It’s interesting to hear about this friendship. I guess it’s not too surprising, though it also sort of is…?
In this post:
American’s current & former CEOs vacation together in Paris
Insider JonNYC shares an interesting report about a flight taken by a major airline CEO… well, two major airline CEOs. His initial post read as follows:
Ok I’m throwing the one up Without names until someone can 100% confirm. Consider it allegorical unless otherwise confirmed 🙂 “Nothing says out of touch like [major airline Bigwig] and [similar/former] family and their security flying back to [US airport] from their Paris vacation on Easter Sunday with Gucci shopping bags in hand, cutting [absolute highest level] pre-boards to get on the plane first to their 6+ seats in business, and never acknowledging a single customer along the way. “
He then followed that up with this, confirming that the people in question were American CEO Robert Isom and former American CEO Doug Parker:
OK, well, I still cannot confirm/comment on the behavior reported (yet…) But this was Isom and (wife or family) and Doug Parker and (wife or family.)
The part of this story that I find to be interesting
I don’t actually read too much into the concept of the CEO being pre-boarded ahead of everyone else, as that’s quite common, and I don’t think it’s unreasonable. For example, ideally the CEO would want to pre-board to be able to talk with the crew, thank them for their work, etc. That being said, three things stand out.
First, I hope that Isom and Parker declare whatever is in those Gucci bags, so they don’t lose their Global Entry. Or maybe they’ve been doing a bit of repacking of bags onboard, before the plane touches down in the United States. 😉
Second, it’s unfortunate to read this report that Isom didn’t acknowledge a single customer. I get that sometimes airline executives want a vacation as well, but it just blows my mind when they let such an easy opportunity go to waste. It reminds me of when I took the first long haul Lufthansa Allegris flight to Germany, and the company’s CEO was in the best business class suite, but then didn’t actually interact with any passenger, get feedback, etc. It just seems like a missed opportunity.
Third, and this is what I find most interesting — Isom and Parker are actually still good friends, to the point that they do couples trips to Paris? I guess I’m not surprised to hear they get along, since obviously there’s a better situation between them than between either of them and Scott Kirby.
But still, am I the only one who would pay to be a fly on the wall and hear their conversations at dinner? Was Vasu Raja on this trip as well? 😉
Bottom line
American CEO Robert Isom and former CEO Doug Parker are reportedly taking the same flight from Paris to Dallas, as part of a couples trip. Part of the report suggests that Isom didn’t actually acknowledge any passengers, and boarded before everyone else.
Though I still think the most interesting news is that Parker and Isom are so close that they’re taking couples trips to Paris.
Are you surprised to hear that Isom & Parker vacation together?
God forbid the CEO goes on vacation with his family / friends and flies the airline he leads (just like every AA employee does). Past/former CEOs can be mentors / friends. Show his family some privacy and not whatsoever news worthy.
Doug Parker, Robert Isom, and Tim Dunn are all sitting in the same row on a flight to Paris.
The flight attendant comes by and says, "Gentlemen, we’ve run out of the premium chicken. All we have left is the basic pasta."
Doug Parker leans back and says, "That’s fine. If we just merge the pasta with the bread rolls, we’ll create a 'Carb Powerhouse' that dominates the tray table. The scale of this meal...
Doug Parker, Robert Isom, and Tim Dunn are all sitting in the same row on a flight to Paris.
The flight attendant comes by and says, "Gentlemen, we’ve run out of the premium chicken. All we have left is the basic pasta."
Doug Parker leans back and says, "That’s fine. If we just merge the pasta with the bread rolls, we’ll create a 'Carb Powerhouse' that dominates the tray table. The scale of this meal will be unmatched in the industry!"
Robert Isom checks a spreadsheet on his phone and says, "Wait, Doug. Before we serve that, we need to ensure the operational reliability of the fork. I’ve also instructed the crew to not spend a dollar on extra sauce. If the passengers eat fast enough, they’ll be finished on time, and that’s the only metric that matters."
Tim Dunn doesn't even look at his tray. He’s already 400 words into a comment on OMAAT. He says:
"It’s cute that you guys think 'food' is the product. While you’re debating pasta, Delta has already monetized the hunger. Notice how the cabin air feels 'premium'? That’s because Delta’s proprietary HVAC system generates 12% more Revenue Per Available Sniff (RPAS) than American Airlines.
Even though there is no chicken, Delta’s corporate contract revenue remains a segment leader. I’ve just posted 18 paragraphs proving that Delta's empty plate is more 'premium' than a three-course meal on AA. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go explain why a middle seat in economy is actually a 'bespoke social networking opportunity' that helps Delta Keep Climbing.
this is honestly the peak of this meme. well done sir
If Doug Parker was there, he probably did acknowledge people even if his role at AA is over.
As much as most customers hate him as a CEO, he is actually a very decent likable guy on a personal level.
Who cares what job the other pax in J have? Or if a celebrity is two seats over. I’m not interested.
Clearly they were too stingy to buy an AF ticket in order to get some insight into what a decent business class product looks like in 2026.
Wow since when did this blog turn into tmz
After the second baby….
Cue all the people being like "iF yOu DoN't LiKe ThE aRtIcLe YoU dOn'T hAvE tO rEaD iT!"
You are right though. This blog used to have standards for what was post-worthy. Actual thinkpieces and interesting content.
Now it's recycled listicles on who has the nicest champagne in business class, credit card advertisements, and tabloid garbage.