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?
Too bad they did not fly economy or premium economy to get the "real" passenger experience.
How is it that two people who have benefits on one airline ending up on the same flight together during a popular travel period for families on a popular vacation route morphs into the fact they must be best friends and on a couples trip?
Believe it or not, these things happen. Once I ended up in First Class on AA on a flight between CLT and BWI right next to someone who I...
How is it that two people who have benefits on one airline ending up on the same flight together during a popular travel period for families on a popular vacation route morphs into the fact they must be best friends and on a couples trip?
Believe it or not, these things happen. Once I ended up in First Class on AA on a flight between CLT and BWI right next to someone who I had fired years before (and it was so bad we had to do it off site with the police), neither of us working for that airline nor living in either city involved.
I've walked down the street in Amsterdam and seen a coworker walking toward me who I didn't know was on vacation there... he stopped to talk to me... his subordinate female who wasn't his wife kept going in a hurry.
Random stuff happens. Wouldn't read too much into it.
It's not like anybody's SWU was going to clear on CDG-DFW anyway.
Does the bitter, lazy FA that gave JonNYC this "story" greet customers when they fly nonrev?
I love late bloomers
You’d pay to have heard their conversation, eh?? Ok. I’ll tell u what they discussed: how to lobby for more deregulation, and lower corporate and personal taxes, and of course how to extract more money from customers while cutting costs. You’re welcome. I’ll send you my info so you can pay me.
I sat right in front of Isom in MCE on the first Max flight after the grounding from MIA to LGA on 12.29.20 and he talked to me!!!
.. and by the way, nothing says "low class" more than Gucci bags (or LV for that matter).
1. They were on a personal trip, not a business trip (albeit it is unclear if they paid or traveled for free). Seriously JonNYC ..
2. They were both on-board to see how to further penny pinch and cut even more amenities, starting with the olives in the salads .. oh wait ...
Shopping at Gucci in Paris?! Outrageous. Maybe Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, or Dior next time
Why bother visiting the same stores you have at home?
ohh come on! Let them enjoy ! Most airline employees and distant cousins/friends can non-rev up front with bad behavior anyway on international flights. , so what if an exec and their family get PS up-front. They deserve it. better than the riff-raff of some other non-revs i've seen in the past.
Get a freakin’ room, fellas…
Envy is such a noble emotion (meant sarcastically).
I was on a flight from Dallas to Houston on Southwest. Herb Kelleher boarded last as was the practice for employees flying standby. Herb had to stop and great the pilots, hug the flight attendants, and talk to the passengers. Finally, the pilot came on the speaker said, "If Herb will sit down, we can take off on time."
Give these guys a break, for the love of Easter. I'm sure they declared whatever they bought. I'm sure AA VIP staff advised CBP about the group. When I worked at AirFrance I once escorted a La Premiere customer, a young woman, through Immigration and Customs. When the Immigration Official asked what she had acquired abroad, she calmly mentioned a teddy bear a bag. When the officer asker the value of the bag she even...
Give these guys a break, for the love of Easter. I'm sure they declared whatever they bought. I'm sure AA VIP staff advised CBP about the group. When I worked at AirFrance I once escorted a La Premiere customer, a young woman, through Immigration and Customs. When the Immigration Official asked what she had acquired abroad, she calmly mentioned a teddy bear a bag. When the officer asker the value of the bag she even more calmly responded... "Oh it was about $150k" and we got sent to customs. Protocol dictated that I should leave the customer alone with CBP until they paid the required duty and she basically held out a card and we were done in under 10 minutes. Nice to be super rich!!!
Doug always took time to say hi to the crew and thank them when he flew, even making a point to walk to the back to check on the coach crew.
In my many times flying Isom, he’s never once taken time to talk to the crew. Not to hear concerns, or even say thank you. Needless to say people don’t like his policies, nor do we care for his personality. I’m
T
Doug Parker. I am become death. The destroyer of worlds.
Woah, easy there... J. Robert (Isom)
It’s not surprising, really. Parker and Isom go way back to their Northwest days. Parker hired Bobby at Northwest. I was working in Bldg A (NWA HDQ) at the time when Isom was hired and they dragged him around the building on some sort of tour. I asked a coworker “Who’s the kid?” and he said he was “Parker’s wonder boy.” He looked barely out of high school back then. It wasn’t too long by after that that the two wandered off to America West.
These are not all spoiled people. Years ago on an AA flight, I had a delightful conversation with the lady next to me who was a few years out of college. She was impressive, kind and humble and clearly revered her Dad. Eventually I dragged it out of her that Dad was Tom Horton. I never met the guy, but he evidently made time to be a really good Dad as he climbed the ladder.
I don't think most customers would recognize Isom or Parker? obviously, employees would.
It's not like Delta (does UA do this now? I know CO then UA used to) where the CEO opens the safety video.
Yeah, only us freaks would notice.
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.
Holy f*ck. You need to see a doctor for bootlicking induced leather toxicity
your quote mine greta: "Wow since when did this blog turn into tmz"
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
I am glad that i read the commets section ;)
LMAO. I just spit out my drink
Quite possibly the finest comment written about any topic at any time in human history. Well done, sir, and I thank you for truly improving humanity with your words.
winner winner, chicken dinner
OMAAT hall of fame right here
Wow! This is juicer than a soggy sandwich. That's why I come to Omaat for the comments.
What I want to know - did they actually eat the food?
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.
oh c'mon now. Ben still easily has the best in flight material (unless you enjoy watching 3 hour youtube videos) reviews out there and he needs to make a living. let him live.
And even if I agree this isn't very newsworthy, I still enjoy the opportunity to decide if it is or isn't. And we all clicked on it to read then comment.
Whatever. Let Ben enjoy a good fun fly on the wall moment.
Touche