American Airlines took home the honor of “best elite program” for the Americas last night at the 27th annual Freddie Awards. I’m outraged. I am not an American Airlines flyer, but I certainly follow the AAdvantage program closely, both...
Passengers at Odds Over Blame for AA Stroller Incident
The truth has a way of surfacing, one way or another. Another passenger allegedly on the “strollergate” flight has stepped forward to offer a differing narrative of what happened. Most of the blame is placed on the mother, with the...
AA’s Perfect Response to Out-of-Control Flight Attendant
I’m glad that American Airlines learned something from the two recent viral incidents that United Airlines woefully mishandled. At least it knows how to apologize. Earlier today I wrote about another onboard altercation that has gone viral this morning. Unlike two...
Combative American Airlines FA Hits Woman With Stroller, Nearly Hits Baby
Another day, another viral incident. This is all getting old. First United, yesterday Delta, today American. Today’s incident centers on a woman who claims a FA forcibly grabbed her stroller from her, allegedly hitting her and nearly hitting her twin...
AA Learns the Concept of Diminishing Returns
A foolish man once said, “We will cut our way to growth.” American Airlines is finding out that its massive devaluation to its AAdvantage loyalty program last March is taking a toll on its profit. There is some disagreement...
New Tricks for Booking Air Tahiti Nui Award Space with AA
A couple weeks ago I wrote about the inability of American Airlines agents to confirm award space on Air Tahiti Nui. This wasn’t just a couple bad agents, but a recurring problem experienced over dozens of calls and days....
Be Vigilant Against This Unnecessary AA Fee
What is one AA fee that continues to be secretly inserted into many reservations? Although telephone booking fees for partner award tickets that cannot be booked online are (in theory) a thing of the past on AA, agents are...
AA Unable to Confirm Air Tahiti Nui Award Space
Just a heads up, Award Expert has been unable to confirm any award space on Air Tahiti Nui using AA miles for the last two weeks. Air Tahiti Nui is one of my favorite ways to get from the...
Soup Hits the Spot: LAX-IAD First Class on AA74
For this week’s Meal of the Week, I want to share something that I hope airlines will take seriously: soup is the way to a passenger’s heart. I could do a post on the dozens of soups I have enjoyed...
Dallas Cowboys Star DESERVED to be Kicked Off AA Flight
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford deserved to be thrown off his American Airlines flight on Thursday. Rule #1 when you fly: obey reasonable FA instructions. When you do not or give the perception you will not, you’ll find yourself making...
Top 10 American Airlines Award Redemptions
After a substantial devaluation last March, American Airlines AAdvantage miles are not worth what they once were. Nevertheless, there are still sweet spots on the award chart (mostly premium cabin) that are worth taking advantage of. Here are my...
Will American and United Match Delta’s Free Meals in Domestic Economy?
Delta Air Lines is bringing back complimentary meals — not just snacks, meals — to its premium transcon routes between JFK and LAX/SFO. Will this force American Airlines and United Airlines to match? Delta’s New Meal Plan Delta is...
Avoid This Error When Holding AA Award Space
American Airlines is by far the most generous carrier when it comes to letting you hold award space prior to ticketing. While neither United or Delta allow award holds, American not only permits holds whether you have miles in...
American Airlines Adds Service from Dallas to Rome and Amsterdam
American Airlines is adding flights to Rome and Amsterdam from its Dallas-Fort Worth hub, with seasonal service set to begin in May 2017 on both routes. What we know about the new American Airlines DFW to FCO/AMS Flights Boeing...
When Will American and Delta Learn?
Two carriers, two unannounced devaluations effective immediately. Using your miles and points may be easier than ever before but it will cost you like never before. The bottom line is this: don’t trust the airlines and always consider your...
Let’s Give Scott Kirby a Chance
Scott Kirby made the odd pivot from President of American Airlines to President of United Airlines yesterday. Walking away with a $13MN severance package from AA without a non-compete clause, he has already begun work for United, where he...
Why American’s New Ad Campaign Fails
American Airlines is out with a new ad campaign, asserting that “World’s Greatest Flyers” (the tagline of the campaign) choose to fly AA. The intent behind the new campaign is laudable– American Airlines’ new ad campaign celebrates people from...
Anti-Muslim Bigotry on American Airlines or Fabrication?
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation over an alleged incident on an American Airlines’ flight from Charlotte to Detroit on December 6, 2015. According to the complaint, passenger Mohamed Ahmed Radwan was...
Last Day to Burn Your AA Miles Prior to Devaluation!
Monday, March 21, 2016 is the final day to use your AA miles at prevailing rates. On March 22nd a massive devaluation kicks in for premium cabin awards in nearly every region, making your AA miles much less valuable....
This Rule is Vital for Maximizing Your AA Award
A handful of clients have contacted Award Expert this week requesting help “maximizing” AA awards prior to the devaluation on March 22, 2016. I don’t mean the couples trying to get to Bangkok on Cathay Pacific or families booking...
