American Airlines is having an operationally rough few days (as is Spirit Airlines, for that matter), so I wanted to talk about what’s going on, and share some basic tips if you happen to be flying with the airline.
In this post:
American cancels & delays 3,100+ flights
American Airlines’ biggest hub is in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and on Sunday the airport experienced some major storms. This caused many flights to be diverted, canceled, and delayed. To give you a sense of how operations have been impacted, here’s a look at some FlightAware data:
- On Sunday, August 1, 2021, 283 flights were canceled (9% of the schedule) and 941 flights were delayed (30% of the schedule)
- On Monday, August 2, 2021, 563 flights were canceled (18% of the schedule) and 1,006 flights were delayed (33% of the schedule)
- On Tuesday, August 3, 2021, 276 flights have been canceled (9% of the schedule) and 80 flights have been delayed (2% of the schedule); note that this is as of 7AM ET today, so this is going to get much worse
There seems to be no end in sight for these issues, and I’d expect well over 1,000 delays and cancelations today. As you can see above, on Sunday 39% of flights were delayed or canceled, while yesterday 51% of flights were delayed or canceled. Ouch.
What’s the cause of American cancelations & delays?
One of the main initial causes of these issues is the storm that happened on Sunday in Texas. Given the complexity of airline operations, bad weather at one airport can have major impacts throughout a carrier’s entire system. Irregular operations in the airline industry can have a real domino effect, with no easy way to simply “reset” things. In other words, if you’re flying from Miami to New York, it could be that your plane was supposed to come from Dallas, but ended up getting delayed or diverted.
But there’s an even bigger issue here — American Airlines’ schedule is currently being pushed to the limits. During the pandemic we saw airlines decrease the number of employees they have, and now airlines have seen a rapid increase in travel demand for summer. Airlines haven’t been able to hire to keep up with this new demand, there has been a shortage of contractors, and they also don’t have many spare planes.
So while airlines typically have enough staff for their operations when things are going smoothly, it’s a different story when things go wrong. For example, American Airlines has very few reserve pilots and flight attendants at the moment. When there are delays, cancelations, etc., airlines often need to find new crews to work flights, since crews will “time out” (meaning they can’t work anymore, because they’ve exceeded their maximum hours). Well, those crews simply aren’t available right now.
So yeah, over the next couple of days it’s not just a function of whether there’s a plane available to operate your flight, but it’s also the question of whether there’s a crew available to operate your flight. The lack of available crews, along with planes not being where they need to be, will have quite a knock-on effect here.
Are you entitled to compensation for American delays?
If you’re on an American Airlines flight that’s delayed or canceled, what are you entitled to? A few thoughts:
- American Airlines will likely claim that all cancelations and delays associated with this mess are due to “weather,” and therefore the airline will likely try to avoid taking accountability
- Even if the delay or cancelation is within the carrier’s control, airlines aren’t required to offer customers any sort of cash compensation; that being said, they are supposed to offer hotel and meal vouchers for delays within their control, but the challenge is getting American to admit that any of this is within the carrier’s control
- Even if you could get American to admit that a delay is within their control, good luck actually getting in touch with an agent at the airport, since most lines at customer service desks are hundreds of people deep
- The best you can do is hope that you have a credit card with good travel delay coverage, which could help reimburse you for necessary out-of-pocket expenses
How do you get through to an American agent?
I’m seeing endless pictures of ridiculously long lines at customer service counters at airports. Unsurprisingly, American isn’t putting staff where they need to be to take care of customers. Furthermore, American’s options for rebooking yourself online during irregular operations doesn’t rival what’s offered by Delta and United.
In general you’re best off trying to contact @AmericanAir on Twitter for help, though they may be overwhelmed at the moment as well. Otherwise the best option is to try to get through to someone by phone. The issue is that if you call American Airlines’ general reservations phone number, the hold time may be several hours.
The trick is to call one of American Airlines’ foreign call centers, where the hold times are typically much, much shorter. Just use Skype or Google Voice, and you can do so very inexpensively. For example, I’ve often had good luck getting through to the Australia call center in no time (it’s open 24/7).
That being said, by phone they wouldn’t be able to help you with hotel accommodation or meal vouchers, but rather only with rebooking.
Bottom line
American Airlines is having some serious operational issues for the past few days, and I suspect they’ll continue. The problems started with a storm at DFW on Sunday, but the impact from that has been huge. Aircraft scheduling is complicated, and what’s even more complicated at the moment is finding sufficient flight attendants and pilots to actually work flights.
Anyone flying American Airlines the past few days? If so, what’s it like out there?
No the problem been existing for the last month or so. Every time I take plane it gets canceled or delayed. I am six for six.
The vaccine mandate by the great joe biden has resulted in thousands of people quitting their jobs, especially hard hit has been the airline industry. I spent 3 days trying to return to Tampa from Phoenix and the gate agents and agents to rebook freely admitted that the delays and cancellations were due to crew staffing problems. They didn't even try to use the weather as an excuse.
This had nothing to do with pilots and other employees not showing up for work to protest the vaxx mandates, right? I know we like to keep those things quiet and out of the public eye. But people really are waking up, and lies will become more obvious.
Sooo. It’s September 11. How’s it going with the flight schedules.. leaving on time ?
I truly wanted to give American Airlines a chance. However. I do not have a suitcase large enough to pack, " patience " in. August 20th flight was just crazy. Delayed hours and they had way to much fun changing gates for the fliers. MYRTLE BEACH Airport was totally chaotic. Where were the customer representatives? CHARLOTTE AIRPORT had no idea where their crews were. Oh they were coming in on another flight. So now we...
I truly wanted to give American Airlines a chance. However. I do not have a suitcase large enough to pack, " patience " in. August 20th flight was just crazy. Delayed hours and they had way to much fun changing gates for the fliers. MYRTLE BEACH Airport was totally chaotic. Where were the customer representatives? CHARLOTTE AIRPORT had no idea where their crews were. Oh they were coming in on another flight. So now we are waiting on them. FINALLY arrived to final destination . Drive if you can!! AMERICAN AIRLINES LOSS!!!
Yeah... I don't think weather is the reason. It's already August 14 and one of my AA flights got majorly delayed, and the connexion flight got moved from 4pm to 10 pm. Turns out all of them were delayed. ugh. I believe it has everything to do with the covid-19 vaccine requirements for flight crew.
The pilots are negotiating their pay agreement in public.
Give them a pay increase and let us fly on time.
AA delayed my flight, lost my connecting flight, and AA refused me a hotel voucher. Their excuse... the control tower had to many take offs and landings, thus delaying my flight, therefore; it's not their fault the runways were so full.
I was trapped 2 days at DFW trying to get my connection home to Phoenix. It was a madhouse there. I was delayed 7x with 3 cancelled flights. I made it home late last night, via standby, and have never been so happy. I stood in customer service lines for over 10 hours during my 2 day delay. It was taking each customer 15 mins plus when you finally reach an agent and the lines...
I was trapped 2 days at DFW trying to get my connection home to Phoenix. It was a madhouse there. I was delayed 7x with 3 cancelled flights. I made it home late last night, via standby, and have never been so happy. I stood in customer service lines for over 10 hours during my 2 day delay. It was taking each customer 15 mins plus when you finally reach an agent and the lines were hundreds deep. I finally picked the smallest terminal and found the shortest line but it still took me 2.5 hours of standing to speak with a person. The customer service phone number was a joke as it stated you will be called back when it’s your place in line in approximately 6.5 to 8 hours. Meanwhile I running gate to gate to attempt standby. I learned a lot about the airline agency through this experience. However, I will say when you finally get to speak with an agent they did their very best to help you. I was lucky I was traveling alone and could afford the $300 hotel room I had to book late Monday night. My heart went out to people traveling with young children and older individuals who relied on wheelchairs. The worst experience I encountered was an unaccompanied child (+|- 8 yrs old?) who was being shuffled between airline staff as they tried to get him home. I do think American Airlines was doing it’s best but it shows how fragile the whole system is.
I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience unfortunately my mom was supposed to be coming back from Tennessee to San Francisco today and I cannot find her anywhere the flight was delayed till tomorrow and I am stressing out what hotels are around there and is it safe thank you
Delays are understandable but pushing your flight 3x in One day 7:15am. 10am. 9:30pm and then cancelling each time minutes before boarding. That’s just ridiculous. Not to mention making your connections is merely a hope.
We are stuck in Miami. Came back from San Juan yesterday and unable to get back to Connecticut. There were over thousands people at the rebooking desk and only 2 clerks helping out. The crowd grew impatient and police had to intervene few times. They did not offer us a hotel, blaming the weather, we booked the last room and got to the hotel by 2:30 a.m. Today we are on a stand by on...
We are stuck in Miami. Came back from San Juan yesterday and unable to get back to Connecticut. There were over thousands people at the rebooking desk and only 2 clerks helping out. The crowd grew impatient and police had to intervene few times. They did not offer us a hotel, blaming the weather, we booked the last room and got to the hotel by 2:30 a.m. Today we are on a stand by on American again, they say the flight is full, even the first class. It does not look like we will be getting back to Connecticut today.
When we were flying to San Juan a week ago American rebooked us at the airport for direct flight on Jetblue, and now it looks (so they say) as they are unable to book us on a different airline.
will this be straighten out by next wensday?
We just returned home after being stranded at DFW for 48+ hours. Five flights cancelled at last minute. Plane was always there. No pilots or flight crew. Paid our own hotel. The most frustrating thing is that we couldn’t retrieve our checked baggage. Tried multiple times and was told that it “ would take 6-12 hours”. We actually tried anyway and turns out they had sent our baggage on to our destination. Finally booked Southwest...
We just returned home after being stranded at DFW for 48+ hours. Five flights cancelled at last minute. Plane was always there. No pilots or flight crew. Paid our own hotel. The most frustrating thing is that we couldn’t retrieve our checked baggage. Tried multiple times and was told that it “ would take 6-12 hours”. We actually tried anyway and turns out they had sent our baggage on to our destination. Finally booked Southwest and went to Love Field. Greeted in a friendly fashion by an airline that actually knows how to provide customer service and is well managed. Thank you Southwest! Despite having a past of hundreds of thousands of miles on American- we will be shopping for a different airline in the future.
My niece flew her very first flights (one week after turning 18) from DCA to SFO on Saturday. AAL stranded her at DFW for at least 30 hours. We booked her on a SWA flight from Love Field and found her ground transpo from DFW or she still might be at DFW.
The Executive Platinum desk telephone supervisor told us that after she returned from furlough, agents are no longer able to put miles...
My niece flew her very first flights (one week after turning 18) from DCA to SFO on Saturday. AAL stranded her at DFW for at least 30 hours. We booked her on a SWA flight from Love Field and found her ground transpo from DFW or she still might be at DFW.
The Executive Platinum desk telephone supervisor told us that after she returned from furlough, agents are no longer able to put miles back into our account or reimburse for fees paid or book on competitors’ planes - which they used to be able to do. Their “customer service” is a sham. They deliberately made reservations for pax knowing they did not have crew.
We understand they are trying to get back on their feet but AAL should not have ”hoped” they would have crew when they booked flights. They should have not put so many flights on the schedules without crew.
We are very nervous about our flights to Hawaii in two days. My husband already booked his return on Hawaian air because he has to get home for a meeting. I won’t mind some extra days in Hawaii. But my days of flying AAL are over and I think my husband will forego his lifetime Platinum level.
Don’t fly with them
Also congratulations 100 comments
I was caught up in this mess at DFW on 8/2. We arrived at 6:30am for a 8:30 flight. First we were delayed waiting on flight attendants, then they arrived and we were boarded, a 1/2 hr later we were asked to deplane, no pilots had shown up. Later we were updated that they were reassigned. Two updates later we were informed the flight was cancelled. By the way, it was raining on the way...
I was caught up in this mess at DFW on 8/2. We arrived at 6:30am for a 8:30 flight. First we were delayed waiting on flight attendants, then they arrived and we were boarded, a 1/2 hr later we were asked to deplane, no pilots had shown up. Later we were updated that they were reassigned. Two updates later we were informed the flight was cancelled. By the way, it was raining on the way to the airport, not pouring at 5:30am, at about 8:00am the weather was partly sunny, and a little later there was a slight fog but planes were still taking off.
Then tried to get in line for an agent, which number in the hundreds and was constant even before I entered it. While in line I called and was recognized and put thru to an agent offering a flight the next day at 6:45pm for the same 1st class tickets we were holding. I said I’d take anything sooner, then was offered 7:46am tickets the following morning. But when trying to book them they wouldn’t go thru. Finally she came up with my wife going on a flight at 12:10pm and me being put on a 12:55pm different flight at a different terminal. I forgot to mention I am handicapped and struggled to get there. We both arrived in PHL at different terminals. Once I got to where my wife was our 3 bags never showed although she was assured by her agent they would be transferred from our cancelled flight.
Now the nightmare of filling forms out for lost luggage while we are on vacation without any cloths or incidentals. On their tracking site we were not able to do anything because the file # they gave us could not be identified. And trying to call, you can’t get thru. I left my number for a call back and it took 10 hrs to return my call (how concerning their service is). However in the meantime since we couldn’t reach anyone, we drive hours out of our way back to the airport to personal get an update. And as we approached the claims office there were about 100 suitcases lined up, and our 3 were just sitting there. A relief, but why no calls or correspondence at all??? Really poor overall handling of our situation. I’ve flown with American for 40 years, but this is not the same company as of the past.
Not only that, they changed award flights of mine for December, downgrading a connecting domestic flight on an international business class ticket from first to coach with an “upgrade requested” status. No thanks. Sounds like they are predicting their own disastrous operations through the end of the year. At least.
I was there. It was a awfully experience. We left out of PNS to only sit at the gate for a hour and a half waiting to leave PNS. The pilot kept saying that it was a mechanic problem. Knowing that we only have a hour layover at DFW we booked another flight knowing that we would miss our connecting flight. When we finally arrived at DFW we waited on the tarmac for another 30min...
I was there. It was a awfully experience. We left out of PNS to only sit at the gate for a hour and a half waiting to leave PNS. The pilot kept saying that it was a mechanic problem. Knowing that we only have a hour layover at DFW we booked another flight knowing that we would miss our connecting flight. When we finally arrived at DFW we waited on the tarmac for another 30min only to find out that our connecting flight to LAX was still there delayed. The AA app said it was on schedule. Needless to say after talking to a AA agent if there was any other available flights to Burbank, Orange County, Long Beach, Ontario, San Diego, Palm Springs he said no, we got lucky enough to get seats on a flight to Burbank 8 hours later through the app not through a agent. Absolute failure on AA they should be ashamed.
I was in Dallas/Ft. Worth area for a long weekend July 28 to Aug. 2. There was a mild late afternoon rainstorm which should not have caused even flight delays let alone flight cancellations. My mid-afternoon flight home was cancelled, no reason given, I called AA (800) number to re-schedule which allowed me to receive a call back in 2-hours better than staying on hold. They only offered flights the following day which I found...
I was in Dallas/Ft. Worth area for a long weekend July 28 to Aug. 2. There was a mild late afternoon rainstorm which should not have caused even flight delays let alone flight cancellations. My mid-afternoon flight home was cancelled, no reason given, I called AA (800) number to re-schedule which allowed me to receive a call back in 2-hours better than staying on hold. They only offered flights the following day which I found out from the American Express Centurion Lounge was not true. There was a later flight the same day to my destination that showed open. I was able to secure a seat by asking for that specific flight which was not being offered to save me another night in Dallas which came with only a 6-hour delay. The real kicker came at baggage claim where I and approximately 200 other passengers from two flights got to wait 2-hours to find out most of our bags were not on the plane. Very frustrating. Am I now to believe COVID-19 has caused AA to be short of baggage personnel? You can make all the excuses one can dream up I'm more of the opinion AA is a very poorly run airline that doesn't care about its customers and will rip them off at every opportunity with the full support of lawmakers approval.
My husband had a flight on American Sunday evening - it was delayed for over an hour with no reason given. The plane and crew was there the whole time. He was forced to check his carry on which meets ‘personal item’ size restrictions (nicknamed ‘Little Sweet’ because it fits ANYWHERE) - and he was sitting in first class with plenty of room for a bag under the seat in front of him. Little Sweet...
My husband had a flight on American Sunday evening - it was delayed for over an hour with no reason given. The plane and crew was there the whole time. He was forced to check his carry on which meets ‘personal item’ size restrictions (nicknamed ‘Little Sweet’ because it fits ANYWHERE) - and he was sitting in first class with plenty of room for a bag under the seat in front of him. Little Sweet was the last bag off the plane at his connection and he missed his next flight, arriving at the gate 10 minutes before departure. Door was closed, no gate agents around, and the plane departed early. And clearly no one was checking to see if there were close connections. He waited in customer service line for 30 minutes and was rebooked to another city, then left on his own to find a hotel and a way to drive the 90 minutes between where he landed and where he needed to be. His alternative was to cancel his trip entirely. Evidently American has the ‘right’ to do everything they did on this trip. And we have the ‘right’ to not fly American next time. Unfortunately I’m not sure if any other airlines that serve our mid size city are any better.
Our flight from Montana was cancelled with no other American option for two days. Ended up buying seats on Delta. Such a nice experience makes us question our loyalty to American.
Four and a half hour delay of flight from Richmond to DFW Sunday evening. Reading the comments I guess we were lucky to get in at all. In terminal D (not counting terminals A, B, and C) the line for customer service was INCREDIBLY long - hundreds of people. Admirals club closed at 10:00 leaving a bunch of people (me included) looking at them through the glass doors. Need to go to Boston Thursday AM - ha! good luck.
Pathetic, flight was cancelled Sunday for “No cleaning crew”. Cleaning crew sat at the next gate and refused to help, “not my problem”. Cleaning crew dispatcher was AWOL all afternoon, pilot “timed out” flight canceled. Same thing Tuesday as my daughter’s flight was canceled today, no flight attendant. Rebooked her on Delta.
Been flying AA for 40 yrs, worst I have ever seen, it’s not the weather. AA should be sued for selling flights they know they can’t staff.
Our flight yesterday from Moline to El Paso, connecting at DFW was delayed about 2 hours. Right before we boarded, we got a text that our 9:00 pm connection to El Paso was cancelled. When we landed at DFW, the jetway took about 20 minutes to get brought out because there wasn't a gate agent. One of the flight attendants said on the mic, "if I was running this company, you would already be inside...
Our flight yesterday from Moline to El Paso, connecting at DFW was delayed about 2 hours. Right before we boarded, we got a text that our 9:00 pm connection to El Paso was cancelled. When we landed at DFW, the jetway took about 20 minutes to get brought out because there wasn't a gate agent. One of the flight attendants said on the mic, "if I was running this company, you would already be inside at the gate". The gate agent at what would have been our original gate was able to get us on a later flight and we landed at midnight with no bags. The customer service counters were packed, restaurants were starting to close and so many people were stuck. No vouchers for hotel or food.
We were lucky! Weird thing is, before the 10:30 flight they were announcing they were oversold and giving out $925 to flight today yet there were lots of empty seats.
We were delayed and then eventually cancelled last night in BNA. The gate agents and staff at baggage claim were stupendous at communicating and helping however they could (I had two toddlers and a teen with me). They are working their hardest and wow do people treat them terribly even though it is out of their control. I’ve always loved American and thought they did a great job in a crummy situation. Always plan to...
We were delayed and then eventually cancelled last night in BNA. The gate agents and staff at baggage claim were stupendous at communicating and helping however they could (I had two toddlers and a teen with me). They are working their hardest and wow do people treat them terribly even though it is out of their control. I’ve always loved American and thought they did a great job in a crummy situation. Always plan to get stuck, pack extra clothes in your carryon, and be grateful when travel is smooth- It makes life much easier. Weather is unpredictable.
My flight from LAX to Miami-then to Puerto Rico was canceled with American Airlines due to an issue with the mechanic putting the fuel in the wrong tank, per the pilot. It was a complete disaster and a chaotic mess with AA staff. The lack of empathy, the disrespect, the attitudes from the staff was a nightmare. We were stuck in airport terminal 4 waiting for our luggage for 8.5 hours. Not to mention my...
My flight from LAX to Miami-then to Puerto Rico was canceled with American Airlines due to an issue with the mechanic putting the fuel in the wrong tank, per the pilot. It was a complete disaster and a chaotic mess with AA staff. The lack of empathy, the disrespect, the attitudes from the staff was a nightmare. We were stuck in airport terminal 4 waiting for our luggage for 8.5 hours. Not to mention my flight was supposed to leave at 1:30 am. I arrived at LAX 2 hours prior to my departure. So imagine being stranded for 12.5 hours with no accommodations and horrible staff attitudes. Still waiting for the refund, which AA is blaming bad weather on the numerous cancellations. They are short-staffed, pilots, and having issues with shortage of fuel.
The exp line has a 4 hour hold time Sunday .My flight coming in from MEX was diverted to SAT. 4 hour delay became a cancellation and had to fly the yesterday DFW-MEM-ORD.
My 15yr old daughter was stranded overnight at DFW on Sunday night after AA cancelled/rebooked/cancelled/rebooked/cancelled rebooked her. She was told it was due to weather, but although I completely believe that her initial flight was delayed due to weather, the following cancellations were NOT due to weather.
Since she has been flying with us since she was very small and has even flown to Japan and Mexico and back, neither of us felt it...
My 15yr old daughter was stranded overnight at DFW on Sunday night after AA cancelled/rebooked/cancelled/rebooked/cancelled rebooked her. She was told it was due to weather, but although I completely believe that her initial flight was delayed due to weather, the following cancellations were NOT due to weather.
Since she has been flying with us since she was very small and has even flown to Japan and Mexico and back, neither of us felt it was necessary to sign her in as an unaccompanied minor. But when we found that she was going to be spending the night by herself in DFW, I tried to arrange for her to have access to the minor’s lounge for the night for safety reasons. I even offered to pay the $150 fee for unaccompanied minors. I was told that she would not be allowed to go to the lounge and that her safety was not their responsibility, but mine. Which is great to hear when you’re thousands of miles away. Luckily I was able to get her into the last Minute Suite available, and she kept her head and did ok. But I will NEVER understand how they are ok with blatantly lying to 1000s of passengers, knowing they cannot possibly fly all the flights they have sold, and then refusing to take care of those they have stranded. No, I didn’t enroll her in the unaccompanied minors bc I didn’t need someone to show her how to get to her gate or to change terminals. But what I did need was an airline who cares about their customers and who believes in taking care of them when circumstances change. American Airlines, you failed.
We have had the worst experience with American Airlines I have ever had this go around. I have always been a great supporter of AA as my father retired from AA after 30+ years. My husband & I will not fly with them again once we finally get home. We were supposed to Leave Sunday Eve on a nonstop flight from JAX - DFW. Due to the ground stop at DFW they finally canceled our...
We have had the worst experience with American Airlines I have ever had this go around. I have always been a great supporter of AA as my father retired from AA after 30+ years. My husband & I will not fly with them again once we finally get home. We were supposed to Leave Sunday Eve on a nonstop flight from JAX - DFW. Due to the ground stop at DFW they finally canceled our 7pm flight at 10pm. We thought ok no big deal they will get us rescheduled. Well we attempted to get help from the ticket agents at JAX were extremely rude & totally unhelpful. So we called AA as instructed were I was on hold for over 2 hours with no one ever answering. In the meantime they did reschedule our flight now keep in mind we were on a nonstop flight to DFW originally they put us on 2 different flights going to DC where my husband was going to have 20 minutes to connect to a flight to DFW & I was going to have a 2 hour layover. We were able to get in touch with the AAA travel agents that his company used to book flights & there were no flights were we could fly together from DC until Tuesday morning so we flew to DC to leave early Tuesday morning. Then flight to leave early was canceled late last night & we now have been diverted to Asheville NC with a 3 hour layover to finally arrive in DFW sometime tonight around 9pm. American Airlines has been zero help, you can’t get a gate agent to help no ticket agents to help & no customer service to pick up when you call the 800 number. They have the absolute worst customer service & we will NOT EVER FLY AMERICAN AIRLINES AGAIN. It is absolutely ridiculous that we have been trying to get home for 2 full days. Absolutely UNACCEPTABLE!
In simple words- AA has completely stopped caring about good customer service- completely stopped. We will never fly AA again - 99% of the staff are imbeciles and that’s saying it nicely. Oh BTW this social distancing while flying AA is asinine- who the f cares when you’re sitting next to one another- like I said AA staff are complete imbeciles
No issues with AAL flying coast to coast or along coastal states, even this week.
Thankfully only seems to impact the poor amerifats in the middle.
I flew SFO-> Colorado springs with my first layover in years and was disgusted at how some act and dress.
Lucky’s article on clothing at CLT was on point.
Right on. If your not flying first class between New York and Los Angeles your just a big loser. Don’t know why the airlines even provide service to any other cities (well maybe add in DC, as our government employees are VIPs too)
You’re, not your. Hate when my phone thinks it is smarter than me.
@jcil - i can tell you’re being sarcastic and one of the ameripoors from the middle.
FC isn’t enough. Needs to be lie flat with aisle access. Jfc, I can’t imagine doing a 6hr transcon on a recliner seat! Though you probably think that is quite the treat.
The problem with AA is that they furloughed 30,000 workers, retired out 23,000 employees, retired 100's of planes and grounded 100's more early in the pandemic. They stopped running more than 1/2 of their domestic and 75% of the international routes due to such a low passenger level which at 1 point was less than 10% of normal. I never stopped flying and I saw the whole thing unfold so I get the fact that...
The problem with AA is that they furloughed 30,000 workers, retired out 23,000 employees, retired 100's of planes and grounded 100's more early in the pandemic. They stopped running more than 1/2 of their domestic and 75% of the international routes due to such a low passenger level which at 1 point was less than 10% of normal. I never stopped flying and I saw the whole thing unfold so I get the fact that they had to do something. Problem is that by this time last year ridership was back to more than 30%, they were filling most flights and they wave was just beginning to swell. They saw the wave coming and unfortunately they decided to ride it with a reduced workforce so that they could line their pockets. Social distancing? They filled every seat and did not serve meals/beverages in the name of safety and social distancing (more pocket lining). The intense cleaning between flights seldom happened shortly after the filling of the planes (more pocket lining). Now that ridership is at more than 80% of its highest at any time in commercial airline travel history, they are stuck with a mothballed fleet and a lack of workers due to government handouts and increased unemployment benefits. It will take 100's of hours to get each plane out of mothball shape if done correctly /safely. It will probably take until September before we get the freeloaders off of their couch and back to work but only if the government stop handing out our taxes dollars and spending like drunken sailors. Until the planes and people are back to work you better buckle up buttercup and get used to the new age of air travel. Currently AA is overbooking every flight. If they do not fill the plane on the route you booked then they will cancel the flight, re-route you and re-route the plane to a flight they can fill. Safe travels all.
I hope Alaska execs are paying attention and will reconsider any ideas of merging with this train wreck of an airline.
My flight from DCA to BDL this morning was delayed an hour last night and then pulled in 30 minutes this morning, for a net of 30 minute delay. No explanation when I asked in the club, but it came from Memphis so was likely caught up in the Dallas ripple at some point and I suspected crew rest. In any event, we are on our way now! Glad to be clear of those issues…..
AA has long been BAD at this. Back in 2019, I spent hours trying to get someone on the phone to reroute my family from SJO to ORD so that MIA was avoided due to an impending hurricane. After all that waiting, I was offered a flight that was 2 1/2 weeks out and a shrug. In the end, I ate the Avios miles I'd used for the AA return flight and put us all...
AA has long been BAD at this. Back in 2019, I spent hours trying to get someone on the phone to reroute my family from SJO to ORD so that MIA was avoided due to an impending hurricane. After all that waiting, I was offered a flight that was 2 1/2 weeks out and a shrug. In the end, I ate the Avios miles I'd used for the AA return flight and put us all on WN via HOU. WN couldn't have been nicer, btw.
So, they really haven't changed much. The difference here is that many years of playing it tight and cheap with customer service and employees may have finally caught up with them. Oh, and are they still doing the patented AA Rolling Delay? Push it out 20 minutes at a time until every has pissed away their entire day and all their options are gone?
I tried to fly out of Dfw yesterday 8/2 and it was a nightmare. Delay after delay, changed terminals 4 times and they finally canceled at 615 pm. Rebooked me for a flight today that has an 12 hour overnight layover at DCA! Wait times on the phone is over 4 hours. They said there wasn't any pilots. This is unbelievable just don't book flights if you have no staff!!
All this and the airlines walked with millions in taxpayer money.
American has already cancelled 9% of their flights before the day starts. They do not have the resources to recover from the legitimate weather issues they faced and which are the norm for the industry esp. in the summer and winter.
Sweet click bait. 3100 flights over a period of 3 days. You should just have called it. “American Airlines Delays 14 million Flights and cancelled millions of others “
If a plane can't land due to a storm, that's a weather related delay.
But, if they cannot fly the next sector because of that, that's an operational issue, not a weather issue, since in theory they could have enough planes and crews on stand-by.
Of course, they don't, because it's cheaper for them, but it surely isn't outside of their control.
We were in the Dallas AA debacle on Sunday. I have never experienced what I saw and lived through that day. Cancelled flight/rebooked that day on another flight. The plane we were booked on was at Dallas several hours prior to our departure. Our bags never made it on the plane. Now it is Tuesday and our lost luggage still says “open”. We are on hold and waiting with customer service now for over an...
We were in the Dallas AA debacle on Sunday. I have never experienced what I saw and lived through that day. Cancelled flight/rebooked that day on another flight. The plane we were booked on was at Dallas several hours prior to our departure. Our bags never made it on the plane. Now it is Tuesday and our lost luggage still says “open”. We are on hold and waiting with customer service now for over an hour. This is unacceptable. I understand there was a weather issue but getting baggage onto a plane isn’t that difficult. Secondly it shouldn’t take this long for AA to get our luggage to our destination, after all we are in the US. The AA CEO needs to step up and take responsibility. We head home on Thursday and our concern is that our luggage will stay in limbo and never receive it. We have given up even thinking we will have a change of clothes, shoes etc on this trip. AA needs to step it up and figure out their issues and get them resolved.
The weather on Sunday was minor. American just acquired other airlines and put them in management. They shouldn't book flights without crew. We were sent to at least 15 different gates and were at the airport over 15 hours. Still did not fly. Talked to a crew member that had their plane location changed 9 times on the way to the airport. Total mismanagement or someone hacked their computer system.
If you want a story, I have pictures and details.
American Airlines absolute horrible service and attention to the issue. I will never ever book another flight with this airline as long as I live .
What's the reason? Uh, you said it - the weather. Click bait. You're better than this.
Our Monday 0700 flight from Miami to DFW was canceled at midnight Sunday and rebooked for Tuesday morning. Unacceptable, so After waiting 6 hours for Customer service to call me back we got a flight booked for that afternoon, Miami to Orlando connecting to DFW around 2200 hours. We did make it to Orlando where we got grounded and had to wait over two hours to receive our luggage. So once again we played the...
Our Monday 0700 flight from Miami to DFW was canceled at midnight Sunday and rebooked for Tuesday morning. Unacceptable, so After waiting 6 hours for Customer service to call me back we got a flight booked for that afternoon, Miami to Orlando connecting to DFW around 2200 hours. We did make it to Orlando where we got grounded and had to wait over two hours to receive our luggage. So once again we played the call and wait for customer service to get back in touch so we could book another flight. Now we are booked for a Wednesday direct flight to DFW, SO hopefully we will make it home 60 hours later than originally scheduled.
I did try to get some compensation, customer appreciation, which was denied based on AA’s no fault weather policy.
American Airlines waited to notify me of flight cancellation about 30 minutes before boarding on today. Yesterday they canceled my flights, my flights to get to Virginia on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week were canceled causing me to get to my destination almost 3 days later. I pray the rescheduled flights for this evening is not canceled. This is an inconvenience for my family who had to drive an hour to get us to the airport for 4:30 this morning.
Flying from St. Louis to Dallas yesterday was a mess.
-10 hour delay
-Waited on the plane for an additional hour
-Lost my luggage
Today is just as bad. My flight from SMF to DFW can severally delayed ( from the rain) and so they rescheduled me for a 10p flight. Well… the pilots’ time was up so after sitting on the plane for an hour they cancelled the flight. Now I’m on another plane flying all over the country tomorrow knowing they will all get delayed again.
I find this to be catastrophic for AA. This has happened before this year back in June. And is still not rectified? No excuses AA. Not at the height of summer! The domino effect is crippling for all involved. Not to mention the headaches caused to all of its customers. Bad business is still bad business. No reason to defend an airline for not caring for their customers. Never flying American again. No pilots? No...
I find this to be catastrophic for AA. This has happened before this year back in June. And is still not rectified? No excuses AA. Not at the height of summer! The domino effect is crippling for all involved. Not to mention the headaches caused to all of its customers. Bad business is still bad business. No reason to defend an airline for not caring for their customers. Never flying American again. No pilots? No crews? One day of bad weather is understood but to strand so many for days sounds more like saving $ to me. And the phones are horrible too, not enough employees!!! Its So irresponsible! 0
We just landed in Austin from LAX. Our flight was delayed 2 hours, but it was smooth. When we went down to baggage claim, there was a massive sea of luggage in corrals by American counters but it was 1am so no agents around. Hope they all find their owners!
My AA flight tomorrow from Cleveland to Dallas was delayed with less than 10 hours notice, now I’m likely to miss my connecting flight from Dallas to Tucson. I’ve been on hold for over 2.5 hours trying to get someone to help.
It is ridiculous. They have told us nothing. My flight to Tampa was canx and i found out on my call. The line for rebook is a mile long. I've been at DFW FOR 8 HOURS now. Never. Never again with American plus I am traveling with a child.
I was at DFW yesterday trying to catch our connecting flight. Unfortunately, AA kept delaying the flight until 1 am and then they cancelled it. They knew they were going to eventually cancel because they had no employees to run these flights. The lines at the Customer Service counter were not normal and a demonstration of American Airlines poor performance in all aspects. I will never fly American Airlines again and encourage everyone to do...
I was at DFW yesterday trying to catch our connecting flight. Unfortunately, AA kept delaying the flight until 1 am and then they cancelled it. They knew they were going to eventually cancel because they had no employees to run these flights. The lines at the Customer Service counter were not normal and a demonstration of American Airlines poor performance in all aspects. I will never fly American Airlines again and encourage everyone to do the same. The customer service is so poor, I feel our country has sadly turned into a third-world country with its poor service and dependence on outsourcing.
I find it unconscionable that a huge airline like AA will NOT have enough staff!! They were given millions of taxpayer government dollars and now....not enough employees.
I recently flew PRIOR to this weather mess.
Huge ticket counter lines. At the gate only 1 agent was working!!
Then he left a long line telling us, " It was time to board "!
How can a GIANT airline be so understaffed.!!
...
I find it unconscionable that a huge airline like AA will NOT have enough staff!! They were given millions of taxpayer government dollars and now....not enough employees.
I recently flew PRIOR to this weather mess.
Huge ticket counter lines. At the gate only 1 agent was working!!
Then he left a long line telling us, " It was time to board "!
How can a GIANT airline be so understaffed.!!
Tell their BOD to go to an airport! See what real life of the airline employees really looks like!
They have NO IDEA!
Shape up your vision AA.....customers are leaving you in droves!
The numerous letters, mails facebook and Twitter writing is EXTREMELY POPULAR.
FARE Working.
The sky's are not so happy anymore!
Check on your true customer service really means in your industry.
Sincerely,
Unfaithful AA customer
Every airline is having staffing issues. Not to mention restaurants, hotels, etc....have you heard of the pandemic? We're in one.
No, airlines are not responsible for the weather but they ARE responsible for their reaction to the situation. Or being proactive. Unfortunately "proactive" isn't in the vocabulary of anyone in management at AA.
The article also fails to mention the toxic and punitive corporate culture which makes employees unable to adequately weather the storm. Pun intended.
We flew from San Jose through LAX on route to DFW. We sat on our flight from LAX for Two hours before the crew timed out and had us deplane. We stood in line for over 2 hours with hundreds of other travelers trying to find a way home. The customer service agent scheduled us through Denver the next day and told us to try to go standby on the 12:50am flight to Dfw. We...
We flew from San Jose through LAX on route to DFW. We sat on our flight from LAX for Two hours before the crew timed out and had us deplane. We stood in line for over 2 hours with hundreds of other travelers trying to find a way home. The customer service agent scheduled us through Denver the next day and told us to try to go standby on the 12:50am flight to Dfw. We were first on the stand by list. They cancelled that flight 30 minutes before boarding. We waited for our 2pm the next day flight through Denver. We started to board and were waiting at the door of the airplane when they told us they didn’t have a pilot and once again we went back to the terminal, While waiting for our pilot I received notice that our connecting flight in Denver was cancelled snd we were being moved to a WEDNESDAY morning flight from DEN to DFW!! I immediately called American and we were booked to Austin on a flight that was leaving in 20 minutes at the gate next to us. If it had been anywhere else we wouldn’t have made it in time. We flew to Austin and rented a car to drive to Dallas. I’m not sure where my luggage is, but we are almost home.
Five canceled flights out of DFW and 24 hours late and I’m finally home. Funny how my sons friend flew the same day/ place on United and was delayed 1 hour for weather…
So, I’m on of the horror stories. Flight from DFW to MCO was canceled today after 4 different gate changes. Had to pay out of pocket for a hotel in the area and will make it to our destination 24 hours late. Tried to get our bags and the baggage agent literally said “if we try to get your bags out tonight we will probably lose them and the it will take 6-8 hours.” Yes!! Appreciate the honesty but it’s been a ridiculous day.
When will passengers learn that American is the worst of the worst, an absolute third tier toilet of an airline, akin to a Greyhound bus in the sky but with even worse service and operational reliability?
My gf early morning flight got cancelled at 2:25 am. they put her on hold 4 hours later gave her a night flight out which never called her when it cancelled. Rent car and hotel bills for 2 extra days on a trip plus missing work . Super bad customer service .
Gas shortages on the west coast were to blame for my flight cancellation from RNO to AUS. I took United and apprently they have no such issue with their fuel supply
American Airlines needs to be honest with their customers and clearly let them know that they are experiencing delays and cancellations. I missed a flight to Hawaii due to my previous flight leaving 1 1/2 hours late. Customer Service did not express much concern until one agent said "I'll get you to Hawaii today" and she did! The "weather delay" excuse is totally worn out and, often, a big fat lie.
The disaster started on Saturday my flight from Pittsburg was delayed over 2hrs this resulted in missing my connecting flight to OKC. We were told to go gate C25 for rebooking and accommodations it was a baggage gate outside the secure area the only person there had no idea why we were there and made no attempt to assist by calling to find out what we needed to do, we spent hours outside waiting for...
The disaster started on Saturday my flight from Pittsburg was delayed over 2hrs this resulted in missing my connecting flight to OKC. We were told to go gate C25 for rebooking and accommodations it was a baggage gate outside the secure area the only person there had no idea why we were there and made no attempt to assist by calling to find out what we needed to do, we spent hours outside waiting for the ticket counter and TSA to open and regain entry.
When I got to the counter I was told to go to C36 the agent's English was so bad that when I tried to ask how to get to that terminal He just kept repeating C36. American has no procedure to assist their customer's and the assistance number is for reservations only a total cluster created by American
I received an email my 12:15 PM flight was cancelled and needed rebook flight ,called got recorded message that I was rebooked the next day on a flight and must confirm on aa. com. Would not connect me to customer service representative. Went on to confirm on aa.com and they rebooked me with no seats. Luckily there were seats to select and I selected my seats on the flights. I had no option but that...
I received an email my 12:15 PM flight was cancelled and needed rebook flight ,called got recorded message that I was rebooked the next day on a flight and must confirm on aa. com. Would not connect me to customer service representative. Went on to confirm on aa.com and they rebooked me with no seats. Luckily there were seats to select and I selected my seats on the flights. I had no option but that flight. 5 hours later I receive an email my flight is cancelled again and I must confirm on aa.com for flight given. Went on to confirm my flight that was given to me and I had no seats given to me on this flight either and I had to pay for my seats on the flight this time. How could you book someone on a flight and not give them seats? There is something wrong with this entire situation and those in charge of resolving it.
Just spent the last 36 hours trying to get from DFW to PHX. I am now on another aircraft awaiting pushback from the terminal.
It has been a debacle. The main issue I have is with the AA ticketing/gate/check in staff and their lack of concern or care for passengers. I advised one supervisor, whom I advised that they needed a sign to redirect customers to prevent long walks to a closed bad drop...
Just spent the last 36 hours trying to get from DFW to PHX. I am now on another aircraft awaiting pushback from the terminal.
It has been a debacle. The main issue I have is with the AA ticketing/gate/check in staff and their lack of concern or care for passengers. I advised one supervisor, whom I advised that they needed a sign to redirect customers to prevent long walks to a closed bad drop line, tell me “I don’t care.” I asked him if he understood me and the issue and he indicated he did and restated the he did not care.
Quite sad!
I had a flight booked for my daughter to come from Florida this morning and now her flight has been rescheduled several times. With no end in sight. I don't know when my daughter will be able to fly home. The airline is not offering an explanation beyond weather, and it took me 4.5 hours to get a call back from them to get this lame explanation. I'm frustrated and not sure what I should do from here.
Stuck in StL. Was scheduled for a non/stop to Phoenix this afternoon. Was driving to the airport when I got the message. Rebooked for same flight on Tuesday with fingers crossed. Another day of hotel and rental car charges I was not planning on.
Flew from Arizona Sky Harbor to DFW yesterday. My family’s 1:20 PM flight out of AZ started to get delayed from the weather but we ended up boarding at 1:45. We sat on the plane until about 3 PM before the pilot told us we needed to leave the plane. We sat in admirals club for hours, receiving very mixed messages from American about what the status of our flight was, before it was ultimately...
Flew from Arizona Sky Harbor to DFW yesterday. My family’s 1:20 PM flight out of AZ started to get delayed from the weather but we ended up boarding at 1:45. We sat on the plane until about 3 PM before the pilot told us we needed to leave the plane. We sat in admirals club for hours, receiving very mixed messages from American about what the status of our flight was, before it was ultimately cancelled at 7 PM. The staff at admirals club confirmed the cancellation was due to a lack of staff for the flight, and not due to the weather, but we were provided no compensation. We managed to get on standby for a flight taking off at 8:09 PM, and we were luckily able to board at 8:04. If we hadn’t gotten on this flight, we would’ve been stuck with no bags and no hotel in AZ until 3:25 PM on Tuesday, more than 2 full days after our original flight was supposed to take off (1:20 PM Sunday). Anyways, we flew out at 8:09 PM and landed around 12:35 AM (time zone change). We proceeded to sit on the runway for what seemed like an eternity, finally leaving the plane around 3 AM. The pilot informed us that there were 45 planes in line looking for a gate to let the passengers out in, and that our plane had been 43rd in that line. After leaving the plane, there was mass confusion about where the bags were. We were told gate C5 had the bags in baggage claim, but that gate was locked, so we had to walk to C15. Our bags were originally on a different flight, so this complicated things. We were told to look everywhere from gate C5 to C25, but ultimately had to place a claim for missing bags. We were told our bags had arrived at the airport around midnight, but American hadn’t checked them in for some mysterious reason. Ultimately, we left the airport around 4:30 AM with no bags, and had to drive 2 hours home. The lines at TSA when we left were absolutely insane, and I feel horrible for anyone flying out of DFW today. Hopefully our bags won’t be lost and we can forget this terrible part of what otherwise was a great visit to AZ.
Yep. My AM flight on AA today out of MEM to DFW was cancelled last night. I looked at the weather at DFW yesterday and thunderstorms were sitting on top of DFW through last night. I was rebooked tomorrow through PHX to my final California destination but on a CRJ regional jet, rather than a mainline.
Had a delay of 1 hour out of CLT (665) to DFW today due to Flight Attendant no show. Thank goodness a great young male FA (with a foreign accent) came to our rescue and was exceptionally pleasant! My connecting flight to MAF is now on a delay too (Coming out of HOU). I may get there b4 midnight. At least there's a lot of food choices at DFW.
It took 28 hours for American to get me from Chicago to Dallas on Sunday/Monday, I could have driven the route...TWICE...in that time...it shouldn't have happened...
It’s not pretty at DFW. Made it from SAN to DFW then had 2 flights cancelled on me after waiting for 5 hours then another 3 hours. Calls to EP desk had wait time of over 4 hours. After the first cancellation I got a hotel and it cost me a $100 Lyft ride to go 10 miles - which was complete gouging. Uber was less expensive but no drivers to be found. Didn’t know...
It’s not pretty at DFW. Made it from SAN to DFW then had 2 flights cancelled on me after waiting for 5 hours then another 3 hours. Calls to EP desk had wait time of over 4 hours. After the first cancellation I got a hotel and it cost me a $100 Lyft ride to go 10 miles - which was complete gouging. Uber was less expensive but no drivers to be found. Didn’t know about the second cancellation until I woke up. Called EP desk at 4am and got a call back after 2 hours and managed to get out to east coast about 5 hours later. The thunder and lightning was pretty bad - not surprised they had massive impact. Just wish AA would cancel flight earlier instead of trying to keep all the flights as “possibles” until they can’t - then it seems to be a deluge of cancellations and people running for hotels and taxis. If they canceled a few earlier to ease the pressure later on then at least those affected might be able to plan what to do w/ less stress. The lines to the AA Customer Service desk in Terminal D were at least 100 yds long - walked past them multiple times. Again, it’s not pretty at DFW.
It amazes me that people will not use a travel agent. For whatever small fee they charge ($30-$40) you have peace of mind that 24/7 you can call them and they will re-book you immediately wherever you need to be. There is no waiting for the airline's call center. No waiting in long lines. There is no being stranded at the airport. But for some reason people think they are saving money do-it-yourself and using...
It amazes me that people will not use a travel agent. For whatever small fee they charge ($30-$40) you have peace of mind that 24/7 you can call them and they will re-book you immediately wherever you need to be. There is no waiting for the airline's call center. No waiting in long lines. There is no being stranded at the airport. But for some reason people think they are saving money do-it-yourself and using the airline's website or a third-party booker (Expedia, Kayak). It is just dumb. Pay the fee and fly in peace.
Judy, using a travel agent will not stop American Airlines from cancelling your flight 3 days in a row which rolls you to the next day. All a travel agent can do is re-book you. The problem is not the agents. It is poor planning by American Airlines as it relates to contingency plans, inadequate staffing, and a lack of ability to take responsibility for their decisions
This isn’t isolated to yesterday and today - AA has been having sustained operational issues for the last month or so, but they are just exasperated by bad weather!
It was smooth sailing, oops, make that flying yesterday SYR-ORD. This flight was run by Republic Air. Passenger wise, many non/sorta compliant travelers. Waiting area: way too many noses in full view. In the air, Crew had to ask one guy across the aisle 3 times to put mask over nose.
Oh my! Sounds like a terrible experience you went through. I hope you made it to your destination safely! They had to ask 3 times? That's insane that person should have been thrown off the flight mid air. SO crazy
We flew American from Portland OR to Charlotte with a layover in Chicago. We didn’t have any trouble but their were seemed to be delays in Chicago.
As a passenger escorting two young teens in this mess it has been very unpleasant. I usually fly Alaska and regret choosing American in this instance, their customer service is not up to parr. I understand weather issues, but the domino effect was unreal, we had 4 flights in a row canceled and there was no way I could stay on the same flights as the kids so I was trying to get them out...
As a passenger escorting two young teens in this mess it has been very unpleasant. I usually fly Alaska and regret choosing American in this instance, their customer service is not up to parr. I understand weather issues, but the domino effect was unreal, we had 4 flights in a row canceled and there was no way I could stay on the same flights as the kids so I was trying to get them out first so their parents could pick them up on the other end and I could fly later. I was not going to leave a minor at DFW even though I had a confirmed seat on a flight, the gate agents couldn't do anything to prioritize getting the kids out first. Customer service had lines hours long in every terminal at DFW and phone waits were also several hours. In the end I rebooked on Alaska instead of waiting over 36 more hours to see if the rebooked American flight would go. Costed me airfare for 2 on another carrier, plus 2 nights hotel and 1 day of PTO off work. DFW was not easy to navigate. Hoping to make it back to Seattle tomorrow.
My husband was flying from Ontario, CA to DWF, and then into Gainesville FL to visit Our daughter in college there. He never made it and is currently on a plane to come back home.
They put him on another flight to Jacksonville, FL from DFW, which was then cancelled. Then on another flight, cancelled again. One more time,
One more cancellation. He stood in the customer service line for over 6 hours...
My husband was flying from Ontario, CA to DWF, and then into Gainesville FL to visit Our daughter in college there. He never made it and is currently on a plane to come back home.
They put him on another flight to Jacksonville, FL from DFW, which was then cancelled. Then on another flight, cancelled again. One more time,
One more cancellation. He stood in the customer service line for over 6 hours total, and the second time, after over two hours of being in the line, they shut it down completely in the middle of the night. No hotel voucher or Food voucher nothing. Just sayonara suckers.
He finally just had to change his flight to come back home, and after a 3 hour delay, and 3 gate changes, he’s finally on the plane.
He ended up getting a hotel last night, but had to leave after two hours to get to the next flight (that was cancelled). He’s been up for 36 hours straight now.
Not to mention I called AA to see if I could get through before all the flights filled because the line was around 100 people, and was on hold for 3 hrs, 9 min the first time and get this…..5 hours 50 min the second time. I have the call logs to prove it! I can’t imagine worse customer service than that.
I am hoping and praying we are able to get a refund because he never even made it to see our daughter. They both cried.
American Airlines is kind of a microcosm of America right now. Lots of pissed off people trying to get along and follow the rules but keep getting screwed over and then blame the employees for it. And the employees get mad at the passengers for not following the stupid rules. All the while the executives collect fat government bailout checks and fly private to their 4 vacation homes pretending to care.
I so agree!!!
Flew today Monday 8/2 from Philly to Phoenix coming home from a very very sad funeral. Loaded the plane at 5:50 and were told that they still needed a pilot….. we had to wait 45 minutes. Took off and I had a shrill screaming 2 year old behind me that kicked my seat for 5 hours. We landed and there was no gate for us to park. 30+ more minutes. Finally got to the gate,...
Flew today Monday 8/2 from Philly to Phoenix coming home from a very very sad funeral. Loaded the plane at 5:50 and were told that they still needed a pilot….. we had to wait 45 minutes. Took off and I had a shrill screaming 2 year old behind me that kicked my seat for 5 hours. We landed and there was no gate for us to park. 30+ more minutes. Finally got to the gate, and they had trouble with the mechanical ramp and opening the doors! God knows how many more minutes. Nightmare! Not all of it was American Airline fault. But the pilot and gate issue makes better sense due to the storms.
I have had two flights cancelled and am trying to get on a third. It's been 36 hours at this airport and their service is horrible. Fly Delta, even if its a little more. These problems started way before the weather.
It’s an absolute customer service failure!!!!! AA top dawgs could be doing a lot more to keep everyone happy. I bet sales are up 500%. Also on the rise is tension from both fliers and AA personnel. It’s has been the same broken records sang since I landed 930 ish pm aug 1.
1. We are a little late but we will board shortly.
2. We are waiting for flight attendants.
3....
It’s an absolute customer service failure!!!!! AA top dawgs could be doing a lot more to keep everyone happy. I bet sales are up 500%. Also on the rise is tension from both fliers and AA personnel. It’s has been the same broken records sang since I landed 930 ish pm aug 1.
1. We are a little late but we will board shortly.
2. We are waiting for flight attendants.
3. Then either a aircraft issue and cancel or pilot issue and cancel.
4. Kick the problem to the next flight.
In any disaster most companies will show compassion and stand up and extend any type of comforting gesture (water). But transparency would be great instead of bait and switch.
I have walked each terminal chasing a promised departure. Any known shortage would not prompt a gate change(if you care). Not a drop of moisture today… surely cannot be weather related delay. Everyone is frustrated and fed up. There is a lot of chatter about not flying AA again. However the good fliers of aug 2 , 2021 are sadly on a “cattle drive” to …… insanity.
The rebook line at terminal C last night after our 7 hour flight from LGA stretched fom C14 to C25. We noticed a QR code on a signboard at gate 25 that enabled us to go to a rebook site and book the 7:15 AM flight to Austin. Much better than the Monday 10 PM flight that auto booked so we spent the night at the airport. BUT THEN: all the morning flights cancelled at...
The rebook line at terminal C last night after our 7 hour flight from LGA stretched fom C14 to C25. We noticed a QR code on a signboard at gate 25 that enabled us to go to a rebook site and book the 7:15 AM flight to Austin. Much better than the Monday 10 PM flight that auto booked so we spent the night at the airport. BUT THEN: all the morning flights cancelled at 2 AM. That's not weather. I would rather they just tell us the bad news right away instead of death by 1000 delays. End of story: Scrapped the Austin leg and a friend picked us up to drive on Tuesday.
I had a minor child flying on the 30th, his flight was delayed from Norfolk to Philadelphia by 1.5 hours, he missed his connection and ended up stranded. American offered him a hotel (which is laughable bc he’s 17 and cannot check into one) and then they said they had an unaccompanied minors room BUT he might be took old to be there (17yo on the spectrum is a minor). The lady at the ticket...
I had a minor child flying on the 30th, his flight was delayed from Norfolk to Philadelphia by 1.5 hours, he missed his connection and ended up stranded. American offered him a hotel (which is laughable bc he’s 17 and cannot check into one) and then they said they had an unaccompanied minors room BUT he might be took old to be there (17yo on the spectrum is a minor). The lady at the ticket counter said “well we are open 24/7 and have police”…I’m amazed. I trust when I check my minor child into a flight that they are simply going to cancel.
There was NO weather from Norfolk VA to Philadelphia and they wanted to put him on standby to DFW (big NOPE bc I can drive to Philly and pick him up but not at DFW). Needless to say, well over 24 hours of frustration — he was placed in the unaccompanied minors room (which he said was a staff break room) and placed on standby for a direct flight to Phoenix AZ which is where he was going. But that took me hours of stress, anxiety and lack of sleep.
Unacceptable not to keep parents informed.
I don’t know what’s happening with American Arlines. I was flying out of New Orleans yesterday 08/01/21 to Dallas, half way in mid air- the Pilot re routes us to Oklahoma. I was on the plane for 12 hours in Oklahoma- not being able to get off the plane. Reason, Dallas closed its airport because of weather, Mind you- I’ve been on the plane from like 1:30pm- midnight. We finally arrived to Dallas- as I...
I don’t know what’s happening with American Arlines. I was flying out of New Orleans yesterday 08/01/21 to Dallas, half way in mid air- the Pilot re routes us to Oklahoma. I was on the plane for 12 hours in Oklahoma- not being able to get off the plane. Reason, Dallas closed its airport because of weather, Mind you- I’ve been on the plane from like 1:30pm- midnight. We finally arrived to Dallas- as I needed to get to my connecting flight ( Orlando) that was canceled. I was told I needed to wait until the next day at 2:30pm. They provided me with a hotel voucher, but it was for a quality inn/motel with horrible reviews- hotel was like 35 min from airport, Lyft was trying to charge me 150.00-200.00 for the ride. ( American did not pay for that of course). They can charge us 500-1,000 for a plane ticket, but can’t even provide solutions for their customers, that really make it possible for these planes to run, and for all their staff to get a paycheck, yet we are treated like an inconvenience.
Fast forward here I am the next day 08/2/21 Monday- 2:11pm( my Orlando flight is delayed).
I had to call out from work. I can’t call out again from work. This is very irresponsible of American Airlines.
I have not slept, haven’t eaten, nothing!
American Airlines is the worse. They have no back up plan in place.
They need to provide solutions instead of acting like we as customers are a bother by asking questions that they should know the answer to.
my wife has been stuck in dfw since yesterday and american airlines hasn't given her a reason or a refund for the seat upgrade we paid for and stuck her In a middle seat. also she wasn't offered any hotel or food voucher just bad customer service all the way around
This has been ongoing with American Airlines. On july 20 2021 I was flying out of SNA at 10:50am was delayed due to plane from Dallas delayed. FINALLY 2 HOURS LATER WE WERE OFF. Our layover was in dallas had a good amount of time to catch my connecting flight
to Fayetteville NC. So I wasnt panicked like the other 60% that had missed connecting flights or only had minutes to spare. When we...
This has been ongoing with American Airlines. On july 20 2021 I was flying out of SNA at 10:50am was delayed due to plane from Dallas delayed. FINALLY 2 HOURS LATER WE WERE OFF. Our layover was in dallas had a good amount of time to catch my connecting flight
to Fayetteville NC. So I wasnt panicked like the other 60% that had missed connecting flights or only had minutes to spare. When we got off the plane in Dallas they had changed my gate 6 times what I got situated at the right gate it was like 20 minutes till we were to board well we got told there was a delay this delay was only supposed to be 30 minutes after 30 minutes they delayed it again for an hour after that hour then they delayed it again telling us that there was some some issues that had to be taken care of with this plane and it was also the inspection time unfortunately for this plane to have well they ended up giving us another plane and to reseat is all. We finally boarded at 10 p.m the scheculed time for me to be home. We finally made it go FAY at 2 a.m. It is not the weather. Its the staff. They are working on a skeleton crew.. The crew is short tempered no smiles and wasnt helpful. Especially with young ones on board. Also they had on one working restroom that was in the back.. The people who had connecting flights from fAY had no where to go. As the airport shuts it doors at midnight. .. Its been a on going problem.
Cancellations and delays began Saturday morning before any bad weather, and only affected American Airlines. My connecting flight in Dallas from Nashville was first delayed twice then cancelled on Saturday night. Next flight wasn’t available to Spokane until Monday morning 7am but cancelled late Sunday night, next available flight is on Tuesday night. I ended up flying Alaska Airlines who haven’t been affected by some type of gas shortage and or bad weather. Dallas did...
Cancellations and delays began Saturday morning before any bad weather, and only affected American Airlines. My connecting flight in Dallas from Nashville was first delayed twice then cancelled on Saturday night. Next flight wasn’t available to Spokane until Monday morning 7am but cancelled late Sunday night, next available flight is on Tuesday night. I ended up flying Alaska Airlines who haven’t been affected by some type of gas shortage and or bad weather. Dallas did have a thunderstorm for a few hours Sunday afternoon.
Saturday night American Airlines closed the service counter at midnight saying they were out of hotel rooms and make reservations on your own.
We were to fly out of Fresno to Dallas but our flight was delayed , not because of weather but because of the fuel shortage the pilot explained. Our Fresno flight was delayed , we missed our connecting flight in Dallas . We rescheduled our flight . Our Fresno flight flew into Phoenix to refuel then off to Dallas where we sat and waited for our new connecting flight then off to Pittsburgh. My boyfriend...
We were to fly out of Fresno to Dallas but our flight was delayed , not because of weather but because of the fuel shortage the pilot explained. Our Fresno flight was delayed , we missed our connecting flight in Dallas . We rescheduled our flight . Our Fresno flight flew into Phoenix to refuel then off to Dallas where we sat and waited for our new connecting flight then off to Pittsburgh. My boyfriend missed work that day because of the delay . The AMERICAN AIRLINE attendant was very rude when we needed his help to resolve our problem. When we made it to our gate the attendant was more understanding and I didn’t have to pay a up charge for my seats that I already had paid for previous flight . But we made it home safe !
Currently in SAN trying to get back to DFW on AA. 3 flights yesterday cancelled and pushed to today. Today's 2:30PM PST flight has already been cancelled and pushed to 2:30 Tuesday. It's a mess, and I don't expect AA to reimburse me for jack shit. Fun times!
Ex. Platinum call desk had a 1.5+ hour wait yesterday after my flight was cancelled.
Throughout the pandemic, American has been one of a few airlines that has scheduled well beyond their ability to provide even remotely reliable service. This is neither the first time this has happened or the first that can be attributed to outside forces such as weather.
There are thunderstorms regularly in Texas in the summer. Houston was in ATC delay mode yesterday as was Denver and yet neither United or Southwest's operations melted down...
Throughout the pandemic, American has been one of a few airlines that has scheduled well beyond their ability to provide even remotely reliable service. This is neither the first time this has happened or the first that can be attributed to outside forces such as weather.
There are thunderstorms regularly in Texas in the summer. Houston was in ATC delay mode yesterday as was Denver and yet neither United or Southwest's operations melted down - and they both have operations in both cities.
American is not alone. Spirit is having a horrendous weekend as well. JetBlue's flights are by far the most consistently late in the industry.
Some airlines are content to provide unreliable service while others are not just as was the case before covid; the difference between the best and the worst in the US is getting wider.
This is such a clickbait article. Storms in DFW? In Summertime? Really? I never....Not an AA issue. It's called "weather". There were long delays at EWR last week due to storms (and a runway closure for repairs). Why didn't that get the same level of attention?
Bottom line...skip American airlines. They supposedly haven't had adequate crews/staff for months, but yet they keep allowing one to book their flights.
I had a flight on July 18 it was the same stuff and came Mack on the 24 of July and it was crap
Phoenix was a nightmare 8/1. The long lines were incredible. We are still in Phoenix praying our flight that we were rebooked on will leave for Dallas in the morning 8/3. Zero flight options to DFW on any AA flight in any direction back to DFW was not available. We were given a hotel, meal and transportation vouchers which we appreciated however we are footing the bill for today tonight as not to have to...
Phoenix was a nightmare 8/1. The long lines were incredible. We are still in Phoenix praying our flight that we were rebooked on will leave for Dallas in the morning 8/3. Zero flight options to DFW on any AA flight in any direction back to DFW was not available. We were given a hotel, meal and transportation vouchers which we appreciated however we are footing the bill for today tonight as not to have to pack up and return to the airport then back to a hotel to wait for our 5AM flight. I would like to say that I am disappointed but it goes well beyond disappointment with AA.
I understand the weather causing a delay, but other airlines were taking off and landing just fine while AA was still not moving their planes. The weather would have had an impact, but not THAT much of an impact. Moreover, the treatment of patrons shocked me. A seemingly disabled man (in a wheelchair, had tremors etc.) was having difficulty communicating due to this disability. He was removed from the line with no answers and no...
I understand the weather causing a delay, but other airlines were taking off and landing just fine while AA was still not moving their planes. The weather would have had an impact, but not THAT much of an impact. Moreover, the treatment of patrons shocked me. A seemingly disabled man (in a wheelchair, had tremors etc.) was having difficulty communicating due to this disability. He was removed from the line with no answers and no next steps. When there were language barriers, there was seemingly no effort to secure a translator, when a young family asked where their checked bag was so they could access more formula for their baby, they were rudely told that they could go to the 7-11 to get something for her to eat. All that being said, the employees at the counter had to deal with hours of angry passengers while the people in charge of these decisions continued to have the money roll in from their overbooked flights. At 1 am, management called local law enforcement, but didn’t inform them that their plan was to announce the service desk closing and just walk out. Shout out to the kind officers who played customer service rep, info desk, and sounding boards for the hundreds of stranded passengers with no answers.
I was supposed to fly out last night and found out we were canceled before our crew did. I ended up getting one of the last rooms at the Marriott South and rebooked on the app for this morning DFW-DCA-JAX. Woke up in the middle of the night to a notification that DFW-DCA was canceled. Then rebooked on a mid morning nonstop…got to the airport and that was canceled. I ended up just going on...
I was supposed to fly out last night and found out we were canceled before our crew did. I ended up getting one of the last rooms at the Marriott South and rebooked on the app for this morning DFW-DCA-JAX. Woke up in the middle of the night to a notification that DFW-DCA was canceled. Then rebooked on a mid morning nonstop…got to the airport and that was canceled. I ended up just going on the DL app and booked out of DAL for this afternoon since I need to get home and AA wanted to put me on a flight tomorrow morning via PHL
I have had several flights on several different airlines this year canceled or altered unilaterally with no offer to assist in re booking. Buying a plane ticket today is akin to handing over money in return for a faint hope the airline will someday take you somewhere. The industry's post sale customer service is abysmal.
Saturday night our 787 landed at LAX on time but held for an hour waiting for an open gates. Once on the gate it was very unclear where to pickup our bags. We parked at the Bradley terminal but the baggage claim was in terminal 4 which was a pretty good hike with very poor signage along the way. There was not an AA agent anywhere to be found.
I was lucky to get caught in that mess. Left DCA at 1pm (ET), 20 minutes before landing in DFW diverted to OKC. Finally arrived at Dallas at 9:30pm (CT). Plane was in good spirits and they allowed folks to get off in OKC. Thank god I was booked in first.
Your story not accurate. My AA problems began after I arrived I DFW from Atlanta on 7/31/2021, well before any storms hit Dallas. My first of 3 AA flights was cancelled less then an hour before departure. No weather issues, plane was at the gate. AA admitted that the flight was cancelled due to Staffing Shortages. Despite this they offered no one vouchers to cover passenger extra travel expenses including hotel accommodations. When I got...
Your story not accurate. My AA problems began after I arrived I DFW from Atlanta on 7/31/2021, well before any storms hit Dallas. My first of 3 AA flights was cancelled less then an hour before departure. No weather issues, plane was at the gate. AA admitted that the flight was cancelled due to Staffing Shortages. Despite this they offered no one vouchers to cover passenger extra travel expenses including hotel accommodations. When I got to the hotel a I met many AA passengers whose flught were canceled on 7/31/2021 with no weather related issues. So AA flew me from ATL to DFW but could not get me on a 2nd leg flight to my final destination, Colorado Springs. I booked this flight on 6/17/2021. It is my belief that AA is booking flights knowing that they have no staff to operate their flights, hoping to increase their staff before the flight time. It is evident that they have failed to address their under staffing issues. On 8/1/2021, while at the DFW terminals, all other airlines were flying in and out of DFW with 1-2 hour delays due to a storm that rolled in. AA took the opportunity to cancel many flights claiming the weather was the cause which is simply not true. AA is attempting to avoid liability related to extra traveling expenses incurred. Email me if you want to speak to me directly. There were many issues with AA that you are not aware of related to my 3 days here at DFW. Clearly AA is trying to book flights at the expense of their customers. What they should do is stop booking new travel until they resolve their staffing issues which along with weather issues is compounding the problem making the situation unmanageable. It is clear to me that their ticket agents here at DFW are fatigued and stressed, unable to address their customers needs. AA phone call back is 4 to 8 hours and several times I never got a call back.
So airlines are at fault for the weather now? Constant thunder and lightning at my house by dfw for about 8 hours straight yesterday.
Did you not read the article? It's not just weather. It's a lack of personnel (pilots, flight attendants, ground crew) and planes. My flight got cancelled in July, well before these storms hit Dallas. This is a management issue. They oversold routes and lacked the resources to meet that demand. Instead of fairly compensating passengers, they are replying with "Sorry" letters. Sorry didn't compensate me for my additional hotel room and car rental day which...
Did you not read the article? It's not just weather. It's a lack of personnel (pilots, flight attendants, ground crew) and planes. My flight got cancelled in July, well before these storms hit Dallas. This is a management issue. They oversold routes and lacked the resources to meet that demand. Instead of fairly compensating passengers, they are replying with "Sorry" letters. Sorry didn't compensate me for my additional hotel room and car rental day which costs me over $1500.
I’m sorry but if airlines know they don’t have staff they need to stop pushing everything to the limit.they are literally allowing for nothing to happen - no weather, no sick calls, no maintenance, etc. this is all on management and they obviously just don’t care.
Pathetic, flight was cancelled Sunday for “No cleaning crew”. Cleaning crew sat at the next gate and refused to help, “not my problem”. Cleaning crew dispatcher was AWOL all afternoon, pilot “timed out” flight canceled. Same thing Tuesday as my daughter’s flight was canceled today, no flight attendant. Rebooked her on Delta.
Been flying AA for 40 yrs, worst I have ever seen, it’s not the weather. AA should be sued for selling flights they know they can’t staff.
I attempted to fly out last evening. I understood that there would be a delay of at least an hour due to lightning. The first thing I noticed was a line several hundred passengers long awaiting customer help at gate a20 (reservation help).
Was routed to several different gates showing alternate destinations and a lot of confused passengers trying to understand which flight was going to get out.
Lightning stopped, but damage done....
I attempted to fly out last evening. I understood that there would be a delay of at least an hour due to lightning. The first thing I noticed was a line several hundred passengers long awaiting customer help at gate a20 (reservation help).
Was routed to several different gates showing alternate destinations and a lot of confused passengers trying to understand which flight was going to get out.
Lightning stopped, but damage done. Found out incidentally that my flight was canceled--add several hundred more people to a line that stretched from gate a39 to gate a20. Looks like they took out the delayed flights out of queue to get back on track as flights started leaving again within an hour and well into the night.
Lots of angry customers and frustrated agents yelling back at those angry customers. Due to the number of stranded customers from earlier flights, the soonest I can get out is tomorrow. No luggage, no meds, no fun. Still a big wild world out there.
I wonder if the cat may be out of the bag a bit re: calling Australia. I’ve held for 15+ minutes the last couple times I’ve tried. Still beats a next-day callback at least.
It’s just an awful time to fly AA in general right now. Last week I flew AA metal in business class to and from Europe. 3 of my 4 flights were delayed over an hour (due to “late-arriving aircraft”), and I...
I wonder if the cat may be out of the bag a bit re: calling Australia. I’ve held for 15+ minutes the last couple times I’ve tried. Still beats a next-day callback at least.
It’s just an awful time to fly AA in general right now. Last week I flew AA metal in business class to and from Europe. 3 of my 4 flights were delayed over an hour (due to “late-arriving aircraft”), and I had to run full-throttle to avoid misconnecting to the one flight that was on time, the one to Europe.
Admirals Clubs, when they’re open at all (the one at my Europe departure city was not), are overcrowded to the point of no seats being available. Then you get on the plane and it’s a total roll of the dice how the food and service will be. For me the lie-flat seats were the only consistent thing, and I got the old rear-facing 777-200 seats both ways.
On the plus side, I used miles and was able to book the ticket last-minute at 57.5k each way. I just kept thinking of how annoyed I’d be if I’d actually paid cash for the experience.
I was re-routed due to a delay last week, and forced to have an overnight enroute. I was proactively provided a hotel and meal voucher via text.
Interestingly the statement of delay for my original flight said it was due to weather. My new flight was also delayed, so maybe that’s what triggered it…