“The Average American”
by BRS on September 3, 2010
Flight from San Francisco to Chicago
- Airline:
-
American
- RT/OW
- Round Trip
- Number of Stops:
- 1 stop in Dallas, Texas
- Date of Flight:
- August 2010
- Seat Class:
- economy
Took flight from SFO to ORD, choosing to stop in Dallas as the fare was $100 cheaper than nonstop. (When will Virgin American break UA and AA hold on slots at ORD, and start bringing good service and good fares on this route? - Sigh...)
As a Platinum member of AA frequent flyer program I chose to go coach out, and return first class on 500 mile upgrades. I make this R/T on American 7x times a year. I travel on AA 4X to London, too. Service is always "OK" Seating is "OK" both in coach (average tight seating on MD 80 - I don't like the new cradle coach seats on the 737 at all!!), 767 and 777 seating is more comfortable. New Wifi on MD80's helps to pass time, as these planes have had no entertainment whatsoever, until now.
Advance bording for premiere members makes travel much better, so can't judge overhead space if you board late. I notice that they are doing a much better job of restricting oversize bags than they used to. So much the better. Inflight service is very erratic. Sometimes you get several beverage services on ORD-SFO - sometimes not. Food for purchase- too expensive, always run out of popular items-- the question is why, if they are popular items, are they not stocking the things they continually run out of---- First class service is adequate. Not worth paying for,,,but fine for upgrade and mileage upgrade. I would not upgrade on AA for less than 4 hour flight. The value is just not there. Fly Virgin or Jet Blue for service, smiles and better treatment..even in coach.
Average experience, service OK, planes all on time and reletively clean. Satisfactory flight for a Legacy Carrier. Feel like AA needs a makeover, everything seems kind of droopy and tired overall.