Exec Plat recognition
#31
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Exec Platinum/MM, DL Gold/MM, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,959
You answered your own question. AA training appears to be the worst. I'm sure they are legally up to snuff on the safety bits, but beyond that there is no consistency in service level or how they interact with the pax generally. And this is not limited to flight attendants.
My EXP status is recognized more often on the regionals than mainline. I did get at least one card on a mainline flight this year. And on one of my rare appearances in Y the FA serving drinks gets to me and exclaims "You're Executive Platinum!".
My EXP status is recognized more often on the regionals than mainline. I did get at least one card on a mainline flight this year. And on one of my rare appearances in Y the FA serving drinks gets to me and exclaims "You're Executive Platinum!".
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA ExecPlat; AF Gold; UA GS; Hyatt L. Globalist; Marriott Plat; Hilton Diamond; National EE
Posts: 6,154
I am always startled when I fly on non-US OneWorld airlines and a purser approaches me, usually gets down to my level, and says a few words of thanks for being a OW Emerald. And I am not even their Elite flyer. I think it's easy to tell us, AA elites, because we don't know what to do in those situations, given that we rarely if ever get this kind of recognition. Agreed that I don't need it, but it seems like such a simple thing to do that costs them $0 and can offset some of the misses elsewhere in the offering.
#33
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 256
I get thanked by name almost every flight I would guess, at least 4 out of 5 flights — but I do have a very easy 4 letter last name so perhaps that’s it? This is only when flying up front. Had one flight this year where the FA brought back some snacks to thank me in coach (8C).
I have had at least 3 handwritten thank you notes, always when up front.
I am also a very very low revenue EXP flyer. I book cheap and hope for the upgrade.
I have had at least 3 handwritten thank you notes, always when up front.
I am also a very very low revenue EXP flyer. I book cheap and hope for the upgrade.
#34
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: AA EXPlat, 2.4MM; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 580
A bit off-topic, but related and positive. On a recent flight MIA-HAV, after we were seated (I was second row F, aisle) the captain came out from the cockpit, walked over to me, called me by my name, shook my hand, and told me he was glad I was on his flight. He then announced to the entire cabin that I was "one of our airline's most elite passengers" (I'm just EP), and he was honored to have me on his flight. A bit over the top, but hey.
#35
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, AA Million Miles, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,580
A bit off-topic, but related and positive. On a recent flight MIA-HAV, after we were seated (I was second row F, aisle) the captain came out from the cockpit, walked over to me, called me by my name, shook my hand, and told me he was glad I was on his flight. He then announced to the entire cabin that I was "one of our airline's most elite passengers" (I'm just EP), and he was honored to have me on his flight. A bit over the top, but hey.
I'd be mortified if a captain or FA did something like that "for me". To the point that I'd probably complain about it. Thanking me is one thing, pointing me out to the entire cabin is a whole other thing...
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 29,960
A bit off-topic, but related and positive. On a recent flight MIA-HAV, after we were seated (I was second row F, aisle) the captain came out from the cockpit, walked over to me, called me by my name, shook my hand, and told me he was glad I was on his flight. He then announced to the entire cabin that I was "one of our airline's most elite passengers" (I'm just EP), and he was honored to have me on his flight. A bit over the top, but hey.
#37
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: AA EXPlat, 2.4MM; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 580
Interesting take. I felt no insult or injury in his gesture, which was clearly well intended. Now if he had said I was a problem passenger....
#38
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: AA, UA, Marriott
Posts: 1,097
I too would be embarrassed and uncomfortable but would let it go, far more bothering things to worry about.
If I was super bothered and it was truly well intentioned, I would not file a complaint (I feel like risking punishment for enthusiastic employees is detrimental) but perhaps after the flight let the pilot know in a kind way I was embarrassed and like to keep a low profile. They will probably be gracious enough to receive the feedback.
If I was super bothered and it was truly well intentioned, I would not file a complaint (I feel like risking punishment for enthusiastic employees is detrimental) but perhaps after the flight let the pilot know in a kind way I was embarrassed and like to keep a low profile. They will probably be gracious enough to receive the feedback.
#39
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: MCO-TPA
Programs: AA EXP, UA, B6, DL, Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum, Hilton, National
Posts: 196
Been EXP for seven years. Gotten a note once, and verbal recognition maybe a dozen times. And I always made EXP by segments before LP’s. A lot of flights. I’m happy with just an upgrade and remaining incognito.
#40
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: DFW EGE AUS
Programs: AA EXP | UA PLT
Posts: 75
I fly a few routes in 145s and I get it from those FAs fairly regularly. I've also gotten the thanks from an AS FA for being OW Emerald while sitting up front. I also tend to get it international J.
On domestic mainline AA, I got a card from an FA once this year, his cabin service (in J) was also incredible. I gave him like 10 certs and contacted twitter, which I've been told is a good way to acknowledge excellent service. Stuck in the back this year I had an FA who kept the drinks coming, so I'm counting that as tacit acknowledgement. That's it, twice, which is two more times than in all of 2019, 2020, and 2021 combined.
It's nice to get a thanks for flying or whatever, but if I'm in the back I want my beverage and processed mystery food to help take my mind off the experience.
On domestic mainline AA, I got a card from an FA once this year, his cabin service (in J) was also incredible. I gave him like 10 certs and contacted twitter, which I've been told is a good way to acknowledge excellent service. Stuck in the back this year I had an FA who kept the drinks coming, so I'm counting that as tacit acknowledgement. That's it, twice, which is two more times than in all of 2019, 2020, and 2021 combined.
It's nice to get a thanks for flying or whatever, but if I'm in the back I want my beverage and processed mystery food to help take my mind off the experience.
#41
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: New York
Programs: EK Platinum, AA EXP, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,129
Have never been thanked for my loyalty on an AA flight. Maybe once by an AAngel. UA club agents used to frequently thank me for being a 1K.
It's the little things that people remember. Sure maybe it's ego stroking, but every time you board an EK flight, the FA at the door greets elites with, "Mr. XXXX, welcome back. It's a pleasure to have you with us today." And that's just when you board! Later you'll often have the purser come by and offer a more personal welcome back, making small talk.
It just shows there is some appreciation, even if they are doing what is in their manual.
It's the little things that people remember. Sure maybe it's ego stroking, but every time you board an EK flight, the FA at the door greets elites with, "Mr. XXXX, welcome back. It's a pleasure to have you with us today." And that's just when you board! Later you'll often have the purser come by and offer a more personal welcome back, making small talk.
It just shows there is some appreciation, even if they are doing what is in their manual.
#42
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ATL/TLV/SDF
Programs: AA EXP, UA LT Ag, Marriott LT Ti, Hyatt Glob, Avis PC, Busted-Knuckles Club Grand Poobah.
Posts: 2,590
Since I made EXP (and am unlikely to keep it, thanks Loyalty Points), it's happened a couple of times, usually during drink service. I smile and order my drink.
Twice this year I've given out atta-boy/girl cards, the last to a newbie FA who was clearly doing his best to provide flawless service dealing with a full F cabin on a 321. He almost cried. The other was a regional FA. Other than those two I didn't think anyone was going above and beyond, even in J MIA/TLV and TLV/JFK last month where I felt they were phoning it in so they could get first dibs on the crew rest bunks.
Twice this year I've given out atta-boy/girl cards, the last to a newbie FA who was clearly doing his best to provide flawless service dealing with a full F cabin on a 321. He almost cried. The other was a regional FA. Other than those two I didn't think anyone was going above and beyond, even in J MIA/TLV and TLV/JFK last month where I felt they were phoning it in so they could get first dibs on the crew rest bunks.
#43
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
I don't particularly like being thanked or recognized for any status. It's unnecessary and awkward. As long as I get the benefits I'm entitled to, I'm happy. If I get the occasional rule bent in my favor, I'm happier (eg I'm going to call and try to change a basic economy ticket in the next few days... wish me luck)
#44
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, AA Million Miles, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,580
It's basically the captain doing a DYKWIA for me...not appreciated.
#45
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: charlotte NC
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 573