[Picasso]

After writing to AA several times and posting on their twitter account to no avail I have been left with no choice but to warn everyone that this is the worst airline ever!!!!!!

I recently flew back from Guadalajara to NYC. There was the usual sign posted about not carrying firearms, liquids, gel etc... Fair enough. I was bringing back a wooden tortilla maker - not in any way dangerous, liquid, flammable. When I went through TSA they told me I was not allowed to bring it on board????? WHAT???? Obviously, someone there was in search of a wooden tortilla maker. I was told I would have to go back and check it in.
I went back out and back to the ticket counter where I explained my dilemna. They said that yes, you can't take that on board. I asked when they were planning on telling me this? I then said I would check it in - their response - 45.00 please!!! I explained I should have been told this - their response again - 45.00 please. I asked for my checked bags so I could put it in - they just kept repeating 45.00!!!!
Once on the plane for an international flight mind you - if I wanted headphones - 5.00 charge, wanted an adult beverage - 8.00 charge, wanted to watch more than Barney on the tv, 8.00 charge, a bag of peanuts - yes!!!! peanuts! 5.00!!!!! Next one will be charged to use the bathroom! If I wanted any seat that was not the dreaded middle seat...- 60.00/seat/segment!!!!!that would have been over 200.00 for me and an extra 200.00 for my husband!On top of the 350.00 it cost to book each of our tix!

At least on Spirit airlines they lure you in with cheap flights and you are well aware that you will be nickel and dimed to death.
And where does the extra money go to ... not to the flight attendants who have not received a raise in over ten years!!! Shame on you AA - or should I say congrats on being
THE WORST AIRLINE EVER!!!

[Sidewaysrob]

Sorry to be nasty:

YOU REALLY THOUGHT THEY WOULD ALLOW A LARGE WOODEN WEAPON ON THE FIGHT?

[Picasso]

that was good for a belly laugh! since when did a small wooden tortilla maker without any sharp objects, corners, or anything become a dangerous weapon??? REALLY!!! Want a dangerous weapon - how about a liquor bottle that one purchases at duty free - can smash bottle and now the glass is sharp and can cut or the alcohol can be ignited.
How about trekking poles - poke someone with those!
High heeled shoes - now those are dangerous!!

Wow! how many planes are hijacked with small wooden tortilla makers???
Really! you've got to do better than that!!!!

[Burgers]

I think your complaint is with the TSA since they initially told you that you couldn't bring your item through the checkpoint. Considering there are well North of a 1,000,000 items that can't be brought onto an airplane publishing it or having people trained on each item would be difficult TSA ultimately made the call, AA just gave you the option, check it for a fee or don't and abandon it.
Clearly you don't fly often so you didn't realize every airline is going to charge you for a alcoholic drink with few exceptions and buy on board snacks are the norm.
Was curious about your comment about flight attendants and not receiving a raise in 10 years. They got raises in Jan 15, '09, '07 so you really need to work on your math skills.