chitownjeff

+1 - that's a safe bet, as well as higher ticket prices and a downgrade in customer service.

Park3755

I know it is speculation, but here goes: I am about 150 miles short of keep status with US after my mileage run this week. I called US and they basically said don't worry about it, they would "almost" certainly retain my level with such a small mileage shortage. Is AA usually similar in this way? Also/or will the programs still be separate this year (early 2014) when these decisions are made?

Microwave

AA have a similar policy, similarly unwritten, with a similar level of risk involved in testing the waters to see if it works.

It's fair to say that the new FFP will not be in place during CY14; if I were a gambling man I'd wager that it will be in place starting 1/1/15 (Europeans and North Americans can all get behind a date like that).

DCdeacon

I just pray that the new AA will keep US's current policy for the "Same Day Confirmed" program (ability to confirm a move up to an earlier flight in the day) of waiving the fee for elites. That has been one of the absolute best benefits I've had as a DM member.

I believe AA charges $75 for this, even for elites?

Rus925

Yes, AA only gives elites free standby, but it offers it to ALL elites, Gold through EXP and Ruby through Emerald.

WhatsInYourBackpack

I think we have Milano cookies? Am I dreaming?

I think the Admirals Club LHR and Flagship Lounge LHR have Milano and Walkers cookies.

Flagship Lounge JFK/LAX/ORD all have fresh baked cookies in the afternoon through evening I believe (someone correct me on the hours if I'm wrong?)


*Just thought it was impt that we address the very real and serious concerns of the merger that are at the top of everyone's mind --> cookies.

flyingmusicianlax

Correct, though you can standby for free. If you have EF access and can see E space for the flight you want to change to, it will likely happen. Many AAngels will just confirm you onto that flight regardless.

Having said that, I like the inability to confirm flight changes for free. Over at UA, it creates A LOT of confusion w/r/t the upgrade list, both for GAs and customers. You've got people jockeying for better upgrade positions just because their original flight ran out of u/g space, so the significant number of people on the list might suddenly get placed one or two spots lower because some GS or 1K is suddenly on the list when they weren't before.

AA's option makes more sense to me because a) it's a significant source of revenue and b) if you want to change flights, you have to REALLY want to change flights, reflective of your desire to spend $75 on it.

WhatsInYourBackpack

Waved for EXP.

Think there might be a fee for Gold/Plat - I think that might be new, as I don't remember ever paying when I was at those levels.

Rus925

I own stock in the airline and cookies and booze are pretty much the only parts of the merger I care about. Call it the carb theory: offer great sources of carbs, and the profits will follow. Just look at Italy's economy!

WhatsInYourBackpack

If only Alitalia would start serving dishes inspired by its home country, they wouldn't be burning through cash like it is going out of style.


That means on a related note we should be addressing those terrible giant chocolate chip cookies they have for sale on the AA flights. Have they changed those yet? Would it kill them to source a better chocolate chip cookie to sell?

Rus925

Haha! I've never actually had one. The flight attendants wouldn't sell it to me. They always told me to go for, well, anything else. I'm sure they'll figure it out soon enough. Pretty sad that Chef Samuelsson is being outdone by the Pillsbury Doughboy in the cookie department.

DCdeacon

Are you sure? I'm not talking about same day standby, I'm talking about making a same day confirmed change. Unless something has changed in the past couple months, I'm almost positive this was $75, and not waived, even for EXP.

cova

You are correct - AA charges EXP $75 fee for confirmed change within 24 hours of departure of original flight. I know - I have paid it this year.

Only the standby at the gate change is free for EXP - and then this really only works on a nonstop flight.

Hokie Gator Flyer

People keep talking about the multiple bankruptcies by US Airways...that was prior to the merger with HP (purchase by HP). This was not the leadership team during those bankruptcies. The HP team took over and has done a very good job. Just like in this merger, they are keeping the most recognized name.

In 1 week I will be back to Chairman's on US (Platinum or Chairman's for 5 years now).

I think we need to wait and see what is officially announced before declaring what will and won't be.

Personally, if I were to lose the ability to have unlimited space available upgrades and the ability to move to an earlier flight, I'll seriously consider jumping to Delta (heck, even for non-preferred, it's only $50 for a same day earlier confirmed flight).

Upgraded!

Here's a question: If they move from the current AA elite tier scheme (GLD, PLT, EXP) and, say, go to one that combines the two (SLV, GLD, PLT, EXP), then what happens to the LT GLD and PLT members? IIRC, the welcome letter stated that I'd be GLD for life, not that I'd have entry-level status for life. Would that mean that all the LT GLD members would now have tier-two status? Or will this be seen as an opportunity to screw LT members by somehow changing the program enough to be able to say "the 'life' of the AAdvantage Gold program" (wording used in the letter) is over?