Having flown primarily CO and US over the past year, I recently had the chance to try AA again--primarily because of the choice of a 763 and 777 on the JFK-MIA route (the MD-88 does get old after a while). I must say while the equipment change was enjoyable and more comfortable, I was both surprised and disappointed by the service received on board--both in First and Coach (one upgrade cleared one didn't).
On AA2255, JFK-MIA, one FA was at the boarding door and did say hello to everyone as they walked on board, but that was about it. Another group of FA's were in the galley, and a couple were in the back , so I couldn't tell what they were up to. From the time I got to my seat in row 2, however, until the door was closed and they did the safety walk through, there was not one interaction between a crew member and a passenger in the F cabin--no hanging of coats, no predeparture beverage (there was PLENTY of time), and not even so much as a smile and greeting.
Once in the air, the bev service was quick and efficient, and it appeared they were just going through the motions--followed by an equally enthusiastic meal service (which I was surprised to learn had a hot entree option). After the cookie, which is still a nice touch, at which time they offered a drink refill, the crew retreated into the galleys again not to be seen until the pre-landing safety checks. At one point I asked for more water, and the FA forgot completely.
As one who flies almost every week, I am well aware it could be just a group having a bad day, and I was prepared to write this experience off to that, however, on the return, aboard the 777, the lacksidaisical performance continued. A quick hello as we walked aboard, followed by a safety check after the door closed...admittedly I was in the C cabin, which was operated as main cabin, however the similarities to the previous experience in F were surprising.
After takeoff, one quick round of trying to sell headphones, followed by a single beverage service, with NO food whatsoever offered (not even a bag of peanuts or a paid snack), and again, the entire crew disappeared until safety checks prior to landing. There was a group sitting in the jump seats by the lavs between C and F, reading away--I had to ask a question about something or other and the person looked up at me like I was disturbing her.
Now I am aware that there is a labor dispute between the flight attendants and management at AA, however I sincerely hope this is not a case of taking frustrations out on customers by doing the bare minimum. I must say in comparison, that a mediocre or not so great flight on DL or CO was better than the two flights I experienced last week on AA....narrowbody notwithstanding.
In my case, I was considering enrolling for a platinum challenge on AA, however based on my experience I have reconsidered. I think I will keep with what I have-- DL and CO, where at least they smile and say thank you.
Oh--and someone should tell scheduling that Runway 31L/13R is open again at JFK--so they don't have to pad the schedules by over an hour each way any more--although it was nice to arrive 30-45 min early.
I realize that there are many fine AA flight crews out there, and I do not mean to disparage the whole group-I just thought it more than a coincidence that I had the similar experience on more than one flight......and I had been warned by a friend that this was a chronic issue on JFK-MIA.
Thanks for listening--my best to you all.......
On AA2255, JFK-MIA, one FA was at the boarding door and did say hello to everyone as they walked on board, but that was about it. Another group of FA's were in the galley, and a couple were in the back , so I couldn't tell what they were up to. From the time I got to my seat in row 2, however, until the door was closed and they did the safety walk through, there was not one interaction between a crew member and a passenger in the F cabin--no hanging of coats, no predeparture beverage (there was PLENTY of time), and not even so much as a smile and greeting.
Once in the air, the bev service was quick and efficient, and it appeared they were just going through the motions--followed by an equally enthusiastic meal service (which I was surprised to learn had a hot entree option). After the cookie, which is still a nice touch, at which time they offered a drink refill, the crew retreated into the galleys again not to be seen until the pre-landing safety checks. At one point I asked for more water, and the FA forgot completely.
As one who flies almost every week, I am well aware it could be just a group having a bad day, and I was prepared to write this experience off to that, however, on the return, aboard the 777, the lacksidaisical performance continued. A quick hello as we walked aboard, followed by a safety check after the door closed...admittedly I was in the C cabin, which was operated as main cabin, however the similarities to the previous experience in F were surprising.
After takeoff, one quick round of trying to sell headphones, followed by a single beverage service, with NO food whatsoever offered (not even a bag of peanuts or a paid snack), and again, the entire crew disappeared until safety checks prior to landing. There was a group sitting in the jump seats by the lavs between C and F, reading away--I had to ask a question about something or other and the person looked up at me like I was disturbing her.
Now I am aware that there is a labor dispute between the flight attendants and management at AA, however I sincerely hope this is not a case of taking frustrations out on customers by doing the bare minimum. I must say in comparison, that a mediocre or not so great flight on DL or CO was better than the two flights I experienced last week on AA....narrowbody notwithstanding.
In my case, I was considering enrolling for a platinum challenge on AA, however based on my experience I have reconsidered. I think I will keep with what I have-- DL and CO, where at least they smile and say thank you.
Oh--and someone should tell scheduling that Runway 31L/13R is open again at JFK--so they don't have to pad the schedules by over an hour each way any more--although it was nice to arrive 30-45 min early.
I realize that there are many fine AA flight crews out there, and I do not mean to disparage the whole group-I just thought it more than a coincidence that I had the similar experience on more than one flight......and I had been warned by a friend that this was a chronic issue on JFK-MIA.
Thanks for listening--my best to you all.......
