American Airlines new routes

Frank, thanks for the update. Living in the Ft Worth Arlington area I almost always fly AA to Europe. We fly Alaska Airlines to Fairbanks and have their cc and usually can do miles on our trips up there. I have to say I was surprised to hear AA is a definite 3rd out of the big 3 carriers. Do you have a favorite airline that you use? Do you feel American is poorly run or in need of an overhaul? I am curious since you fly so often.

I usually fly AA to Europe since I fly between NYC and London between the two continents. (It is the busiest route and has the most competition. Thus, the best prices.)

I also try to stick to one airline alliance for miles and status.

As for service, it varies depending on the crew. My flight a few weeks ago from JFK to LHR was canceled on AA and I was put on a BA flight instead. Service was excellent, the plane was upgraded so very comfortable, and it was a pleasant flight. Too bad BA's website and app are junk, their gate agents seem to not care much, and they charge more for reserving a seat even in business class.

If you are not playing the points/status game then choose the airline with the best prices and times. Honestly, when it comes to US based airlines, they are all pretty much the same. You can have good and bad experiences on every one. I don't pay attention to "ratings."

I have found that the best thing I can do is make sure I have plenty of entertainment to watch or listen to. (Don't rely on the airline entertainment system.) Or have a good book to read. Then I put on my noise canceling headphones and zone out until we arrive.

If your airline allows it, pre-order your meal. This way there are no surprises.

Go easy on carbonated beverages and alcohol. Both can come back to bite you either during the flight or afterwards. Drink water. It may be boring but its the best thing while flying.

Get up now and then and take a walk. Get the blood flowing into your legs. Some people swear by compression socks. I don't like them.