AA leaves vegas with 2 seats ?
Oct 30, 2014, 12:13 pm
#16
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,693
I think the OP was surprised the very two front seats were empty.
Oct 31, 2014, 3:25 pm
#17
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Platinum, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 15
I recently had a flight from DFW > ORD (MD-80) go out with 3E empty because the FA's jump seat was broken, so she had to sit in 3E for take off and landing...I saw many 'o pax walk by that seat getting pissed off seeing an empty seat and wondering why they didn't get their upgrade not knowing that the FA had to sit there... 
Nov 1, 2014, 12:41 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
I recently had a flight from DFW > ORD (MD-80) go out with 3E empty because the FA's jump seat was broken, so she had to sit in 3E for take off and landing...I saw many 'o pax walk by that seat getting pissed off seeing an empty seat and wondering why they didn't get their upgrade not knowing that the FA had to sit there...
Nov 1, 2014, 2:06 am
#19
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: San Diego (SAN)
Programs: IHG Platinum
Posts: 940
No. The FAA designates which seat(s) must be used by flight attendants in the event that the jumpseat is broken. They are generally required to use the passenger seat nearest their assigned exit, so that they have immediate access to the exit in the event of an emergency. If an aft jumpseat were broken, then yes, the FA who would have used it would indeed be in a coach seat rather than in first class.
Nov 2, 2014, 1:06 pm
#20
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,823
A lot of assumptions on both sides of this issue, AA and the OP's. I say it is impossible to form an opinion given the details provided.
Nov 2, 2014, 2:41 pm
#21
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
A gentle reminder that fully 40% of FT members do not reside in the USA, and that any number of those who do, speak English as a second (or third, or fourth,) language.
/Moderator
/Moderator
Nov 2, 2014, 2:56 pm
#22
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SoCal
Programs: AA EXP, HHonors LTDia, Marriott Plat
Posts: 639
On Saturday, my LAX to STL flight was ~40% full and from what I could see 1/2 of 1st was empty. When this happened when I was a UA gold I would get upgraded. Sometimes 24hrs ahead and sometimes at the gate. There were several Plat/Exp that boarded that I saw. So is this AA's policy to only upgrade if you requested and have the 500mi coupons?
Nov 2, 2014, 3:06 pm
#23
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Any elite flyer can request the upgrade on the website, be it as a Gold or EXP. If you're a Gold or Platinum and don't have adequate upgrades in account, you can buy them on-line in advance or buy them at the gate at a higher price. . If you're an EXP, they're comped.
Check the upgrade page on the web site:
http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/el...leUpgrades.jsp