A few weeks ago I wrote that American is giving flight attendants a new tool to hand out onboard compensation for service failures. If something bad happens during your flight, they can give you AAdvantage miles on the spot.

We now know something about what situations are programmed for miles (and what will get you bupkis) and how much you can expect to get. Via The Forward Cabin:

It’s hilarious that American believes eliminating seat back video altogether is ‘Going for Great’ yet a non-functional seat back monitor deserves compensation while non-functional internet does not even though it’s internet that they claim is important for customers. You’ll get no compensation for planes that lack seat back screens at all.

If American runs out of food in first class you’ll be compensated. If they forget to board a special meal you’ve ordered you’ll be compensated. (If you just don’t get your first choice of entree you won’t be.) However if American runs out of food to sell you in coach you won’t get anything (other than going hungry).

However if a flight attendant spills something on you that would require dry cleaning they’ll give you miles. I assume that’s instead of paying for your dry cleaning.

In general Forward Cabin believes that standard compensation will be based on elite status:

• No status or Gold: 5000 miles
  
• Platinum or Platinum Pro: 5000 – 10,000 miles
  
• Executive Platinum: 10,000 miles
  
• ConciergeKey: 15,000 miles

Bear in mind that American says they’re tracking customers who abuse compensation. Customers who receive too much compensation at other airlines and hotel chains — even for fully legitimate issues — have been ‘fired’ in the past.

Broken Armrest on United

Of course if American needs your seat prior to departure the compensation amounts can really add up.