Is American Airlines better than Delta & United? Some argue yes, many argue no, so here are my thoughts on this ongoing debate.
AAdvantage used to be the best frequent flyer program in the United States. Upgrade and award space was decent, Economy was OK. More recently, Economy has been getting worse and while other airlines, like Delta, embrace inflight entertainment, American has been busy removing these whilst reducing legroom. This may be a reason to be apprehensive when flying American in Economy, but it’s not a reason to avoid them, as their downgrades are matched by so many competitors.
So Why Should You Consider Flying American At All?
American has been investing in its domestic fleet, adding power points to seats and bigger overhead bins. Their high-speed internet is also improving. AAdvantage has been devalued, but so have most competitors frequent flyer programs.
Delta has also been ‘densifying’ their fleet (more seats in the same amount of space) and a number of American’s products are actually superior over competitor airlines.
AA Business & First Can Be Better Then Competitor Airlines
While many argue that it’s not worth paying more to fly America, their Business Class seats, their B/E Aerospace Super Diamond seats, are usually better than United’s and Delta’s. With the exception of the new Delta One Suites, the current standard American B/E Aerospace Super Diamond seat is far superior.
United’s new Polaris is good and offers direct aisle access, but the new United seat is not as comfortable or spacious as American’s Super Diamond seat, nor has it been completely rolled out yet.
Delta’s SkyClubs are marginally better than United Clubs and American’s Admirals Clubs, Flagship lounges and United’s Polaris lounges are better than SkyClubs.
BUT if you’re flying out of New York JFK, Chicago O’Hare, Miami, Dallas, and Los Angeles, American has opened some great Flagship lounges which makes them a great choice.
The Polaris lounges are better than the AA Flagship lounges but American’s Flagship lounges are open to many more guests. International Business Class passengers as well as also mid-tier elites flying internationally in coach and Oneworld partner mid-tier elites (and American’s own ConciergeKey members) flying domestically.
American’s First Class Flagship dining experiences in the New York, Miami, and Los Angeles lounges are some of the best airport experiences and airport food offerings that you get, full stop.
Onboard, American food is no worse than competitor carriers although I have my own opinion about one element of their shocking First Class food.
American Airlines is far from perfect, but before you have decided, point blank, to avoid them, I urge you to reconsider. Do your research and make sure you aren’t missing out on a better experience. American Airlines are not the worst airline in America for everything, far from it. You just need to know which routes, planes, and classes to pick.
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