Last Updated on March 31, 2024
Are you planning to fly American Airlines for your next vacation? If so, it’s important to know if they offer the comfort and reliability you need while traveling.
Knowing what other passengers say before booking a ticket can help you make an informed decision about whether or not American Airlines is right for your journey.
This blog post will provide an honest review of the pros and cons of American Airlines. We’ll look at airfare prices, customer reviews, overall services, and more. So keep reading to find out if flying with American Airlines is good or bad!
Is American Airlines Good?
Let’s get to it and answer the question “Is American Airlines good?” The US carrier American Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the world, has much to offer customers with a wide range of services.
Most American Airline flights have music and entertainment available, so customers never have to worry about being bored during long flights. Furthermore, there are no change fees for passengers looking for more flexibility.
However, some customers may be put off by bag fees and reliability issues from time to time. Overall though, American Airlines has plenty of advantages that make it a great airline for the average traveler.
Ready to book your next flight? Take a look at the best flight prices here.
Table of Contents
Is American Airlines Good? Pros
1. One Of The Largest Airlines In The United States
The U.S. airline has almost 7,000 daily flights to 50 countries and 350 destinations. Additionally, their flight of Regional carriers like America Eagle offers even more.
In 2022, American Airlines had the largest fleet of planes. They also transported the most passengers throughout the year.
A large airline means more resources to create a great support experience for customers.
This also means they have the ability to fly out of large airports like New York and Los Angeles, and also smaller airports like Tulsa and Fort Worth.
2. No Change Fees
One of the reasons that make American Airlines good is its no-change fee policy. Most American Airline flights do not include an extra charge should you need to change your flight plan due to schedule or destination changes.
You have the option of changing a flight, where you’ll only pay the difference between the two flights.
Or, you can cancel you’ll flight for an American Airlines flight credit or refund, depending on the ticket you purchased.
This is a great convenience for travelers who need some flexibility in their journey. In addition, American Airlines offers competitive fares and a generous rewards program as part of their loyalty solution.
With all these features combined, it’s easy to see why many people feel so confident booking flights with American Airlines.
3. Several Flight Classes To Choose From
American Airlines understands the importance of customer satisfaction and needs and affordability, so they offer eight flight classes to choose from if you’re considering flying with them. These include:
- Economy
- Main Cabin
- Main Cabin Extra
- Premium Economy
- Business
- First
- Flagship Business
Each of these different classes provides travelers with various comforts, amenities, and services that make their travel experience enjoyable.
Economy features basic requirements with a few perks while Flagship Business offers complete relaxation on board.
The lay-flat seats will allow you to fly long-distance or long haul international flights in luxury and comfort, or just enjoy short flights in style!
You can choose from extra legroom, priority boarding, or in-flight services and food, or choose to have no amenities with a cheaper ticket.
No matter which one you decide, American Airlines will have an option that works for you.
4. Lay Flat Beds
American Airlines has finally taken a step to make long-haul flights on Boeing 777s more comfortable.
Flagship International Business class passengers, you’ll get a lay-flat bed for the world’s most luxurious flying!
Plus, you can’t forget about the Flagship Lounges!
Thanks to this innovation, travelers can enjoy a quality rest from the comfort of their own private beds, along with some incredible above-first-class service!
If you’re traveling on a red-eye or need to sleep before a big day, this amenity will come in handy.
Who knew it was possible to feel refreshed after an overnight flight?
5. Free Carry-On And Personal Bag
Over the last few years, airlines have been adding additional fees for your bags.
So many people will prioritize what baggage allowance you’re getting for your money.
American Airlines includes a free carry-on and personal bag allowance for all classes of tickets.
For those traveling in higher classes, as well as AAcard holders, a checked bag is included in the price too!
6. In-Flight Movies And Music Streaming On Most Flights
American Airlines offers free entertainment of movies, TV shows, and Apple music available for streaming on all Wi-Fi-equipped planes to create the best flight experience possible.
The service is offered at no additional cost, allowing passengers to stay entertained throughout their journey without having to purchase or rent any additional devices.
However, not all seatbacks have TVs. No worries – just use your smartphone, laptop, or tablet!
This really comes in handy to pass the time during long hour flights with ease!
7. Wi-Fi On Most Flights
Most flights in America offer basic messaging capabilities and streaming options for inflight entertainment at no cost.
If you need additional services, planes will offer upgraded packages. With upgraded Wi-Fi, you can check emails, stream content, or browse upgrading to pass the time.
Wi-Fi on American domestic flights starts at $10. If you’re a frequent flyer, you can purchase a monthly plan for $50 so you always have access to inflight browsing.
8. Credit Card Perks
American Airlines offers a great selection of six credit cards, each tailored to fit your travel needs.
With every purchase made with any of the cards, you can earn miles and loyalty points. There are even more rewards that come along with your card options.
Priority boarding and check-in options provide even more convenience when flying with AA cards. Plus, one free checked bag and reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA Precheck.
AA’s cards have something for everyone. The great features and benefits make American Airlines’ credit cards a great option for their frequent fliers.
Paired with the American Airlines loyalty program, and you’ll be riding in style with your points in no time.
9. Flying Experience
American Airlines offers an exceptional flight experience from the time you book your ticket until the end of your time in the air.
Online agents are prepared to provide excellent customer service, even during the busy holiday season.
If a flight is booked solid and you need to make a change, compensation credits may be available to move to another flight.
During your flight, you will be offered complimentary snacks and soft drinks or non-alcoholic beverages served by friendly attendants, plus comfortable seating and entertainment options to ensure your journey flies by quickly!
Is American Airlines Good? Cons
Photo Credit – Wikimedia
10. Bag Fees
Flying with American Airlines can be confusing if you’re not aware of their various policies on which flights include bag fees or not.
It’s important to keep in mind that even if you have a basic economy ticket, American Airlines will begin their “1st bag” fees from anywhere between $30-$75.
For your second bag, fees will be even higher depending on the destination.
If you don’t plan ahead, these bag fees can cost you a hefty unplanned expense during your travels.
It is best to fly passenger classes like Premium Economy, Business, or First Class to avoid additional charges for more than one bag.
With these tickets, your first 2 checked bags are included in the price of your ticket.
Like most airlines, you will also incur expenses for overweight bags.
11. Seating Varies Greatly Depending On Fare
Flying American Airlines can be both a convenient and affordable way to get around.
However, it can sometimes feel impossible when customers see the cost of the tickets. Prices vary greatly depending on what class seat you want to book.
From Economy Class all the way up to First Class and Flagship, the fares range significantly in price and can often leave even the most budget-conscious traveler with little choice unless they are willing to splurge.
For example, a standard round-trip ticket from Newark to Charlotte is $158 for basic economy but a first-class ticket ranges from $562-$1032.
Flagship and first-class tickets can go up thousands of additional dollars from the basic economy fare.
This can be frustrating for some travelers. So, it’s something to consider before booking if you prefer more comfortable seats and amenities while traveling.
12. Low-Reliability Ranking
One of the biggest cons according to American Airlines reviews is a low ranking on reliability- delayed flights and delayed/lost baggage.
According to Readers Digest in 2022, American Airlines was the second least reliable airline…coming just after the budget airline Frontier.
A whopping 2.39% of flights canceled and 18% delayed might make you think twice if you have somewhere important to be on your day of travel.
Aside from the cost, this is likely one of the most important things to consider and one that might convince some people to answer no when considering the question “is American Airlines good?”
Is American Airlines A Good And Safe Airline To Fly?
American Airlines is a good airline to fly. They offer many different affordable and luxurious ways to fly.
Their modern fleet and expansive rewards program allow American Airlines to stand out among its competitors as one of the best options on the market.
As a larger airline, American also comes with great safety ratings and customer service. Their flight attendants are known to be friendly and welcoming, helping to make your in-flight experience one to remember.
Passengers can use their AAdvantage miles to redeem free flights or book award seats at discounted prices.
They also offer services like priority boarding and companion fares, so flying with American Airlines makes travel convenient.
All in all, American Airlines provides good value for your money and makes flying a lot easier than driving!
Is American Airlines Better Than Delta?
Delta Air Lines is known as the premier international airline with superior customer service. They have also been voted the most reliable carrier in several cases.
However, American Airlines runs more daily flights than its competitors allowing customers greater flexibility with scheduling.
Plus, the AA rewards program offers more value for your points, so you can get the most out of your budget.
Ultimately, choosing between American Airlines and Delta will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
For more on Delta including the pros and cons, check out this post.
Is It Better To Fly American Airlines Or United?
United Airlines and American Airlines offer different benefits when it comes to booking a flight.
United has fewer flights than American, but United also offers better credit card perks and more comfortable seating options. Additionally, United is affiliated with fewer partner airlines.
The choice of United or American may come down to which hub you’re closest to and where you can find the most convenient non-stop flights.
If you are looking to earn elite status, this might also influence your decision between the United and America—there could be greater opportunities at whichever hub you’re closest to.
For more on United Airlines including the pros and cons go here.
Final Thoughts: Is American Airlines Good?
So, is American Airlines good? American Airlines is a good airline if you are looking for a wide range of flight options and rewards among different U.S. airlines.
Known as the largest airline in the U.S. with its size and extensive classes of services available, it offers plenty of choice for travelers.
However, it does have disadvantages – with additional fees for certain features and less reliability than some other airlines, there are things that prospective customers should bear in mind when making the decision to fly with American Airlines.
No matter which airline you decide to go with, there are going to be some negatives along the way. The pros of American Airlines seem to outweigh the cons.
Safe travels!
Additional Airline Blogs
Me on a flight to Florida in 2023
Ready to book your next flight? Take a look at the best flight prices here.
Always On The Shore contains affiliate links and if you make a purchase, we make a small commission at no cost to you.
For more information, please read the disclaimer page.
Travel Resources
Book Your Next Trip! For Accommodations and short-term rentals, I recommend Booking.com as they are the best in the business when it comes to rates and places to stay.
To Book Activities- For activities, I suggest booking with Viator, they have thousands of 5-star activities to choose from!
Looking To Start Your Own Travel Blog Or Take Yours To The Next Level?
Check Out This Free Workshop!– I personally joined Scale Your Travel Blog in 2021 and my website has grown exponentially.
Thanks for sharing such great information. I personally think all airlines function the same and for the most part, their policies are similar. I have traveled mostly with Delta Airlines but have also traveled with AA. Good to learn about all they have to offer.