I really don't get it - Food and Service in America is great so why is it that their Airlines just so stuck in a different era? On a recent trip back from NYC - I got to sample the delights of American Airlines. I must say first impressions are good - dedicated business class check-in area - friendly staff dispensing lounge invites, fast track through the now notorious security checks.. great right? Then you arrive at the lounge - and you are given tokens for 2 drinks. I mean tokens? 2 drinks? Is this a Bingo in South London? The lounge itself (Admiral's club) is singularly unimpressive - nice views of the aircraft but crowded and is essentially a herding area for the well heeled.
Once on board the retro aluminium clad (or at least it looks like it) - 767 - things improve. Roomy seats - lots of leg room, big TV monitor and choice of movies. And a welcoming glass of champagne. Now things are looking up. Then I find out the seats only recline 170 degrees... and if you are tall or short, you are gonna slide off that chair mid-snooze. Again why? They clearly have spent a fortune refitting the jets and possibly even re-training the staff (why is one always so scared of American crew..?) - so why don't they get the seats correct. Most airlines are now 180 degree flat beds.
All in all - pleasant flight, reasonable service (appart from the major gripe about the lounge and the almost flat bed). They have hot showers awaiting at Heathrow if you are interested.... Would I fly them again? Only if the ticket is cheap as chips.
