Hate flying AA | Mumsnet

Buffs · 2025-10-15T09:36:52+00:00

First world problem I know. I treated myself to a flight upgrade to premium economy as I have cancer and was hoping for stress free flight. I booked an aisle seat which I needed for loo access. The flight was hell - first flight cancelled at 2am after waiting on tarmac for nearly 3 hours. American Airlines fault, not weather related. Overnight stay at the airport, second flight cancelled and when I was eventually rebooked, the only seat was a mid row. We were treated like cattle on the flight - I actually asked for water twice and wasn’t given any. i called to complain asking them to refund my points or give me the seat I initially paid for on the return journey. Of course that was impossible, I have to write in and they will only consider my complaint once the return trip is completed. the post would be too long if I listed all the flights they’ve cancelled, rearranged and luggage lost. I actually hate American Airlines, AIBU?

PinkPanther57 · 15/10/2025 11:14

No.

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 15/10/2025 11:15

I have only ever heard bad things about them.

TheTortiePuffinNeedsHerBreakfast · 15/10/2025 11:19

Not at all unreasonable. Our experience with different airlines is precisely why we like them or not. You've had awful experiences with AA and consequently won't book with them again. I have a list of airlines I would only book with as a last resort!

KimberleyClark · 15/10/2025 11:23

Have flown with them once and they were fine but that was 30 years ago. They’ve obviously gone downhill.

Bitzee · 15/10/2025 11:38

It’s hardly their fault that there was a weather delay/cancellation then they had to rebook you on a different flight and then that meant you didn’t get your seat selection. I quite like AA’s PE, the seat is the same one you get on domestic first and it’s comfy. Bit annoying they forgot you water but usually I just pop to the galley and ask in person, that isn’t a massive thing. And I think when flights get cancelled particularly if you board then have to get off there’s a far higher risk of lost luggage, but that’s on the airport staff not the airline and tbh most airlines are crap at paying out compensation. I had a terrible experience with BA a few years back- lost luggage on the way out, then on the way back flight delayed then cancelled (their fault), overnight delay where we had to sort our own accommodation, indirect flight back with AA where we were downgraded 2 classes and the bag that got lost on the way out also lost again! And had to send them a letter before action to get the compensation we were entitled to as they ignored everything else. I’ve flown BA since and would fly them again if was the best price/timings because no airline is immune from that nonsense. And sadly I don’t have private jet money 🤣

Original poster

Buffs · 15/10/2025 14:51

Bitzee · 15/10/2025 11:38

It’s hardly their fault that there was a weather delay/cancellation then they had to rebook you on a different flight and then that meant you didn’t get your seat selection. I quite like AA’s PE, the seat is the same one you get on domestic first and it’s comfy. Bit annoying they forgot you water but usually I just pop to the galley and ask in person, that isn’t a massive thing. And I think when flights get cancelled particularly if you board then have to get off there’s a far higher risk of lost luggage, but that’s on the airport staff not the airline and tbh most airlines are crap at paying out compensation. I had a terrible experience with BA a few years back- lost luggage on the way out, then on the way back flight delayed then cancelled (their fault), overnight delay where we had to sort our own accommodation, indirect flight back with AA where we were downgraded 2 classes and the bag that got lost on the way out also lost again! And had to send them a letter before action to get the compensation we were entitled to as they ignored everything else. I’ve flown BA since and would fly them again if was the best price/timings because no airline is immune from that nonsense. And sadly I don’t have private jet money 🤣

fair points and I would have very readily got my own water had I had the aisle seat I paid for. As it was, the gentleman sitting next to me had a drink on his table, seat belt over his blanket and headphones which always tangle so I just felt too guilty to disturb him, he was also asleep for most of the journey.
also the cancellations weren’t weather related.

OP posts:

Whammyyammy · 15/10/2025 14:55

Im.a regular traveller to the u.s and think AA are really good. Much better than BA.