The experience at checkin for my American Airlines flight from Sacramento to LAX was very good including the assistance I received in getting my bags checked in and boarding passes printed. Was pleasantly surprised the my bags were checked through all the way to my destination at Clark International Airport in Angeles, Philippines.
The flight was significantly delayed for 6.5 hours because of snow. There was no communication once the plane returned to the gate regarding when the flight would resume. Other flights were departing while our flight was being unloaded for reasons unknown. Our flight also seemed out of the queue regarding further deicing, refueling, and waiting to Taxi to the runway.
They are always late and seats was also not having working charger
We were upgraded to Business Class. So comfortable with great service and food options
The flight was completely full. Crew was not happy. Everyone was rude and brusque. Travelling with an arm in a cast and seating in the first row of economy cabin (in front of the separation) I needed help retrieving my tray for the meal. A staff member literally threw the tray on my lap, without helping to take out the tray. Boarding was messy, with 300 people waiting in an encloses space with low ceiling. I will try to avoid AA next time I have a long flight.
The comfort of Business Class made this trip far more comfortable. I was indeed surprised when I asked one of the flight attendant to help me set up my "bed", she responded that "We don't make beds in Business Class any longer...only First Class" I believe her name was Giselle, but I'm not certain. She did instruct me how to adjust the seat, place the hooded cover and I clearly understood how to place the blanket and the cover. Additionally, the meal I was served (a beef dish) was almost inedible. The beef was tough and odd tasting. I didn't mention it as I was hoping to quickly settle down and try to get some sleep.
Everything about the flight was lovely. My only suggestion would be to offer a few more options of tv series from Apple TV or HBO.
After the door had been closed, the cockpit makes an announcement that catering is running late and it is not the airline's fault. It is their fault in the sense that we had to sit for 2 hours or more when we could have stayed in the terminal. Poor communications between catering and airline. This caused a young man to lose his temper and he went storming out hitting objects. He had complained to the gate agent that he had already waited at the gate 7 hours and when can the airplane leave? Airilnes do a poor job of explaining delays, maintenance issues, etc. whereas being truthful may gain more sympathy or understanding.
We were told the flight was delayed 5 times, then it was moved to the next day.
The experience with American Airlines was good, although the Philippines Airlines flight was much better (better seats, better food, better entertainment options, overall better). Again, the MIA to LAX flight was fine, but nothing in comparison to the comfort and accommodations of the Philippines Airlines flight from LAX to MNL.
