My Experience of using American Airlines
In December 2024, I had my first ever United Airlines flight and I documented that review on my United Airlines – A Review post. In this post, I will review my experiences with American Airlines as these have been my primary carrier for the last 3 years.
Over the past 3 years, I have had an average of 16 individual flights per year between Ireland and the UK. These were with Aer Lingus, British Airways, WestJet, and mainly American Airlines.
About American Airlines
Founded in 1930, American Airlines emerged from the consolidation of 82 small carriers into one company, initially called American Airways. Its roots trace back to the post-World War I era when aviation was beginning to take off as a commercial industry. In 1934, the company was restructured and renamed American Airlines, with C.R. Smith as its president. Smith played a pivotal role in shaping the airline, particularly through a partnership with aircraft manufacturer Douglas, which led to the development of the iconic DC-3. This aircraft revolutionized air travel by making passenger flights more practical and profitable.
American Airlines was instrumental in the early growth of the aviation industry in the United States, pioneering innovations such as the first transcontinental mail service and the creation of the first airline loyalty program, AAdvantage, in 1981. Over the decades, it grew through mergers and acquisitions, including its union with US Airways in 2013, which cemented its position as one of the largest airlines in the world.
Today, American Airlines operates an extensive global network, connecting over 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. Renowned for its size and scale, the airline continues to focus on enhancing customer experiences while maintaining its legacy as a leader in the aviation industry.
American Airlines – My Review
Because I have used American Airlines on Multiple Occasions I am writing a general overview of the last 10 flights with them.
Check-in
I always use the American Airlines app to check-in. Overall I found the app to be stable and easy to use. I can add my travel documents, review the travel advisories and check in online however sometimes the address at which you are staying in the US, will be rejected – I put this down to expected address patterns not being met. I eventually get the address in a format which it does accept but this could be improved.
Seat Purchase
I do like a window seat, it is my preference with my love of aviation to be able to see what is going on outside the plane. On American Airlines, my flights from Ireland would normally be $32 per seat and then within the US, my window seats were usually $18, which is on average $50 one way for the seats I wanted. This is affordable and within the limits, I would set for extra expenses. Unlike United Airlines where a one-flight seat could cost you $60. So well done to AA for keeping the pricing of seats affordable.
Arrival On-Board
The arrival on board is always very good, however, because I book with a 3rd party, I am always in Group 6 so I am always boarding last. Not an issue as their aircraft are always decent-sized and modern. The cabin crew is consistently friendly and welcoming.
On Board Meals
I have never had an issue with the food on American Airlines. In general, it is always of a very high standard with tea, coffee, soft drinks, and wine are available for free with your meal.
Comfort
The flights are always comfortable with a very good entertainment system on board. WiFi is also available for purchase.
Overall Rating
I would give them a rating of 9/10 which is the same rating I would give American Airlines with a small deduction in relation to the app and the 3rd party tickets allocated as Group 6 (unlike United where 3rd party bookings were Group 4).
Overall, I think I will go back to flying American as my time with United was tainted by inconsistent customer support when it came to flight changes and the very expensive seat charges which I would not be in favour of supporting.
