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We’re sure you’re more than familiar with American Airlines, considering it’s the world’s largest airline — but this handy review brings together all the information you might need when considering flying with them.
Maybe you need to know about the airline’s fare structure, which changed not too long ago to incorporate the basic economy fare level. Or you might be interested to know how far a premium economy seat would recline if you were to upgrade.
We’ve outlined all of the info you need below, including those pesky extra fees (like baggage fees), inflight amenities, customer satisfaction rankings, and more.
Airline: American Airlines
Alliance: Oneworld
Category: Legacy domestic and international airline
Frequent Flyer Program: AAdvantage
Tagline: “To care for people on life’s journey”
About/Mission Statement: “American Airlines and American Eagle are in business to provide safe, dependable and friendly air transportation to our customers, along with numerous related services. We are dedicated to making every flight you take with us something special. Your safety, comfort and convenience are our most important concerns.” (source)
Daily Flights: Nearly 6,700 (including codeshare partners)
Fleet: 937
Main Hub: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
Destinations: Nearly 269 domestic destinations, 81 international destinations (in 48 countries)
AAdvantage is the loyalty program for American Airlines where you can earn miles through flying, shopping, eating out, or spending on certain credit cards.
American Airlines is a part of the Oneworld alliance, which means you can earn AAdvantage miles by flying with any of its Oneworld partners in addition to several other airline partners (including American Eagle regional flights).
If you travel regularly with American, then it’s definitely worth signing up — you can also work your way up its elite membership statuses to gain benefits such as additional checked baggage, priority check-in, and no-fee changes.
Hot Tip: Check out our post on the best ways to earn lots of American Airlines AAdvantage Miles and you’ll be redeeming your award flights in no time!
American offers a range of fare options that offer flexibility when flying its domestic and international routes.
Basic Economy
This starts from its entry-level basic economy, fare which used to be just a seat and a small personal item to carry on. However, you are permitted to bring 1 piece of standard carry-on luggage.
As you can see from the table, there is no option to change or cancel the ticket when flying domestically or to other short-haul destinations.
So the prices may look attractive, but it may be worth checking out American’s Flexible fare category if your journey plans aren’t 100% and are likely to change.
| Route Type | Bags | Choose Seat (fee) | Eligible for Upgrades | Make Changes (fee) | Boarding Group |
| Domestic U.S. routes, Canada, Central America, Mexico, and Caribbean* | Checked: No free bags† Carry-on: 1 personal item and 1 carry-on | 48 hours before departure | No | Not permitted | Group 9** |
| Europe | Checked: No free bags†† Carry-on: 1 personal item and 1 carry-on | When at the point of booking | No | Yes | Group 8** |
*Excluding the following destinations: Alaska, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Cuba, Panama, and El Salvador
**Not applicable to AAdvantage elite status members or eligible AAdvantage credit cardmembers
†Not applicable to AAdvantage elite status members. Eligible AAdvantage credit cardmembers are exempt only when flying within the U.S. and Canada
††Not applicable to AAdvantage elite status members
Lowest Fare
For all destinations that American offers, you will have the option to select the Lowest Fare. This will give you the standard prices for economy (which it refers to as “Main Cabin”), premium economy, business, and first class (if available on the flight).
Hot Tip: If you’re torn between economy fare options, check these in-depth articles on the difference between AA Economy and AA Basic Economy and the difference between AA Main Cabin Extra and Preferred.
On domestic, Canada, and Mexico flights (plus some medium-haul international flights), the fares you will be quoted won’t include any checked baggage — this will have to be added on separately.
The cabin class standard fares have different allocations for baggage allowance, eligibility for upgrades, priority boarding, and change fees.
Here is a top-level view of the different cabin classes — check out our “Inflight Amenities and Seat Specs” section below for more detailed information on amenities and entertainment:
| Main Cabin (Economy) | Premium Economy | Business | First | |
| Checked baggage allowance | 1 piece* | 2 pieces** | 2 pieces*** | 2 pieces**** |
| 1 piece of carry-on + personal item | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Choose seats | No charge | No charge | No charge | No charge |
| Eligible for upgrades | Yes | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Priority check-in, security, and boarding | No | Priority | Priority | Priority |
| Five Star Service available to add to your booking, including meet and greet services. | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Access to airport lounge for qualifying flights | No | No | Yes | Yes |
*Excludes Basic Economy. Applies to transatlantic and transpacific flights. Select cities in Asia and South America get 1 extra checked bag.
**Only 1 free checked bag on flights to/from Hawaii.
***AAdvantage Executive Platinum members get 1 extra checked bag.
****On planes with both business and first class, you get 1 extra checked bag (or 2 if you’re AAdvantage Executive Platinum).
Flexible Fare
This fare type is available for Main Cabin and premium economy, business, and first class.
Fully Flexible Fare
This fare type is available for the Main Cabin and First Class
Passengers are permitted to change their flight up until the same day of travel, and refund to the original form of payment.
American’s baggage allowance is dependent on your destination. If you’re taking a domestic flight within the U.S., then you will need to add on baggage if choosing to fly Main Cabin (regular economy).
This is also applicable on some medium-haul international flights to places such as the Caribbean or Central America. Be sure to check the inclusions when searching for a flight or booking through the call center.
American Airlines Carry-on Allowance
These are applicable for all fare types and cabin classes
1 personal item: FREE
1 standard carry-on: FREE
Size Restrictions
American places seasonal restrictions on checked luggage during its busy period.
Hot Tip: For more information, check out our detailed article for American Airlines Baggage Fees & Tips to Cover the Expenses.
Checked baggage must not exceed 23kg for economy and premium economy; 32kg for business and first class fares; and must not exceed max linear dimensions of 62” (158cm).
Main Cabin:
^^This $75 charge applies for the 1st bag in transatlantic basic economy.
Free Checked Baggage Allowance for Premium Classes
**The fee for a 3rd bag is charged on a 2-cabin aircraft; there is no charge for a 3rd bag on a 3-cabin aircraft
Complimentary Checked Luggage
In addition to passengers flying in premium classes, those with elite status are eligible for complimentary checked luggage.
Change/Cancellation Fees (Cash Tickets)
Same-day change:
Customers requiring extra space onboard: (All cabin classes) second ticket at the same rate if arranged at the same time as buying the first ticket
Tickets issued by Reservations Department: $25 (domestic), $35 (international)
Award tickets issued by Reservations Department: $30 (domestic), $40 (international; fees vary by country)
Assistance by Reservations Department: $50 (Applies to voluntary trip changes by customer, not a booking initially created by American Airlines Reservations or on aa.com)
Tickets issued by American Airlines travel centers: $35 (A higher charge may apply in Colombia and Chile due to government requirements)
Voluntary change to the ticket before travel date: $0 (domestic), up to $750 (international; charge varies depending on the type of ticket purchased)
Same-day standby is complimentary for all passengers, however, higher priority is given to elite passengers.
Cancellation: If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, you can apply the unused value of the ticket toward a future trip (no later than 1 year from the date your original ticket was issued). Change fees may apply.
Seat selection: There isn’t a straightforward pricing structure for American’s seat selection; it depends on your fare type and route. Some flights don’t appear to give you the option to select a seat at all, and Economy Basic doesn’t allow it either.
We ran a search for a flight from Dallas to London in Main Cabin, and seat selection ranged from $91 to $128 per one-way flight.
Unaccompanied minor: $150 + tax (per one-way route)
Transporting a pet as carry-on: $125 per kennel (to/from the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and the Caribbean)
Transporting a pet as checked: $200 per kennel (to/from the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean); $150 to/from Brazil
Hot Tip: We’ve also gone into detail on American Airlines’ award flight change and cancellation fees.
For domestic journeys to Central America, Canada, or the Caribbean, AA provides snacks plus non-alcoholic drinks for journeys over 250 miles.
If you’re traveling to Hawaii on a Flagship route, then a meal plus beer or wine is included; a meal is also included if traveling between New York and Los Angeles or New York and San Francisco, as well as Boston to Los Angeles, Miami to Los Angeles and New York to Orange County.
For flights over 700 miles, meals and refreshments are available to purchase. The type of food is dependent on what time you fly, but it ranges from a charcuterie plate to a cheese and dip tray and costs around $9 to $11 when purchased inflight.
On long-distance international flights, a meal plus beer or wine is served, with spirits available on flights to Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand.
For flights not eligible for complimentary food beverages, these can be purchased for:
There are several cards that will reimburse you for excess fees and general travel expenses.
This is achieved by redeeming your points or miles against your travel expenses at the time of paying off your statement, or by using the annual “travel/airline” credit that comes with the card.
The following Capital One cards allow you to redeem Capital One miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit for previous travel purchases (within 90 days):
American Airlines also offers several co-branded AAdvantage credit cards that offer benefits such as flight discounts, free checked bags, statement credits for inflight purchases, and more.
Main Cabin (Economy)
American describes this cabin as having “All the essentials” for an enjoyable flight.
Amenities include:
Main Cabin Extra
Upgrade to Main Cabin Extra and you’ll enjoy more space with extra legroom and early boarding (after elite members), with preferred group 5 boarding.
Hot Tip: Read more about AA’s boarding process here so you’ll be prepared for your flight!
Premium Economy
Enjoy an “Elevated travel experience” with privileges at the airport and in the air.
Amenities include:
Business Class
Business is the highest class and level of service available on American’s shorter international flights to the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and certain destinations in South America.
Amenities include:
First Class
First class is available on domestic flights within the U.S., and it gets you American’s “highest level of service.”
Amenities include:
Flagship Business — International
“A premier experience for the long haul,” Flagship Business is available on international flights to Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and South America. Here’s what it includes:
*Flagship Business is only available on aircraft with lie-flat seats: B772, B773, B788, B789, A321T
Flagship Business — Transcontinental
Available on flights from Los Angeles to New York, San Francisco to New York, and Los Angeles to Boston, you can “Travel coast-to-coast in luxury.”
Hot Tip: Flagship Business Plus is a new fare category that allows business class passengers to use Flagship check-in, get 3 free checked bags, and use Flagship First Dining in Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas (DFW), Miami (MIA), and New York (JFK).
Flagship First — International
Available on flights to Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America when traveling on a B773 aircraft.
Flagship First — Transcontinental
Available on flights from Los Angeles to New York, San Francisco to New York, and Los Angeles to Boston, you can travel “Coast-to-coast in comfort” with Flagship First.
Bottom Line: Flagship Business and Flagship First are the most luxurious options on American Airlines.
American Airlines has a large fleet of aircraft with varying cabin configurations. We’ve included details of a few of its planes below, and you can see a full list of all 32 plane variations here.
| Airbus A319 – Version 1 – 128 seats each | ||||||
| Class | Seat Count | Seat pitch | Seat width | Wi-Fi (fee) | Entertainment | Power |
| First | 8 | 38″ | 21″ | Y | Personal device | Y |
| Main Cabin Extra | 24 | 34″, bulkhead, exit row | 17.7″ | Y | Personal device | Y |
| Main Cabin | 96 | 30″ | 17.3″-18″ | Y | Personal device | Y |
| Boeing 737 MAX | ||||||
| Class | Seat Count | Seat pitch | Seat width | Wi-Fi (fee) | Entertainment | Power |
| First | 16 | 37″ | 21″ | Y | Personal device | Y |
| Main Cabin Extra | 30 | 33″, bulkhead, exit row | 16.6″-17.8″ | Y | Personal device | Y |
| Main Cabin | 126 | 30″ | 16.6″-17.8″ | Y | Personal device | Y |
| Boeing 777-200 – 273 seats | ||||||
| Class | Seat Count | Seat pitch | Seat width | Wi-Fi (fee) | Entertainment | Power |
| Business | 37 | Lie-flat | 21.9″ | Y | Seatback screen, live TV | Y |
| Premium Economy | 24 | 38″ | 18.5″ | Y | Seatback screen, live TV | Y |
| Main Cabin Extra | 66 | 35″-36″ | 17.1″-18.1″ | Y | Seatback screen, live TV | Y |
| Main Cabin | 146 | 31″-32″ | 17.1″-18.1″ | Y | Seatback screen, live TV | Y |
As with any airline, American does have its fair share of disgruntled customers — but it also has a great deal of happy loyal ones who appreciate the frequency of flights and ability to fly direct to many locations, both domestic and international.
Customers often take to American’s social media channels to air their grievances for late departures or their disappointment with “shabby” planes.
With nearly 6,700 flights and half a million passengers per day (AA and branded codeshare partners), it’s inevitable that the airline is not going to have a perfect track record with time-keeping — but just where exactly does it stand?
Within the March 2023 Air Travel Consumer Report, it was reported that of its 138,943 flights scheduled to depart the U.S. in January 2023 (AA and branded codeshare partners), 2% were canceled, ranking it the seventh-worst airline of the 10 featured in the report.
Its huge fleet of varying ages seems to be a bone of contention for many customers due to the inconsistencies of modernization and entertainment onboard.
The general complaints you see about American Airlines on social media and from Tripadvisor reviews are pretty consistent with the types of complaints logged in the March 2023 Air Travel Consumer Report. The most prominent is about flight delays and cancellations.
These are the total complaints by category lodged against American Airlines in January, February, and March of 2023:
For the same period in 2022, American had 1,276 complaints, so it looks like it is striving to make some improvements to customer satisfaction. Let’s hope it continues!
Skytrax Ranking: 3 Star Airline (out of 5)
Skytrax Customer Rating: 3/10
Tripadvisor Airline Review Rating: 3.5/5 (average from 76,507 reviews)
Kayak Customer Rating: 7.2/10 (average from 9,119 reviews)
7.84/10 (quality of amenities, on-time arrivals, and how well an airline resolves flight delay compensation claims)
American Airlines has a 7/7 safety record as awarded by AirlineRatings.com. This takes into consideration whether the airline has an IATA Operational Safety Audit Certification, combined with information from the World’s Aviation Governing Body, plus government and crash records.
You can see from the complaint results that flight issues such as cancellations and delays are the biggest problems customers have with the performance of American Airlines, but there is good news on the horizon!
Comparing the March 2023 Air Travel Consumer Report with the March 2022 Air Travel Consumer Report, the number of complaints logged for this category for the same time period in 2022 (December-April) has almost halved (971 vs. 484).
American Airlines is the world’s largest airline and takes its corporate responsibility seriously in supporting global and community initiatives.
Current partners include Stand Up to Cancer, Make-a-Wish, American Red Cross, and Unicef with regular donations and aid provided during crisis.
AA personnel have dedicated over 155,000 volunteer hours to good causes, and 20 million miles have been donated to local charities by American Airlines.
Let’s face it: American Airlines is never going to be the most luxurious airline out there.
It’s got a mission to get passengers from A to B as frequently and safely as possible, and that might be on an airplane with no seatback entertainment!
But it does have its loyal customers, and the premium cabin classes on the newer Airbus models have been well-received.
For domestic and short-haul flights though, competition is fierce, with the likes of low-cost airlines Alaska and Southwest giving American a run for its money.
From running a few domestic flight searches using the same departure and date criteria, American’s fares were higher or comparable to these 2 low-cost airlines, with no notable additional offerings from American — and they both boast higher customer satisfaction ratings!
However, American does have a monopoly on direct routes and availability, which is sometimes where convenience trumps personal preference.
The information regarding the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
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33 comments
diane appleton
August 16, 2019
Hi, we will be traveling on American Air in a couple of weeks to Ireland. One of our group has diabetes and was asking about bringing packaged foods on board ie: cheese crackers. He needs this as a snack. Is this allowed going into another country? Thank you.
Jarrod West
August 16, 2019
Hi Diane,
Yes, you can bring those items on the plane with you. But keep in mind that you will not be able to have any open food containers on you when you go through customs in Ireland, so at that point, you will need to throw them away.
Thanks for reading!
Eileen Oprins
October 20, 2019
Well American Airlines stupidity strikes again!! After three weeks of constantly calling American Airlines pet transport the fur babies were finally booked on flights for today. Lea ( the gal in Puerto Rico taking care of transport in Puerto Rico) gets all the animals to the airport, pays for the flight and they leave for the tarmac. Two minutes later she gets a call from American the flight has been over booked so the fur babies are on their way back for her to load up and bring home AGAIN! I call American and they tell me “well that shouldn’t happen you had a reservation as well as a confirmation number“, seriously! I then get them on yet another flight that comes into O’Hare at midnight on Tuesday, however now the health certificates will be out of date need all new ones which of course cost more money! American says “nothing they can do about that“ and of course charges me the same amount of money! No hey here’s a discount for all the inconvenience because AMERICAN OVER BOOKED THE PREVIOUS FLIGHTS, no here’s a discount good for your next booking nope, just here’s how much you will have to pay!! Are you serious American Airlines?? Wow amazing customer service, NOT!!
Nancy Rickman
December 10, 2019
We are flying to Maui, Hawaii in Mid-January, and we want a business or first class experience. What classes are on the Hawaiian fights?
Jarrod West
December 11, 2019
Hi Nancy,
American Airlines offers first-class seats on all of its flights to Hawaii.
Dylan Diljohn
January 04, 2020
Does American offer free baggage for student traveling to universities abroad?
Jarrod West
January 04, 2020
Hi Dylan,
Unfortunately, they do not? Do you have any of the American Airlines credit cards? If so you might be able to receive free checked luggage.
James
February 03, 2020
I used my American Master Card to purchase air ticket for a flight within the United States.
You should get a free checked bag IF you use your American Airlines MC to purchase ticket.
BUT, when I was checking in, they said it did not “show on their system” that I used my Master card.
I did produce my American Master Card receipt to prove that I did use it to buy my air ticket.
BUT, the person was unwilling to accept my “proof” and said I would be charged a bag fee anyway and that I had to contact my American MC to get a refund!
Over all, American Airlines has the worst customer service I have ever encountered!
And I have flown many airlines, including some foreign ones (to Ukraine and Africa)!
Eldeca
August 08, 2022
I agree, I don’t recommend anyone to this airline, they are scammers! They cancelled my flight twice in one month, the agents keep promising they will send the tickets, last moment they said our name is not on the flight, do you know the emotional damage they caused upon myself and kids! I hate this airline! I am still depressed! All they care is the money! They will lose customer in the future. They need to reflect upon themselves and read all the reviews people are saying about them. My entire month was ruined because of them!
Mara, Madison
February 13, 2020
I am going to Cuba and bringing 200 toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss. Does AA have a practice of allowing one luggage free of charge for donations we bring? If what is the weight limit.
Catherine Luther
February 14, 2020
Hi Mara,
Unfortunately it seems American does not allow any free baggage for charitable donations. It might still be worth trying at the check-in desk but it is likely you will be charged.
linda
April 07, 2020
I am flying to Barcelona in October from Chicago. We are in Premium Economy and they have changed our seats to 14D and 15E. Will there be someone in those third seats with what is going on right now?
Thank you.
Jarrod West
April 07, 2020
Hi Linda,
At this time there is no way to know for certain, as we can’t be sure if what the status of COVID-19 will be like by October.
Thanks for reading!
Cassandra Greene
September 21, 2020
Why does American Airlines treat their passengers as though COVID doesn’t exist? I’m sitting here on a packed flight with people on both sides and in front and behind me. I’m already feeling I need an injection of Elderberry, Zinc, and Oil of oregano all in one. God help greedy airlines. Last trip on American as long as there’s a Virus out here.
Lark hackney
April 05, 2021
I am an elite Alaska airlines million mile member. I will fly to Chicago on Alaska air then have a long layover before going on to Cleveland on American Airlines. Will I be eligible to use an American Airlines lounge in the Chicago airport?
Jarrod West
April 06, 2021
Hi Lark,
Scratch my previous reply. Alaska elites do not get access to Admirals Club lounges when traveling solely on North American flights. This would apply to all flights within or between the U.S., Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
Linda Rooselvelt
June 24, 2021
That is because it is already very safe to travel with the HEPA filters. There is no need for this.
MD
April 27, 2021
During a recent American Airlines flight from San Francisco to Philadelphia, I transported wine I purchased in Napa Valley. I packaged the wine in two insulated containers using copious bubble wrap to ensure its safety. I checked the containers for the flight and was assured by the baggage check clerk of their safe passage to my destination. During a layover in Dallas, I even saw the containers safely unloaded onto a cart for transportation to our next flight.
However, that was the last time I saw the containers intact. When the containers arrived at the baggage claim, they looked like they were crushed by something weighing multiple tons. The containers were contorted and deformed in different directions, soaked with liquid that undoubtedly belonged to the crushed wine bottles inside. One of the containers was wrapped in a plastic bag likely to contain the mess but without any indication that something was done to protect it. In totality, it becomes clear my containers were grossly mishandled in transit from Dallas to Philadelphia that resulted in irreparable damage.
Unfortunately, this negligence compounded with the rest of my experience with American Airlines, which was unacceptably poor at every step in the process. I was guided to and waited in three different lines for nearly an hour to check my containers in the first place. The security line was also delayed, almost causing me to miss my flight. The flight itself was delayed multiple hours for unclear reasons, and the baggage claim was an utter frenzy without any regard for COVID-related safety precautions. Overall, my experience was nearly as bad as my baggage’s, and I am strongly considering never flying with American Airlines again.
When I contacted American Airlines about my experience, what was their response? We’re sorry that happened. Do better.
Laurel Weaver
April 29, 2021
What is the difference between Ruby and Gold club on American?
Jarrod West
April 29, 2021
Hi Laurel,
Ruby is a Oneworld status that is applied to every Oneworld member airline and AAdvantage Gold status is exclusive to members of the American Airlines AAdvantage program.
Nick Gómez
June 16, 2021
American Airlines’ seat selection ranged from $91-$128 per one-way flight.
I could not sit with my daughter unless I paid.
Our Flight 2164 from Colombia was canceled without a valid reason, weather in New York was 82F and sunny on 6/9/21.
Unfortunately, this negligence compounded with the rest of my experience with American Airlines which was unacceptably poor at every step in the process.
My direct flight To New York ended up in Miami and without a refund. The security line was also delayed, almost causing me to miss my flight. I am strongly considering never flying with American Airlines again.
Linda Rooselvelt
June 24, 2021
They are very short staffed and can’t do much. My personal guess would be that their weren’t enough employees to give the airplane its check which caused it to be delayed.
You should give them another chance once this pandemic is over. As soon as they get the staff they need, they will be much better.
Gabriel LaPlante
August 03, 2021
I’ll try to make this short, but American Airlines screwed up so bad it can’t even be explained in an essay. So I live in CT, and tried to take a trip to NC because I had an important appointment made over a month in advance, that cost $175 to make. My flight was scheduled for July 11th with 1 stop. Well, at midnight July 11th, hours before my flight, I was notified my flight got canceled. Called American Airlines to find it took from midnight to 8pm to get off hold. Literally 20 hours on hold. The person told me that they had no flights going out on the 11th, and that the next flight was on the 12th.
Great, just missed the appt I waited a month and paid for. Now my entire trip has no value or meaning. Well, I paid for 4 Choice Window seats so that I get the seats I want, and guess what? That $35 per seat isn’t refunded or transferred to the new plane. They just decided I don’t get to choose my seats anymore despite paying for them. First flight went down, landed in WA, then of course the 2nd flight was delayed three and a half hours. Got to NC over a day late tired as hell and didn’t even have a reason to be there anymore. Whatever.
So, my return was scheduled for July 16th with one stop in Philly. Of course, I drive 2 hours from Murphy NC to Ashville for the airport, and in the parking lot I get a text saying they cancelled my flight to Philly, but not the one to CT. Wow. So their plan was to fly me to Philadelphia, leave me there, and not even take me to ct. Call them again and wait 7 hours for them to get off hold, and they tell me there are no flights to CT until the 18th. I looked and found Southwest and Delta Airlines were both flying from NC to CT with no issue, and was told that only American Airlines cancelled. Are you kidding me? So, they rescheduled my flight for the 18th, and I had to pay for a hotel for two days in NC as well as tell my boss at work that American Airlines abandoned me halfway across the country and refused to take me home. He wasn’t happy. I also had to call my grandfather and tell him for the next two days, I’d need him to drive an hour to my house to care for my animals. Great.
The return flight finally comes, and I don’t have the choice seating that I paid for because once again the flight I paid money for never took off. Well, I sit down in my assigned seat that has 0 legroom and is insanely uncomfortable (the planes were literally so small there were only 3 seats per row and you had to duck not to hit your head, the worst flights in history) and what do you know? “Sorry sir but this side of the plane is too heavy we need someone to move.” Well, my 140-pound ass had to get out of the seat and move. Then guess what? “We’re sorry but a component of the plane has broken and we’re going to need a new aircraft, please wait as we reboard you.” Are you actually kidding? I had to stay ANOTHER 5 HOURS in the airport waiting for a new plane to come so we could take our flight. I get back to CT 3 days late, to find those extra 3 days also cost me $70 in airport parking.
My original flight was $670. I paid $35 x 4 for choice seats. I didn’t receive a single one of those seats. I paid to leave on July 11th, I was forced to leave on the 12th. I paid to come back on July 16th, I was forced to come back on July 18th. I did a quick online booking, which led to 28 hours on hold on the phone. After contacting American Airlines, they were insanely rude to me, literally would compensate me even for the choice seats they wouldn’t provide, wouldn’t compensate me for the two flights delayed days, wouldn’t compensate me for the 2 extra days I had to pay for a hotel, wouldn’t compensate me for the 3 days I was forced by them to park at the airport, and couldn’t even have a good attitude. Seriously, American Airlines is the single worst company I have ever had to deal with in my entire life. Is there any legal action I can take to get my money back? They literally cost me nearly $1400 and didn’t even give me a piece of the service I paid for. I paid for 4 plane seats, and didn’t end up on a single one because of them. I lost over a thousand dollars and I have to reschedule the entire trip becasue they failed to get me to my appointment. What the hell do I do? You could’ve offered me $1500 to take that trip and I would’ve refused because of how bad it is. I will never touch American Airlines property again, nor will I ever use Expedia again. I pray that both companies go bankrupt.
Roxana Forsyth
October 29, 2021
I agree 110%!!!
Shannon Labath
September 03, 2022
Once a flight is canceled, American Airlines says figure it out, you are on your own. Rudest staff I have ever dealt with! We got home a day late, didn’t get the upgraded seats we paid for, and paid for a car and hotel out of pocket. BEWARE PEOPLE this is the worst airline I’ve ever experienced. On a good day the flight crew is rude with zero personality or empathy, when things go wrong they just do not care!
Darlene
October 21, 2021
We just got back from Hawaii. Flew out of DFW to HNL, nonstop flight. We really didn’t have an issue with AA. Everyone wore masks and that I could see, everyone around us wore their mask and kept them on and up except while eating or taking a drink. Now, when you are lost at DFW, those folks are not too friendly and don’t seem to want to help you out. But as far as AA, no issues. I will say though, the same exact flights, times, planes, and everything, if we go on AA now and look into booking for next year, they have now gone up over 3000.00 each person. Which I think is a total rip off.
Lynda Arredondo
March 31, 2022
On my flight from Seattle to Miami we were not even offered beverages or snacks and our trip was over 5 hours. I have always been offered something.
Katie Seemann
April 01, 2022
Hi Lynda,
That’s pretty unusual. Was there a lot of turbulence? I’ve been on flights that were bumpier than average and the captain has asked the flight attendants to remain seated for the whole flight. I hope you have better luck next time.
Betty
June 06, 2022
I called the airlines on Saturday morning June 4, 2022, to get my seat updated as I’m handicapped. The flights were from Syracuse to Charlotte and then from Charlotte to MCI. The guy I spoke to fixed the first part for me then he told me that Charlotte had to change my seat once I got there. The lady was so rude to me and would not change my seat from 30 C to the front, she said the plane was full. After I got on the plane before taking off the Flight Attendant called four other travelers to move to the front of the plane. I will never fly American Airlines again.
Ted
June 20, 2022
The most unethical company you will ever encounter. 10s of thousands of air miles, they are clearly doing everything they can to rip off customers for what they lost the last three years. Wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t experience first hand. A $610 ticket became almost $2900. As I was told they needed time to calculate taxes, but held me up for over 30 minutes as they negotiated with another passenger to get off the plane.
Shawna
October 09, 2022
In March 2020, we were planning a tour of Ireland and then going on to Scotland via American Airlines. Suitcases were packed and we were flying out with our daughter from Wyoming and meeting our son from Colorado in Ireland, a trip of a lifetime. Then, Covid hit and our trip was postponed. We were disappointed, but made a new plan for 2022. Our travel agent was able to rebook our tickets and we thought we were set.
However, covid prevailed and our tour company again made the decision to wait. So here it is time to get tickets for 2023 and that is where we hit a huge snag. American Airlines refused to book us a ticket for 2023. We were told that tickets must be issued by September 30th and must be used by December 31st, 2022, no exceptions. Since out tour is April of 2023, it is not a plausible plan for us.
We have tried to talk to American Airlines, but they say policy is policy. That is fine, but give us our money back. How can American Airlines just keep over $4000.00 of our money because of policy for no service rendered? Our son is the lucky one, he booked with United Airlines. No problem, they are happy to accommodate. We, however, have hit closed doors and feel cheated and mystified by American Airlines. My advice to everyone, do not fly American Airlines. They cause only disappointment and stress.
Jim
February 17, 2023
The updated date for the article reads January, 2023.
American Airlines has not used Bose Headsets in Business or First since 2019; changed to Bang & Olufsen.
Thanks
Jarrod West
February 24, 2023
Hi Jim,
Thanks for pointing that out – we have correct the post.
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