long, like ORD to the West Coast (so does TWA from STL) for an aircraft with so few amenities-- no audio and no video. In comparison, UA has audio on all aircraft (except for the 737-200), and also flies aircraft such as the Airbus 319/320 or 757 on shorter flights (around 2 hrs), showing their short subject video entertainment. I am unable to work or sleep on planes, so the video entertainment really kills time.

EconPlus on Shuttle and International fleets would be nice (hopefully UA is carefully watching AA's moves!), but UA's 35/36" for Premiers seems a lot nicer than AA's 34"-- and only for about 50 percent of the seats! On another internet discussion board today there has been a lot of talk about AA's idea being revolutionary because it benefits all travelers, not just the elites. But frankly, from a business perspective, gaining loyalty through an elite program (and through perks just as EconPlus) are really important. Many of us will go out of our way or pay slightly more to fly UA, not just choosing whichever airline has the most convienient connections or cheapest fares.

[This message has been edited by dw (edited 02-03-2000).]