Gate Agent penalty box with comments in passenger record
Aug 10, 2021, 3:43 am
#46
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: ORD, sadly...
Programs: AA Exec Plat
Posts: 599
Or enforce size limits. Try to bring too big a bag? Put in under this nifty device. Agent pushes a button, lid closes and industrial saws cutoff anything that falls outside allowed allowances. You may now board with your resized, allowance compliant bag. Anything cutoff is thrown away to deter others. 😈
Aug 10, 2021, 7:59 am
#48
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: BA GGL, UA Lifetime Gold, (Fond memories of) SPG Lifetime Plat
Posts: 239
I think many people have mis-read the OP's post. He describes making the 'Boarding group doesn't matter to you' comment not to the GAs but to the crowd pushing in. In my view not at all unreasonable to call them out - if no-one ever objected then the poor behaviour would simply keep on getting more frequent.
It sounds as if GA #1 misunderstood what had happened and gave OP no opportunity to explain before escalating. Manager didn't do any better. Being busy is no excuse - in fact, the GAs escalation simply increased their workload.
It sounds as if GA #1 misunderstood what had happened and gave OP no opportunity to explain before escalating. Manager didn't do any better. Being busy is no excuse - in fact, the GAs escalation simply increased their workload.
Aug 10, 2021, 8:19 am
#49
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
I have never had an issue with Southwest boarding, as long as I check in 24 hours before 
Of course, it would be great if they had first class
I have decided to fly DAL-FLL on WN for my cruise this month (mainly due to expiring credits)
I am sure AA is not going to notice losing that $59 fare each way for each of us
Yesterday, it seemed they were tracking about the same fare WN is having for this sale.
I find it interesting that WN's nonstops are less than connections, and AA (and others) is the opposite
(On that SEA-DFW flight, baggage took an hour at baggage claim, because the belt had an issue)
Of course, it would be great if they had first class
I have decided to fly DAL-FLL on WN for my cruise this month (mainly due to expiring credits)
I am sure AA is not going to notice losing that $59 fare each way for each of us
Yesterday, it seemed they were tracking about the same fare WN is having for this sale.
I find it interesting that WN's nonstops are less than connections, and AA (and others) is the opposite
(On that SEA-DFW flight, baggage took an hour at baggage claim, because the belt had an issue)
Last edited by mvoight; Aug 10, 2021 at 9:53 am
Aug 10, 2021, 9:07 am
#50
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 407
I concur. Since AS joined OW I moved almost all my business to them. I'm actually pondering switching the programs too but will wait until post-pandemic flying comes back again as AA does have a broader network that I might need. Plus AS is about to revamp their program anyways. I can confirm though that AS is night and day compared to AA when it comes to both GAs and FAs. I mean they are actually excited to work and interact with pax. Not sure if they are paid better or the corp culture is better but clearly they are doing something right.
Aug 10, 2021, 9:58 am
#51
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
If I were you, I would quietly note down both agent #1 and #2's names and file a complaint with the customer relations to 'enter a report in their employee system'- then I'll see what they can do about disciplining the agents. As the posters suggested above, one isolated incident is probably not going to cost their jobs. But if they have been reported frequently enough, hopefully, there would be some actions against this customer-unfriendly behavior.
This is clearly a power trip retaliating against customers who suggested that they are not enforcing boarding zone rules. If such a cursory remark as 'I guess boarding order doesn't matter to you' is flagged, I think that agent could dismiss all AA's pax one way or another.
BTW you are flying from SEA - why don't you fly AS? Their service is usually much better
This is clearly a power trip retaliating against customers who suggested that they are not enforcing boarding zone rules. If such a cursory remark as 'I guess boarding order doesn't matter to you' is flagged, I think that agent could dismiss all AA's pax one way or another.
BTW you are flying from SEA - why don't you fly AS? Their service is usually much better
Even more flight credit today, since I canceled our flight to Athens next month. Canceled the cruise due to it now requiring masks onboard and ashore, and because the Israel stops were canceled.
Additionally, a little money back from the cruise line as the replacement cruise from FLL has less fees and taxes (the rest is comped via URCOMP.com)
Aug 10, 2021, 12:25 pm
#52
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Seattle
Programs: Costco Club
Posts: 1,153
Aug 10, 2021, 12:39 pm
#53
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 540
AA already has a sizing chart for roller boards vs. personal items (fits under seat in front). If it's bigger than a personal item, and you didn't declare you're bringing a carry on, then you're the one who has to gate check. Seems simple enough to me.
Aug 10, 2021, 1:00 pm
#54
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Seattle
Programs: Costco Club
Posts: 1,153
I agree, you'd think it would be but it's not. When AA charged for carry ons for basic economy, it was a nightmare.
Aug 10, 2021, 6:00 pm
#55
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: SoCal,
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro
Posts: 771
its the same for AS. But even if you get the the exact computer number? Their procedures were to still visit the jet mid boarding and get an estimate from the FA’s. Part of the reason for that process was to ensure the FA’s were active in helping getting items stowed. Again, this is why AA’s process is crap. If there is ONE procedure, I don’t know what it is as every flight is something different and It adds to the utter confusion that is AA boarding.
Aug 10, 2021, 11:06 pm
#56
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 582
AA and other airlines are becoming hyper vigilant over customer abuse. There are almost daily communications from management to frontline employees about this, and as mentioned above employees are asked to keep tabs on any confrontational passengers at all stages of the flight for follow up action if necessary. All it takes is two employees to corroborate the same story (and it sounds like multiple employees were involved).
Remember the United 3411/Dr. Dao incident ? The employees tried to covered their backside by reporting that Dr. Dao was "belligerent.". This pattern is looking all too familiar to me today.