American Airlines

[MichaelColey]

Unsustainable FF programs - like the over blown demands of Unions - are what drive the high costs of operation. In the current, cost cutting and value based world of air fare (and other goods & services) this throw back to more profitable and exclusive times cannot survive. They have to be competitive in pricing (they are not) and at those lower rates cannot support the high union rates or extravagant FF features.

Said it before and will say it again. The good old days of FF programs is over. With the inflation of instant status by getting just about any credit card, fewer flights overall, ridiculous bonus miles offers, route shrinkage, consolidation and other factors, this ain't like it used to be.

Actually ff programs are quite profitable for airlines because of the money they get from hotels, car rental companies, banks, etc. for selling miles. They also add to the bottom line indirectly in another way, by geting loyalty from high fare business travellers. Without decent ff programs, many business travellers who now make a point of flying a particular airline will just fly price and schedule. The business travellers are where the money is for airlines.

I think this is a first... In this case, I totally agree with Carolinian. FF programs are one of the more profitable parts of most airlines. And while benefits have been cut back a bit over the past 10 years or so, I've actually seen an uptick in benefits over the past couple. Airlines are looking for loyalty, and the FF programs bring it. I have status with American, and I'll choose American over the competition even if the price is a bit higher. That's what airlines like.

 

[Ken555]

AA paid for our taxi from ONT to LAX.

Wow! That's probably an hour on the road, if not more. In a taxi. Paid by AA.

British Air First class on a 777-300 is a nice way to fly, by the way.

Our return to the USA will be on Iberia and British Air. Hopefully there won't be any problems with those flights.

Again, wow. Upgrade to first on BA is great. I've never had those seats, but I hear they are among the best, along with their business class.

As for Iberia...well, don't hold your breath. I've been on one of their flights within Spain and it was fine, but delay was the name of the game.

 

[Ken555]

I think this is a first... In this case, I totally agree with Carolinian. FF programs are one of the more profitable parts of most airlines. And while benefits have been cut back a bit over the past 10 years or so, I've actually seen an uptick in benefits over the past couple. Airlines are looking for loyalty, and the FF programs bring it. I have status with American, and I'll choose American over the competition even if the price is a bit higher. That's what airlines like.

Yup, this used to be me, too. I liked AA. But now they have older planes, don't offer as much, and clearly have major problems to deal with. Given the choice, I'll fly another carrier these days. Domestically, my favorite is Virgin America. I'm hoping to use up my AA miles in the next year or so. This year was getting rid of Delta and I've still got enough for another business seat to Europe so not sure if I can go fast enough.

 

[spencersmama]

This year was getting rid of Delta and I've still got enough for another business seat to Europe so not sure if I can go fast enough.

If you really want to get those miles off your hands quickly, I'll take them!

 

[Ken555]

If you really want to get those miles off your hands quickly, I'll take them!

Yeah, everytime I post that I'm getting rid of them volunteers show up to assist... No thanks. I got a 100k biz seat for this trip, same last year, and I suspect I can do similarly well next year and then the miles are all gone!

 

[x3 skier]

I don't know about you, but my Plat status at AA gets me lounge access on TATL flights (and that includes Galleries at LHR), early boarding, check-in through the 1st class line, special security lines (that can save an hour's time at LHR or IST, to name a couple), 2 free checked bags, frequent first class upgrades on domestic legs (I am 100% since switching to AA, and was close to that on NW and CO), double ff miles, and premium coach seats on international flights (usually exit row).

My award redemption is also great. I had a summer redemption this year, and the circumstances only gave me about 6 weeks lead time. Nonetheless, half of the days during the month I needed to travel were availible at saver milage rates on AA. I would NEVER find that at that juncture for summer on DL, and not as much on UA, although better at UA than DL.

Like I said, if you are at high tier, it is nice and I enjoy similar bennies but other than that, it is no big deal.

A few years ago, low tiers were worth it. Now they are not much. I predict the erosion of FF programs will continue.

Fortunately I have reactivated my pilots license so I can fly myself now and avoid all the BS associated with domestic air travel if I want to.

Cheers

 

[MichaelColey]

A few years ago, low tiers were worth it. Now they are not much. I predict the erosion of FF programs will continue.

I have to disagree again. Since airlines started charging for checked bags, low tier status has two perks that are even more valuable than ever:

1) Free checked bags, and
2) Priority boarding (so you know you'll have room for your carry ons).

 

[GetawaysRus]

Wow! That's probably an hour on the road, if not more. In a taxi. Paid by AA.

$135 on the meter at the end of the ride.

 

[x3 skier]

I have to disagree again. Since airlines started charging for checked bags, low tier status has two perks that are even more valuable than ever:

1) Free checked bags, and
2) Priority boarding (so you know you'll have room for your carry ons).

Agree as I said about the bags but IIRC, the lowest tier gets second or third priority or even lower where they used to get first priority.

Cheers

 

[Carolinian]

I have to disagree again. Since airlines started charging for checked bags, low tier status has two perks that are even more valuable than ever:

1) Free checked bags, and
2) Priority boarding (so you know you'll have room for your carry ons).

UA whacked their two lowest tiers when they merged with CO, which was also a big whacking for the incoming CO elites. For silvers, their two free bags were cut to one, which on international flights is the free baggage as those with no status. For golds, they cut bonus miles from 100% to 50%. They also played a whole series of games with upgrades and E+ that basically whacked everyone. The published part only whacked silvers, but soon it was obvious that unannounced parts whacked all elites.

AA lower tiers can reserve premium seats including exit row, as NW lower tier elites could, and as a Plat I do not see that impacting my ability to get good seats, so I think it is good policy for the airline to offer that perk to low tier elites. UA will not let low tier elites reserver exit row.

 

[lvhmbh]

Our flight was on time. We went to the lounge - thanks AMEX - and it was packed because they had so many cancellations. Hope tomorrow is ok too

 

[Ken555]

I have to disagree again. Since airlines started charging for checked bags, low tier status has two perks that are even more valuable than ever:

1) Free checked bags, and
2) Priority boarding (so you know you'll have room for your carry ons).

Isn't it sad that you value elite status in part just to make certain the plane has space for your carry-on? I agree completely, but I think it speaks to the state of air travel.

 

[MichaelColey]

Isn't it sad that you value elite status in part just to make certain the plane has space for your carry-on? I agree completely, but I think it speaks to the state of air travel.

Actually, my favorite perk is the First Class upgrades, but the free checked bags is one of the more tangible perks.

 

[x3 skier]

Actually, my favorite perk is the First Class upgrades, but the free checked bags is one of the more tangible perks.

If one gets a first class upgrade as a low tier elite, it should be considered a miracle and savored.

Even at one tier below the highest on both AA and DL, my batting average is less than 50%. But I do travel thru their hubs which are heavy with top tier travelers.

Last time thru DFW, I think I was No. 18 with 1 seat open and thru ATL, No. 23 with 2 seats open. If the client is paying, I buy full fare Y and usually get an immediate upgrade.

Cheers

 

[Rent_Share]

Isn't it sad that you value elite status in part just to make certain the plane has space for your carry-on? I agree completely, but I think it speaks to the state of air travel.

Last Time I flew, (delta) it seemed like 1/2 the plane qualified for some bogus boarding priority

 

[lvhmbh]

Flew back from Boston to Miami last night - plane was on time with no issues. The lounge was uncrowded so the boys did their homework in peace and quiet.

 

[hypnotiq]

Last Time I flew, (delta) it seemed like 1/2 the plane qualified for some bogus boarding priority

No kidding. When we flew last week.

"We will now begin pre-boarding"

"We now invite our first class passengers to board"

"We now invite anyone flying with small children to board"

"We now invite any of our MVP's (etc) as well as anyone sitting in Row 6 to board"

"We now invite anyone who doesn't have a carryon they need to place in an overhead bin to board"

"We will now begin general boarding..."

 

[PamMo]

Same experience as lvhmbh. We just flew home from a vacation on Kauai. AA flights to and from Lihue (6 legs total) went flawlessly. DFW and LAX hubs were working smoothly when we went through them. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for my upcoming flights on AA...

 

[momeason]

I have an AA credit card. I have FF miles earned thru the cc. When I have to use more than the economy level of miles to book a reward flight, I get put in first class. It is a great perk. I usually cannot find the economy miles level seats on US Air, but I have to use more miles and still sit in economy. I love that if I have to use more miles, I get first class seats and free bags on AA.

I also just had a bad schedule change for a flight to New Orleans in December. I was able to schedule a better connection by talking with an agent.
That flight is also a reward with First Class seating.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I have an AA credit card. I have FF miles earned thru the cc. When I have to use more than the economy level of miles to book a reward flight, I get put in first class. It is a great perk. I usually cannot find the economy miles level seats on US Air, but I have to use more miles and still sit in economy. I love that if I have to use more miles, I get first class seats and free bags on AA.

I also just had a bad schedule change for a flight to New Orleans in December. I was able to schedule a better connection by talking with an agent.
That flight is also a reward with First Class seating.

I have never heard of someone booking a MileSAAver award in coach and getting a complimentary upgrade to first class. It does entitle the passenger to sit in preferred coach seats.

However, for flights within the continental US, the # of miles needed for an AAnytime Award in coach are the same as the # of miles needed for a MileSAAver Award in First. While it may feel like a complimentary upgrade, the MileSAAver Award in First is capacity controlled and may not always be an available. -- Suzanne

 

[nalismom]

Wow! I filled out the form on AA website about our recent delay to HNL and included my debacle on our upcoming flight over Thanksgiving and was not really expecting anything except a thank you for your email but was pleasantly surprised in receiving an e-voucher for $300!

 

[momeason]

I have never heard of someone booking a MileSAAver award in coach and getting a complimentary upgrade to first class. It does entitle the passenger to sit in preferred coach seats.

However, for flights within the continental US, the # of miles needed for an AAnytime Award in coach are the same as the # of miles needed for a MileSAAver Award in First. While it may feel like a complimentary upgrade, the MileSAAver Award in First is capacity controlled and may not always be an available. -- Suzanne

The number of miles are the same so I chose first class. It worked from Cancun to RDU as well as RDU to New Orleans. I like that I can choose First Class rather than use more miles and still be in coach. Works for me. I am out of miles now though. Still have US air miles..will use them next then I have Southwest and Capital One Rewards

 

[Ken555]

I have never heard of someone booking a MileSAAver award in coach and getting a complimentary upgrade to first class. It does entitle the passenger to sit in preferred coach seats.

However, for flights within the continental US, the # of miles needed for an AAnytime Award in coach are the same as the # of miles needed for a MileSAAver Award in First. While it may feel like a complimentary upgrade, the MileSAAver Award in First is capacity controlled and may not always be an available. -- Suzanne

Yup, but this is a perceived benefit, I suppose, compared to other frequent flyer programs.

 

[Laurie]

So what's the verdict - book some AA ff flights now, at not the best ROI so to speak, or hold them to use later for more expensive trips?

I have a couple ff flights on hold to SXM, the saver kind at 17.5 each = 70k miles for 2 people RT. I can buy these flights for about $1200. Between us we have about 190k miles.

If all were well w/the airline, I'd save them for 2 pricier future trips to Europe in shoulder season where 80k ff miles can get 2 RT tix, and would have some to spare.

One expires tonite and doesn't look like I can hold again because now they're showing at 35k per 1-way ticket.

What to do? I wish Dave M were around w/his crystal ball.

 

[Carolinian]

You might get a better answer on FlyerTalk, but for me, I am not in a panic burning mode on my AA miles. And that shoulder season to Europe deal is a better value than any other domestic airline. On AA, those tickets are 40K miles RT compared to 60K on others.

So what's the verdict - book some AA ff flights now, at not the best ROI so to speak, or hold them to use later for more expensive trips?

I have a couple ff flights on hold to SXM, the saver kind at 17.5 each = 70k miles for 2 people RT. I can buy these flights for about $1200. Between us we have about 190k miles.

If all were well w/the airline, I'd save them for 2 pricier future trips to Europe in shoulder season where 80k ff miles can get 2 RT tix, and would have some to spare.

One expires tonite and doesn't look like I can hold again because now they're showing at 35k per 1-way ticket.

What to do? I wish Dave M were around w/his crystal ball.