Microwave

I still don't like the idea of paying more for the opportunity to waitlist for a systemwide upgrade. I'd rather pay a copay than pay up front for a more expensive fare and not score an upgrade. I know some flights have upgrade inventory available at time of booking, but not all--and I am looking for times and prices that work for me, not just upgradable fares.

sts603

AA's customer service and flexible attitude (the latter is better than probably just about any airline in the world) is what keeps me loyal.

As for predatory fees? AA's fees are clearly spelled out in almost every single case and are almost invariably avoided by buying a refundable ticket in any cabin. They are not predatory. They are fees chosen by a for-profit company and are clearly disclosed. This is a model way to do business. The alternative is socialism. And guess what? It doesn't work.

Microwave

Bingo emma dog--your entire post was well stated, good sir.

With respect to the above: not only do I have a plan B and C for every trip I take (irrespective of how short or mundane), I am mentally prepared to immediately engage them. Not speaking directly to the OP or any specific situation, but in a general sense I believe that is the biggest part of riding the rapids that are the frequent travel scene. The minute I hear there's weather in Chicago, I get alternative plans ready, and I put them right into play as soon as I determine I cannot make that last connection home--and the same goes for any irregular situation..

mikelat

As only a recent entrant in to the frequent flying arena, I've learned a lot here on FT. I've read many threads, many complaint threads, and done my best to learn from what is posted here. I can't claim to always have a plan B already laid out for all my flights. What I do have though is confidence that any issue that comes up can be resolved. I've had flights cancelled for MX and had to stay an extra night near an airport. I've also had flights cancelled and been automatically rebooked before I even figured out what flight I wanted to be rebooked on (and AA got it right!). I've had only one trip in vain so far, but AA handled that perfectly. I guess what I'm trying to say is that, in my experience, AA has gotten it right, or made it right, much more often than not. And, on those occasions that things have not been the idea I wanted, they have compensated me with an appropriate amount of miles or vouchers such that I was satisfied.

To the OP, what steps have you taken after the fact to be compensated for your issues? Have you regained a level head after your apparent hostile interaction with the AA airport agents? Its best to calm down and approach things quietly than to yell and scream and expect to get results from that. I learned that well before my flying years

colonius

I think the discussion about advantages and disadvantages of UA vs AA is beyond the scope of this thread. Often enough to use up my SWUs, I need to book a W or higher fare anyway, since the routing doesn't allow a bargain fare or I am too close to departure time for the lower fare buckets to be available. Suffice to say that the option "miles & copay" is available on UA as well.

777lover

+1

People sit attheir computers ready on anyone for doing anything that is negative if appears not to be of "expert level experience.". And god forbid you do not check a sticky. That is grounds for a public flogging here

mreed911

As it should be. They're stickied for a reason.

sonofzeus

Hope AA knows why we're fleeing.

DL2SXM

No, its just the AA mentality.

The OP deserves to be peeved and its understandable why he is. His treatment by AA is absolutely unacceptable, especially if he paid for J, and is one of the reasons I'd rather walk to my destination then fly AA.

OP, there's a reason why AA bleeds money.....

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

You know what what plagues most of AA's operations is an industry wide problem. Moreover, all airlines constantly deal with issues beyond their control, like the weather today at EWR. If you are going to fly frequently, get educated about the system and learn which resources to use. Complaining on FT is not going to improve your experience.

sts603

Ha. DL's customer service is the worst (and ranked the worst) in the industry. I'll admit their on-board service is more hospitable (though sometimes at the expense of consistent professionalism) but in terms of IRROPS or other unusual customer service, its laughable. One of my best friends is a Delta DM as well and confirms my experiences quite frequently.

sts603

Could not have said that better myself.

Abidjan

You DL fans on this thread - - you do keep track of the DL forum, right? Maybe that's why you're here instead.

holiosan

To me, this flying thing is about loyality. 6 yrs as Plat/EXP with AA has shown me that screwups happen, and that having access to that Desk (no matter your airline loyality), a polite voice and an understanding that I'm not the center of the universe has made these years pretty easy. 5 of those years flying out of JAC give A LOT of chances for things to happen and they did. But the Desk is the key and I don't want to go back to having to fend for myself. I'll take a couple of trip ups on their part.
Sitting in NRT and me having totally screwed up my dates, by choosing words carefully at check in, they went out of their way to get my flight back. Took 45 minutes and the help of a manager, but no extra $. That's EXP service and I wouldn't have gotten that service or even expected it without status.
We have to look at all sides of the situations, weigh them, respond accordingly and not just get on the plane and ask to be taken care of.
As to the OP, you live in CA and have many choices. None will be perfect. Want perfect? Go private jet.

AAce24

Yeah those Sky Pesos are so valuable. Lol.

Delta's customer service is awful, much worse than AA.