Cheap Flights From Washington, D.C. To Lubbock, Texas

“Hostility on American”

by flyhappy on August 4, 2010

Flight from Washington, D.C. to Lubbock

Airline:

American

RT/OW

One Way

Number of Stops:

1 stop in Dallas, Texas

Date of Flight:

July 2010

Seat Class:

economy

After a timely arrival and speedy self-check-in (and receiving boarding passes) for my American Airlines flight, I was surprised to find only one person checking in baggage at the Dulles airport in DC. There were two other workers--one was designated for "special passengers" and the other for "first class". The one "regular" person had to stop several times to assist the "special" worker who seemed confused. Much time was spent watching both workers stare at the computer monitor. As a result, it took over 30 minutes to check one bag in a line of less than ten passengers. Upon arrival at my gate, I was told that I had not been assigned a seat and would have to go back to the boarding desk where they ignored me for several minutes then appeared confused as to whether I even had a ticket. After finally reaching the doorway of the plane with a seat number, I was told to step aside into the ?serving? area rather than being allowed to go to my seat. The AA employee from the boarding area just happened to come to the doorway of the plane and asked why I was standing there. I replied that I had been told to do so. At that time, she escorted me to my seat. Due to the long delays in getting aboard the plane (with several minutes before we departed), I turned my phone back on and was attempting to quickly text my son to inform him that I was on board. At that moment, an extremely hostile flight attendant asked me if there had been a death or an emergency and sarcastically said they had announced twice for electronic devices to be turned off. I understand the rules and am a quiet spoken "rule follower" but did need to assure family of my situation. All attendants had their name badges turned backwards so names were not visible. None were friendly, but this particular one was mean and hostile as if she would rather be anywhere except doing her job. She was oblivious to the effects of her attitude.

In contrast, the flight attendant on the American Eagle flight from Dallas to Lubbock was friendly, helpful, and courteous. She gave her name several times and offered to do whatever she could to assist. I usually fly Southwest and she reminded me of the gracious and friendly SW attendants.

Oh, yes, when I arrived in Lubbock, my luggage did not arrive. When I have to pay to check one bag, it would stand to reason that at least the baggage would arrive with the passenger, but this has happened on AA more than once.

American Airlines needs to take lessons in organization and customer relations from Southwest Airlines. I will avoid AA whenever possible.

~ Carolyn