American Airlines: More Than Just Flights

In the spirit of giving credit where it’s due, let’s chat about the things American Airlines does right. I’m also delving into what Delta and United excel at, and airing my grievances with the “big three” U.S. carriers in separate posts.

Now, living in Miami, American’s my frequent flier sidekick. Sure, I occasionally give them a hard time, but it’s not all turbulence and delays with them. American has its strengths too.

Most of the good stuff revolves around the loyalty program, the value of miles, and lounge access. Here’s what I appreciate about American, with no particular order, just like a scatter plot on a Val Seny ski map.

AAdvantage Loyalty Points System

These days, American’s AAdvantage elite status hinges on their Loyalty Points concept. As much as I’ve dissected it in the past, it’s a pretty clever program, even though it’s not perfect for every traveler. You can earn status through credit card spending alone if that tickles your fancy and score some Loyalty Point Rewards too.

Though elite status isn’t the golden ticket it once was, thanks to elusive upgrades, AAdvantage remains the easiest and most rewarding to earn among its peers.

Valuable Mileage Currency with Sweet Spots

If there’s one thing that sets American apart from the “big three,” it’s their AAdvantage program, which offers some stellar partner award redemptions. Not all are diamonds, but a few sparkle brightly. I hold those miles dearer than Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus.

American’s pretty generous with good-value award space on its flights, especially in swanky cabins. It’s a major draw into the AAdvantage web. They also roll out the red carpet for partner airline awards, like Qatar Airways and Etihad, even if it’s not all-access.

When Size Matters: Comparing Redemption

• Delta’s partner redemption value from the U.S. is as promising as a mirage, with limited availability.
• United’s MileagePlus isn’t shabby, yet Air Canada Aeroplan or Avianca Lifemiles often beat it.

Premium International Lounge Access

Hop into one of American’s Flagship Lounges in big-city airports like Chicago and Dallas, and you’ll see why they get lauded. They’re the best U.S. international lounges, by a long shot.

Oneworld’s access policies open these lounges to Sapphire and Emerald members on international routes, along with first and business class passengers. Comparisons with Delta and United just highlight American’s accessible class.

oneworld Emerald Status Perks

While it’s more about the alliance than American, oneworld Emerald status still feels like a golden ticket. Lounges like the Cathay Pacific First Lounge in Hong Kong are a sweet perk, and competing alliances just can’t match that allure.

Flagship First Dining Facilities

American delivers plush Flagship First Dining in Dallas, Miami and co-runs the Chelsea Lounge in New York. These swanky spots serve up tranquility and tasty a la carte bites. A peek into the future suggests changes, but as of now, they’re still a part of the experience.

Solid International Business Class Seats

American stands proud with a top-tier standard of business class seats among U.S. carriers, boasting wide-body Boeing 777s and 787s. Direct aisle access on flights is the rule, not the exception—even with a sprinkle of fancy high-end biz class sprinkled on select routes.

Delta and United Comparisons

• Delta’s business class can feel cramped on Boeing 767s, with dated interiors.
• United’s efforts with Polaris seats stand out, though some routes and planes lag behind.

Wired for Flight: Reliable, High-Speed Wi-Fi

American brings a satisfying in-flight Wi-Fi experience, albeit not the cheapest one. Viasat on narrow bodies and upgraded Panasonic Wi-Fi on international play a decent tune.

While Delta’s free Wi-Fi trumps in theory, connectivity hiccups exist. United’s Starlink Wi-Fi rollout could change things, but it’s not there yet.

Useful Partnership With Alaska Airlines

American’s partnership with Alaska Airlines enriches the passenger experience, covering everything from upgrades to priorities.

United’s alliance with JetBlue aims to mirror this, but it’s still fleshing out. For now, American and Alaska’s partnership sets a high bar.

Citi AAdvantage Executive Card

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is my top airline credit card pick. Despite downgrades, its perks and Admiral Club access justify the annual fee, especially if you’re flying American often and want to throw three authorized users into the lounge.

Bottom Line

Sure, American Airlines might rank behind the top U.S. carriers, but it’s not without its merits. From a loyalty program worth shouting about to more liberal lounge policies, American is making strides towards premium status without tripping over its existing strengths.

So, what’s the consensus from the peanut gallery here at OMAAT? What’s your take on what American does right?