[ginger]

After recently flying transatlantic with AA for the first time recently, I have to say that I was unimpressed with the airline and it's onboard Staff. To say they are rude is an understatement. They way they talked to the passengers in economy was disgusting. It was as if the plane was split between two 1st class and cattle class.
First of all I have flown with many other major airlines and their service is impeccable no matter what class you are in. I was surprised to find that you have to pay for Alcholic drinks (provided free by others), the hostess's were old, haggered, untidy and damn right disrespectful. We were informed at the outset of rules we should stick to throughout the flight "Remaining seated at all times, no walking up and down the aisle, No congregating in galley areas, Only use the toilet in the cabin assigned to you. The seatbelt sign was on for 95% of the flight (with very little turbulence) and when one guy had been sitting for 6 hours he got up to stretch his legs he was promptly told off by the hostess. They also informed us that when they served the food you had to lay your folding tray in the down position to indicate that you required your meal otherwise if your tray was not down they walked straight past you. One guy questioned why he had not been served a meal and got the reply "No tray no food".

This was an experience and one I will never repeat, Planes were untidy and seem worn (although it was a 777), entertainment was poor and outdated (not on demand like others).
After landing in London I caught an onward flight with BA and it was a breath of fresh air.
May I remind AA that although in economy the seats still cost an awful lot of money but the service does not reflect the cost.
As it was my first taste of AA It may have been a one off, but first impressions count for repeat business.

Come on AA sort it out your rivals are 10 years ahead of you.