Tag Archives for american airlines.
American Airlines has launched a new award search tool. It runs alongside – rather than, at this point, being a replacement for – their existing award search.
The calendar feature isn’t available yet and the ability to filter results isn’t either. This new tool also does not allow you to book new Economy Web Special awards either.
American Airlines Group is earning a profit, albeit less than the minimum CEO Doug Parker promised they’d ever see. Whether or not they’ll ever lose money again though hinges on the success of their frequent flyer program — and whether they can recognize they aren’t offering a flight product that customers want to pay a premium for.
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
Two weeks ago I reported that American would launch award redemption for premium economy this month. Awards go live tomorrow (Thursday, January 24).
We will not see any change to upgrades at this time, or upgrade awards for premium economy. This new redemption option will be for American miles on American flights only — they will not enable redemption of premium economy seats on partners, and American’s partners won’t have access to premium economy awards either.
Based on internal conversations American Airlines believes that they have too many widebodies today but as soon as their joint venture with Qantas is approved they’ll be able to grow into them — taking a couple of planes that fly to Europe in the summer and using them on South Pacific routes in the winter starting in late 2019.
In addition to faster internet American’s 737s and A321s are also getting bigger overhead bins. As long as each passenger only brings their allowable carry on bags and stows their personal item under the seat there should be no need to check a bag.
A change to the computer display at each gate rolled out December 11 to let agents know when the plane has this new interior and will have enough bin space for all passengers.
The system has rolled out to domestic airports. It’s touted as helping passengers not have to stay and wait in line, though gate agents need to trigger emails to passengers. It should mean fewer staff necessary at customer service.
There does seem to be a huge flaw in this system.
At an employee Crew News question and answer session earlier this month, American Airlines CEO Doug Parker was asked why the airline focuses on exact on time departures, rather than arrivals.
Parker explained that Delta is great at departing exactly on time and that’s what makes them arrive on time.
When you don’t follow a flight attendant’s instructions we’ve all learned what can happen. They call the police to go all David Dao on you. But like the American Airlines flight attendant last year who grabbed a stroller and nearly hit a baby sometimes instead of outsourcing they take care of business themselves.
That seems to be what an American Airlines passenger is alleging.
It turns out American Airlines isn’t aware of any bar fights in their lounges. However they’ve instructed clubs not to show national news on their televisions unless requested by a member.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
