The "Things AA is getting right" thread
 

It's so easy to find negative impressions and reviews here, but I haven't found a singular thread to chronicle the things that AA actually does well, so I figured I'd start one here.

I'll get us started with my list:

1. Nothing

Hoping to see the list grow as we enjoy the premium push together!

I give them credit for rolling out usable WiFi on the regional fleet. Delta does not have this so I avoid the DL 175s when able.

It's still easy to check in with a human (staffed priority desks) who will tag your bags and print your boarding pass, and the kiosk will easily print boarding passes. UA and AS really annoy me on both of those fronts.

The way to get assistance at the AC has not changed and most agents are still great.

Miles still have value (note to AA: this is the reason I continue to stick around the last 5-10 years)

Free light meal on premium transcons (AA is the last airline to offer a complimentary light meal on any CONUS route in Y, which is advertised nowhere.)

When I redeem miles on AA intl, I always get a good value. Club access, edible food in F and J and friendly enough cabin crew. Also check in is decent at my home airport.

if I were paying cash, I would be on another carrier

Very good additions to the list, especially the AC staff which is generally very helpful.

I’m in the same boat as you re: value of miles - I’d have been gone long ago. However, being in a small city out west, I’m just kidding myself now. A good deal is to pay $400 for a reposition, an hotel, and the privilege to shell out another $800 + 57.5k for a 2 connection flight to anywhere over the pond. Still can’t believe RNO-DFW-DOH-JNB in J, or RNO-LAX-HND in F was ever actually a thing. I’m just not seeing the value anymore unless you’re in CLT, PHL or ORD.

I appreciate this too...not being able to print paper boarding passes at the AS kiosks is super annoying...the self service checked baggage machines are a close second as they easily double the time it takes to simply drop off a checked bag.

Okay I’ll add a serious one to my own thread: the employee store at DFW is always a lot of fun. I reward myself with a Gemini Jet or a couple coasters or luggage tags each pass through when I have time.

uh-oh.

you’re not gonna like the news

Wife and I had a great one-stopover flight LAS-SCL in domestic first and international business class for 75,000 award miles each. We do value AA miles.

While it's as basic as you can get it's also the most important. They're generally a safe airline.

A lot but hesitate to mention in case they decide to get rid of him (one thing I DONT like about any airline - any advantage seems like something they will take away)

- AA mile redemption for international travel
- Free wifi especially on regionals which I have to fly a lot
- upgrade availability flying into smaller markets is great
- increase of first class on regionals
- Lounge AAngels and EXP line are SO important when things go sideways. They are able to hold seats and do reroutings that other airlines dont seem to be able to do
I did a status match to United last year due to a couple of flights coming up and the service to a top tier flyer was practically non-existent in comparison. Unfortunately we had to test it out
- Lounges. Only had to wait to enter once unlike Centurion, Delta etc. Food continues to rotate and improve, bartenders friendly. Like the newer decor - seems to be quieter as well
- yes safety. Had some delays due to equipment issues but I'd rather be safe
- Last flights out for the night do tend to wait for connecting passengers especially on regionals

Smaller but noticeable
- Major increase in PDB on most of my flights in the last 6 months
-improvement in service overall on domestic flights lately. Have I just been lucky?

Since the pay increase including boarding pay has gone into effect I've noticed a definite increase in chances of pdbs. AA seems to be trying to do a better job of communicating delays whether by app (technology) or by human (gate agents). That being said the tools are generally there for self help or at least to determine what your best alternative is during irregular operations. But even experience FF will depend upon a stressed out, overloaded gate agent or lounge staff to figure out their alternative. And since their time is limited (a line behind you) they are going to give you the first thing that pops up on their computer screen.

From my perspective on what AA gets right as an EXP:

1. IRROPS support - AA has almost always found ways for me to get home or get where I am going when operations break down. This includes forcing positive space on full flights, protecting me on later flights, or confirmed changes on other flights.
2. Value for miles - Partner rewards (when available) are of great value, particularly in First/Business; last minute redemptions in Business on AA can be very good; value in economy award tickets booked in advance with the ability to cancel and redeposit without a fee. For example, I recently booked a ticket to AXA for 24,000 miles round-trip next spring in economy on a flight that costs over $1000 before taxes.
3. EXP line - recently have rarely had to wait on hold, and the service here is very good.
4. Newly renovated lounges are great (e.g., DCA and LGA) and lounge membership via credit card does not impose visit limitations (e.g. number of visits per year or only X hours in advance of a flight).
5. While elite upgrades have declined amongst all 3 majors due to monetization of first class, I am still have a very good domestic upgrade % and worse case I am in an extra legroom seat in economy. Complimentary upgrades to premium economy on international routes for myself and companions is also a fantastic benefit.

Few things:
- Route network works for me
- Miles have good value compared to others
- Loyalty points for status from more sources than just flying
- Flights being on time is far better than 2 years ago when it seemed 75% of my flights were delayed.

Do you have a problem with the DL Hughes systems? The Hughes installations on the DL RJ fleet have been progressing pretty quickly. A significant majority of the fleet now have it and your odds of getting one without it installed are getting pretty slim. The installations are being tracked on DL Air Lines Fleet thread at anet.