Impressive Impressions with the "New American"
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus(ick)
Posts: 296
Impressive Impressions with the "New American"
I was on business this week ORD-GSO with connections in CLT and PHL, 3 of the 4 flights operated by sUS.
What really struck me with this trip was the UNIFORMITY of how operations were between the AA and US flights.
All the employees were recognizing both carriers, codeshares, loyalty programs etc, and they ALL mentioned the "New American."
"Enjoy your flight with US Airways today, part of the NEW AMERICAN."
At the counter and on the planes.
Just remembering back to the days of the UA/CO merger, where communication was a disaster, staff were surely, didn't know what was going on (even before system integration).
But Mr. Parker's regime must really have gotten things out to the field in impeccable time, because all the staff were on the same page this week with the merger. And they seem generally positive about it [thus far].
I think that's great, because that shows the passengers a UNITED front.......which was never at (and may not currently be) the New United.
So far I'm impressed with how this AA/US merger is going in the early stages.
Hopefully it's a sign of things to come. ^
What really struck me with this trip was the UNIFORMITY of how operations were between the AA and US flights.
All the employees were recognizing both carriers, codeshares, loyalty programs etc, and they ALL mentioned the "New American."
"Enjoy your flight with US Airways today, part of the NEW AMERICAN."
At the counter and on the planes.
Just remembering back to the days of the UA/CO merger, where communication was a disaster, staff were surely, didn't know what was going on (even before system integration).
But Mr. Parker's regime must really have gotten things out to the field in impeccable time, because all the staff were on the same page this week with the merger. And they seem generally positive about it [thus far].
I think that's great, because that shows the passengers a UNITED front.......which was never at (and may not currently be) the New United.
So far I'm impressed with how this AA/US merger is going in the early stages.
Hopefully it's a sign of things to come. ^
#2
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: High Point, NC
Programs: None
Posts: 9,171
Glad to hear. It may not hurt that you were flying on the east coast, where many employees have been through 4 mergers plus the beginnings of this one in the last decade plus so change has almost become the norm.
Jim
Jim
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
Dougie seems to be doing a good job of presenting a positive face to the consumers and keeping infighting, if any, on the inside.
#4
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: WAS, LAX
Programs: AS 100K
Posts: 1,330
Well, everyone is basically getting a raise (except for Eagle) and, with the exception of retirees, everyone is getting much better non-rev travel opportunities. This makes for happy employees. Happy employees = happy customers. It's not rocket science (though, if you've flown UA lately, you might be lead to believe otherwise).
So, the new AA management team is smart when it comes to employees thus far. Let's see if they're smart when it comes to frequent fliers. I'm cautiously optimistic, given what we've seen so far. But, we've seen very little.
So, the new AA management team is smart when it comes to employees thus far. Let's see if they're smart when it comes to frequent fliers. I'm cautiously optimistic, given what we've seen so far. But, we've seen very little.
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus(ick)
Posts: 296
Well, everyone is basically getting a raise (except for Eagle) and, with the exception of retirees, everyone is getting much better non-rev travel opportunities. This makes for happy employees. Happy employees = happy customers. It's not rocket science (though, if you've flown UA lately, you might be lead to believe otherwise).
What I was also impressed with is how (on my flights) the desk agents and flight attendants ALL seemed to have the same, uniform, corporate information and operating procedures.
I was VERY impressed by that; coming from UA's merger where nobody knew anything.
Management at AA/US seems to have done a fantastic job of getting everyone on the front lines on the same page with policies/procedures.
#6
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: The views I express here are not necessarily supported by any airline or codeshare partners, nor do I represent their views and/or opinions. They are my own OPINIONS dont like them dont read them.....
Posts: 1,615
Lessons learned from past mistakes. We are working hard for all of you.
#7
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Chicago USA
Programs: *A Junkie, SQ PPS, Skywards Gold, 2 Million Mile Flyer;*wood LT Plat, BA MM
Posts: 1,762
The customer. The customer. The customer.
#8
Join Date: May 2007
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP, HHonors-Diamond, Marriott-Silver, SPG-Gold
Posts: 391
According to a buddy of mine that works for US here in PHX the day the potential merger was announced US already had internal websites in place providing information to the employees.
In subsequent conversations he has mentioned on multiple occasions how the majority of the employees are behind the merger and it's really a great place to be working.
This is only one person's POV, but let's hope things stay that way.
In subsequent conversations he has mentioned on multiple occasions how the majority of the employees are behind the merger and it's really a great place to be working.
This is only one person's POV, but let's hope things stay that way.
#11
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EP 3MM, UA Silver, Bonvoy LT TIT, Hyatt Explorist, HH Silver, Caesars PLT
Posts: 7,259
#13
Join Date: Feb 2014
Programs: AA Plat SPG Gold
Posts: 292
Well, everyone is basically getting a raise (except for Eagle) and, with the exception of retirees, everyone is getting much better non-rev travel opportunities. This makes for happy employees. Happy employees = happy customers. It's not rocket science (though, if you've flown UA lately, you might be lead to believe otherwise).
So, the new AA management team is smart when it comes to employees thus far. Let's see if they're smart when it comes to frequent fliers. I'm cautiously optimistic, given what we've seen so far. But, we've seen very little.
So, the new AA management team is smart when it comes to employees thus far. Let's see if they're smart when it comes to frequent fliers. I'm cautiously optimistic, given what we've seen so far. But, we've seen very little.
#14
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
#15
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Wichita
Posts: 626
I have not been able to fly the last two months but will be ramping up in a couple of weeks. I am thrilled to hear this.
As a happy refugee from the UA+CO disaster I'm glad that early merger signs are encouraging.
AA employees: You are valued and appreciated. Please keep up your great work!!
As a happy refugee from the UA+CO disaster I'm glad that early merger signs are encouraging.
AA employees: You are valued and appreciated. Please keep up your great work!!