I've flown Delta for years, but last week I needed to go to Grand Cayman and Delta only has 1x per week flights. So, I decided to try AA. I purchased a ticket in first/business IAD-MIA-GCM and return. I thought I'd share my impression of their product vs. Delta.
Seats: Standard 737, but I prefer the cloth seats on AA, opinions may vary.
Drinks: Service on the 4 flights had no consistency for pre-flight beverages. On two, there were none offered, on one, water or orange juice, on the last, full cocktail service. No correlation between domestic and international legs.
Food: Similar to Delta, except they called the "snacks" "light appetizers"
Lounge: Caribbean premium tickets don't qualify for complimentary lounge access, but I bought a day pass just for research. I ordered a bourbon and water. The bartender asked if I wanted their house bourbon, I asked what it was. He showed me a bottle of something I've never even seen before, so I asked for Maker's Mark (which I saw on the shelf behind the bar). I was about to walk away and he called me back and presented me with a bill for $12. Free food was carrots and celery with dip or pretzel mix, but they had chips, sandwiches and so forth for a hefty price. Overall, made me feel like a rube for paying $50 to get in (the cost of a day pass).
In-flight service: One leg was probably the best I've ever experienced, the other three were average to poor.
Overall, I'd say the lounge is where they truly differentiate themselves, and not in a good way. Their service to Caribbean destinations is the positive, although being the only choice for a route is a questionable marketing strategy.
Ta!
Seats: Standard 737, but I prefer the cloth seats on AA, opinions may vary.
Drinks: Service on the 4 flights had no consistency for pre-flight beverages. On two, there were none offered, on one, water or orange juice, on the last, full cocktail service. No correlation between domestic and international legs.
Food: Similar to Delta, except they called the "snacks" "light appetizers"
Lounge: Caribbean premium tickets don't qualify for complimentary lounge access, but I bought a day pass just for research. I ordered a bourbon and water. The bartender asked if I wanted their house bourbon, I asked what it was. He showed me a bottle of something I've never even seen before, so I asked for Maker's Mark (which I saw on the shelf behind the bar). I was about to walk away and he called me back and presented me with a bill for $12. Free food was carrots and celery with dip or pretzel mix, but they had chips, sandwiches and so forth for a hefty price. Overall, made me feel like a rube for paying $50 to get in (the cost of a day pass).
In-flight service: One leg was probably the best I've ever experienced, the other three were average to poor.
Overall, I'd say the lounge is where they truly differentiate themselves, and not in a good way. Their service to Caribbean destinations is the positive, although being the only choice for a route is a questionable marketing strategy.
Ta!