Speculation: Front Page Troubles & AA Possible Responses to Elites? (consolidated)
Oct 1, 2012, 8:47 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP/Admiral's Club; Amex Platinum; AA Citi Executive; SPG Gold
Posts: 696
Speculation: Front Page Troubles & AA Possible Responses to Elites? (consolidated)
Obviously every airline has its troubles, many of which are written about at length in the national press. That said, AA has been getting an incredible amount of negative publicity, more than I have seen any airline receive in quite a long time. Between the bankruptcy concerns, the pilot "strike", and the usual complaints of bad service/surly attitude (as with other US carriers), AA seems to be constantly hammered by the media and poorly reviewed by its own customers.
In light of these facts, do folks think that it is likely that AA will make a large effort to retain the business of elite travelers (besides the steps outlined in the email that Ms. Rubin sent out)? I'd rather not rehash the whole "are EXPs actually valuable" debate or the "elites are entitled" discussion. I'd rather discuss speculation over what course AA will take to retain its valuable customers.
In light of these facts, do folks think that it is likely that AA will make a large effort to retain the business of elite travelers (besides the steps outlined in the email that Ms. Rubin sent out)? I'd rather not rehash the whole "are EXPs actually valuable" debate or the "elites are entitled" discussion. I'd rather discuss speculation over what course AA will take to retain its valuable customers.
Oct 1, 2012, 8:49 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,533
I think they will give each and every EXP a pony. So, we will be getting two ponies.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Oct 1, 2012, 8:53 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,608
I hate to say it, but another round of DEQM
Another round of DEQM along with maybe some sort of EQP bonus or something similar. Yes, they have had a lot of negative press lately, what can they do to entice us to stay? DEQM seems to have worked in the past, and will also help with the all the newly minted EX UA now AA EXP flyers to reassure then of their business.
Oct 1, 2012, 9:46 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 3,267
They should make everyone who isn't currently an EXP an EXP. This will hurt upgrades, though, so all aircraft should be converted to 100% F without raising ticket prices.
Oct 1, 2012, 10:53 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: SAN
Programs: AA-EXP; US-Silver; Marriott-Platinum; Starwood-Platinum; Hilton-Gold
Posts: 1,260
Unlimited booze and snacks for all elites. I'd eat and drink right from the cart.
Oct 1, 2012, 11:01 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: ORD / MDW / FLL
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Posts: 2,295
OP, have you seen the negative publicity UA has been getting? It's far worse than the issues AA has had aired in the media.
This is all the result of the unions pushing back on management. Planes are not falling out of the sky and flames are not shooting out of the roof of the concourse. This too shall pass.
This is all the result of the unions pushing back on management. Planes are not falling out of the sky and flames are not shooting out of the roof of the concourse. This too shall pass.
Oct 1, 2012, 11:17 pm
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,916
OP, have you seen the negative publicity UA has been getting? It's far worse than the issues AA has had aired in the media.
This is all the result of the unions pushing back on management. Planes are not falling out of the sky and flames are not shooting out of the roof of the concourse. This too shall pass.
This is all the result of the unions pushing back on management. Planes are not falling out of the sky and flames are not shooting out of the roof of the concourse. This too shall pass.
AA is taking its lumps now.
I would agree however that UA seems to have more long-term 'customer negatives' in regards to its frequent flier program while AA seems to be doing everything possible to retain EXPs attractiveness.
In terms of inflight service - UA is ahead of AA when it comes to hard product on Intl J - in terms of food - AA is ahead of UA in domestic F.
Oct 1, 2012, 11:37 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 6,769
Another round of DEQM along with maybe some sort of EQP bonus or something similar. Yes, they have had a lot of negative press lately, what can they do to entice us to stay? DEQM seems to have worked in the past, and will also help with the all the newly minted EX UA now AA EXP flyers to reassure then of their business.
Oct 1, 2012, 11:47 pm
#9
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
This AFP headline that yahoo UK/Ireland just posted should stir things up some more:
Disaster flights sink American Airlines' reputation
I didn't know we had reached "disaster" territory yet.
Disaster flights sink American Airlines' reputation
I didn't know we had reached "disaster" territory yet.
Oct 2, 2012, 2:16 am
#10
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Programs: AA EXP, 1MM
Posts: 643
Once the 77Ws start arriving with their new business seats and bar area, there will be plenty of good publicity.
Oct 2, 2012, 4:42 am
#11
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: BSL
Programs: AA (EXP); among others :)
Posts: 2,522
the 'loose seats' incidents have received wide press coverage in mainstream media and were even on national TV here. That is something the average citizen sees and reacts to, and it's definitely not favorable to AA.
That said, I indeed do have the impression that they're trying hard to retain us status passengers' business. Even lowly ones like me who fly less than 100k miles a year with them. Had a CSR bend the rules more than just slightly to accommodate me best recently.
To all who speak German: This article in Swiss "20minuten" titled 'Why have US airlines become so shabby' summarizes things pretty well. Read the comments - it's really interesting how travellers who almost exclusively fly Y perceive things differently from most of the folks on FT....
That said, I indeed do have the impression that they're trying hard to retain us status passengers' business. Even lowly ones like me who fly less than 100k miles a year with them. Had a CSR bend the rules more than just slightly to accommodate me best recently.
To all who speak German: This article in Swiss "20minuten" titled 'Why have US airlines become so shabby' summarizes things pretty well. Read the comments - it's really interesting how travellers who almost exclusively fly Y perceive things differently from most of the folks on FT....
Oct 2, 2012, 5:24 am
#12
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: SAN
Programs: AA-EXP; US-Silver; Marriott-Platinum; Starwood-Platinum; Hilton-Gold
Posts: 1,260
the 'loose seats' incidents have received wide press coverage in mainstream media and were even on national TV here. That is something the average citizen sees and reacts to, and it's definitely not favorable to AA.
That said, I indeed do have the impression that they're trying hard to retain us status passengers' business. Even lowly ones like me who fly less than 100k miles a year with them. Had a CSR bend the rules more than just slightly to accommodate me best recently.
To all who speak German: This article in Swiss "20minuten" titled 'Why have US airlines become so shabby' summarizes things pretty well. Read the comments - it's really interesting how travellers who almost exclusively fly Y perceive things differently from most of the folks on FT....
That said, I indeed do have the impression that they're trying hard to retain us status passengers' business. Even lowly ones like me who fly less than 100k miles a year with them. Had a CSR bend the rules more than just slightly to accommodate me best recently.
To all who speak German: This article in Swiss "20minuten" titled 'Why have US airlines become so shabby' summarizes things pretty well. Read the comments - it's really interesting how travellers who almost exclusively fly Y perceive things differently from most of the folks on FT....
Oct 2, 2012, 5:39 am
#13
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,905
In light of these facts, do folks think that it is likely that AA will make a large effort to retain the business of elite travelers (besides the steps outlined in the email that Ms. Rubin sent out)? I'd rather not rehash the whole "are EXPs actually valuable" debate or the "elites are entitled" discussion. I'd rather discuss speculation over what course AA will take to retain its valuable customers.
Oct 2, 2012, 6:03 am
#15
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SLC
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Plat
Posts: 616
"I think they will give each and every EXP a pony. So, we will be getting two ponies."
Post of the year. LMAO!!
Considering AA has cut many of its GSA city pair contracts for 2013, AA thinks it will be filling planes and/or cutting capacity, so I don't expect AA to provide elites anything to retain their business.
Post of the year. LMAO!!
Considering AA has cut many of its GSA city pair contracts for 2013, AA thinks it will be filling planes and/or cutting capacity, so I don't expect AA to provide elites anything to retain their business.