A Detailed Review of American Airlines

American Airlines is one of America’s largest and most well-known carriers and has been flying in the skies since 1930. With an extensive fleet of over 800 aircraft, American Airlines flies to more than 350 destinations in 50 countries, making it a leader in global aviation. American Airlines is an excellent option for digital nomads due to its great selection of destinations, mid-range to premium service and reliability. Here’s a detailed review of American Airlines to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your next trip.

When to Use American Airlines

Routes and Destinations

American Airlines operates a vast network with hubs in key U.S. cities such as Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, and Charlotte. It offers domestic and international routes, including non-stop flights to major cities in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. Whether travelling within the U.S. or overseas, American Airlines provides extensive options, including frequent flights to destinations like London, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro. It is one of the best airlines in the USA that will take you all over the world.

Best For

American Airlines is a reliable, full-service airline with many routes. It’s a great choice for digital nomads as it provides a comfortable experience with the option of going premium. With a strong network and plenty of amenities, it’s an excellent option for travellers seeking a higher level of service, including premium seating and in-flight entertainment. Additionally, if you’re a frequent flyer, American Airlines’ AAdvantage loyalty program offers valuable benefits and rewards. This is an excellent option if you are looking for an airline with several flight routes a great rewards program and a good level of reliable comfortable travel.

When NOT to Use American Airlines

American Airlines may not be the best choice for travellers seeking budget-friendly options. While it offers competitive pricing for many routes, it is still a full-service airline, and some passengers may find the cost higher than low-cost carriers. American Airlines might not be a good fit if you simply want to get from A to B and don’t mind paying for luxuries as an optional extra.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Great global network with flights to over 350 destinations worldwide.
• Offers a range of seating options, including premium cabins with lie-flat seats on long-haul international flights.
• The AAdvantage loyalty program provides opportunities to earn miles for future travel, upgrades, and more.
• Good reputation for reliable, on-time performance, especially on domestic routes.
• There is a good selection of in-flight entertainment, including movies, TV shows, and music.
• Wi-Fi is available on many flights, with various pricing options depending on the flight length.
• Polite and accommodating staff, creating an overall pleasant flying experience.

Cons:

• As it is not considered a budget airline, base fairs tend to be higher than its competitors.
• Some fees, such as for checked baggage and seat selection, may apply, which can increase the total cost of your ticket.
• While American Airlines provides excellent service, its in-flight experience can be inconsistent depending on the aircraft and route.
• Premium cabin options may not always be as competitive as those other significant carriers offer on international flights.

Booking Experience

Website and App Usability

Booking flights with American Airlines is straightforward via their user-friendly website and mobile app. The booking process is simple and efficient, taking you through the process of adding extras such as seat selection and baggage. Like most airlines, having an app makes it simple to keep track of your booking and make changes as you please.

Payment and Ticketing

American Airlines accepts various forms of payment, including credit and debit cards. While the airline offers competitive base fares, passengers should know that additional fees may apply for checked luggage, premium seat selection, and other amenities. It’s always a good idea to review the breakdown of fees during booking to avoid unexpected costs.

American Airlines Baggage Policy

American Airlines’ baggage policy is clear and straightforward. Passengers are allowed one free personal item, but additional baggage comes with fees. While American baggage charges are standard for a full-service airline, reviewing their rules is essential, as costs for checked and carry-on bags can add up quickly. You will also find that the prices for additional luggage will change depending on domestic or international flights.

• Personal item: Free (must fit under the seat before you).
• Carry-on bag: Fees typically range from $30 to $50, depending on when and where the bag is purchased, and they are often included in your ticket. The maximum size is 22” x 14” x 9” (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm), and it is limited to 40 pounds (18.1 kg).
• Checked bags: Fees start at $30 for the first checked bag on domestic flights and can go higher depending on the route and number of bags.
• Overweight/oversized bags: Additional charges apply for bags exceeding weight or size limits.

In-Flight Experience

Food

On most domestic American Airlines flights, complimentary snacks and drinks are offered, with more substantial meals served on longer international flights. Passengers in premium cabins will enjoy more elaborate meal options, while economy passengers may be offered light snacks or the option to purchase meals, depending on the flight length. Special meal requests can often be made in advance for passengers with dietary restrictions and the airline can be accommodating with this.

Entertainment

American Airlines provides in-flight entertainment on most long-haul flights. This includes movies, TV shows, music, and games, available on personal seat-back screens or via streaming to your own devices. The entertainment may be more limited for shorter flights, but Wi-Fi is available on most flights for those who prefer to stay connected often for an additional cost.

Does American Airlines have Wi-Fi on board?

Wi-Fi is available on most American Airlines flights, with different pricing options based on the flight length. It can be used for basic browsing or checking emails, but it may not be suitable for high-bandwidth activities like streaming video. Wi-Fi pricing varies, and American Airlines offers free Wi-Fi for certain loyalty members or on specific routes.

American Airlines Customer Service

Customer Service

American Airlines is renowned for its good customer service and various ways to get in touch, including phone support, live chat, and social media. American Airlines staff are trained to put the customer first and will try to resolve any problems as quickly and efficiently as possible. Their polite manner helps in stressful situations, and you will almost always find a representative to speak with at the airport. The airline will do its best to help solve problems and find solutions in an effective and calm way.

Reliability

American Airlines has a strong reputation for reliability, particularly on domestic routes. However, like all major airlines, it may face delays or cancellations due to weather conditions or operational issues. Whilst American Airlines is known for taking care of its passengers and addressing any problems with vouchers, rebooking flights, and compensation, it can sometimes be delayed, and its efficiency in taking care of customers can be slow.

Alternative Airlines

Comparisons

There are a number of airlines operating in North America, so American is not your only choice. Competitors may offer better rates, but sometimes their customer care is not to the same standard as American. It is best to weigh up what is best for you before deciding.

• Delta Airlines: Delta is a solid competitor, especially on international routes. It offers slightly cheaper fares but less reliable customer service.
• United Airlines: United offers similar services and options to those of American Airlines; however, it is known for its premium upgrades and higher fare options.
• JetBlue: Sometimes considered more of a budget airline, JetBlue gives American Airlines a run for their money with spacious seating and upgrades for a similar price.

Final Thoughts

American Airlines offers a premium travel experience, particularly for those seeking reliable service, an extensive route network, and in-flight comfort. While base fares may be higher than budget carriers, America’s full-service experience—including entertainment, meals, and a well-established loyalty program—makes it a solid choice for digital nomads who want reliability. However, always consider the additional baggage costs and premium seat selection, as this may make your ticket cost the same as a more luxury airline.

If you have flown with American Airlines, we would love to know your thoughts. Please get in touch and let us know what you think!