Discussion: AA Catering still Disgusting (separate from description / menu threads)
Jun 21, 2015, 4:49 am
#136
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I don't see stickers as a big revenue source for AA. The 100% EQP bonus is minting tons of new EXPs, anyway; and they're getting those upgrades before anyone else, of course, and sticker-free at that. The earn/burn ratio is excellent with AAdvantage, -- try beating roundtrip TPAC CX F for 135K miles with a similar quality carrier on *A or ST. And with the extra miles and low TPAC fares ex-ICN, AA has essentially purchased all of my business for 2015. I commute more or less monthly BKK/BOS.
Jun 21, 2015, 3:07 pm
#137
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Boston, MA
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You'd think AA would step up in response to competitive pressures.
Jun 21, 2015, 3:14 pm
#138
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Boston, MA
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Was UG'd. 2+ hr flight. Work to do. Knew meal would not be great. True saw the two selections as others served. So skipped and was happy with nuts and good wine pours. Good seat. WiFi. Power. I was fine. Eat at home or go out for dinner somewhere. Food not at the top of my list (but nuts and wine are!). Understand everyone has there own priorities etc which is AOK! 
Jun 21, 2015, 3:19 pm
#139
Moderator: American AAdvantage
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Maybe I know croque-monsieurs (in their various conceptions) too well for my own good?
Jun 21, 2015, 3:33 pm
#140
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Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
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Perhaps. But AA's unit revenue since September 1 has fallen much more than the paltry savings from the Dougie-Brand Dog Food. Save a few million in costs, reduce revenues by a hundred million or more. Smart move.
Jun 21, 2015, 4:51 pm
#141
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
I think AA's declining unit revenue is a little more complex than simply its lower quality catering since 9/1. The Wright Amendment was lifted completely in Oct, which would affect AA disproportionately compared to UA or DL, and the recession in Brazil cannot be helping. There could also be overcapacity in some markets due to the merger, although probably less likely since AA and US didn't overlap on too many routes. Yes, some pax could be leaving AA due to its declining food quality, but is it driving the declining unit revenue? I am not so sure.
Jun 21, 2015, 6:00 pm
#142
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I think AA's declining unit revenue is a little more complex than simply its lower quality catering since 9/1. The Wright Amendment was lifted completely in Oct, which would affect AA disproportionately compared to UA or DL, and the recession in Brazil cannot be helping. There could also be overcapacity in some markets due to the merger, although probably less likely since AA and US didn't overlap on too many routes. Yes, some pax could be leaving AA due to its declining food quality, but is it driving the declining unit revenue? I am not so sure.
Jun 21, 2015, 6:28 pm
#143
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: AA ex-EXP, 2MM (ex DL, ex TWA)
Posts: 1,433
I would expand it beyond declining food to also include declining customer service, declining onboard product (soft and hard, outside of 777s and 787s), massive schedule changes with very tight layovers, very early departures, and very late arrivals, rising prices, competition from foreign airlines with which AA simply cannot compete, and overall poor performance.
Jun 21, 2015, 6:33 pm
#144
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: AA ex-EXP, 2MM (ex DL, ex TWA)
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And are we still flying? I don't have the same enthusiasm to fly anymore - and this is part of the reason.
Jun 21, 2015, 8:03 pm
#145
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Jun 21, 2015, 8:20 pm
#146
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Jun 21, 2015, 8:24 pm
#147
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Jun 21, 2015, 10:06 pm
#149
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It was a benefit. One which helped justify the cost of F, and justify the cost of doing business with AA. A benefit which is long gone. I don't think anyone here is under the impression of thinking an F meal service was worth a $900 F ticket, but it was a component of the product which offered value. You can only take so many things away and continue to expect people to pay for what is a truly lousy product.
Jun 21, 2015, 10:24 pm
#150
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Tampa, FL
Programs: AA Ex Plat United Premier Silver Hilton Diamond Marriott Gold
Posts: 104
Meal service isnt EVER worth the premium price. A meal of Chili's quality doesnt justify an extra $700....how does that make any sense? If you buy F for food thats just not a good setup for ROI. What meal is worth that price tag anywhere let alone on an airplane...
It was a benefit. One which helped justify the cost of F, and justify the cost of doing business with AA. A benefit which is long gone. I don't think anyone here is under the impression of thinking an F meal service was worth a $900 F ticket, but it was a component of the product which offered value. You can only take so many things away and continue to expect people to pay for what is a truly lousy product.