When I originally booked this flight, I was expecting to travel on Qantas. When the itinerary changed and the long-haul segment was operated by American Airlines, we were disappointed but remained open-minded. Unfortunately, the overall service experience fell far short of expectations. This was a long-haul international flight. Getting up periodically to use the restroom or stretch is inevitable, especially on flights of this duration. However, each time we stood up, we felt as though we were inconveniencing the crew. The tone and body language often suggested that we were in the way or disrupting something simply by moving about the cabin. As a result, I avoided getting up as often as I needed to and was physically very sore upon arrival. Meal service was similarly impersonal. The options were presented in single words “beef or veggie,” “pasta or beef” without any description of what was actually being served. There was little engagement or courtesy beyond that. Even simple expressions of gratitude were often not acknowledged. I am accustomed to no-frills travel and do not expect luxury. What was disappointing was not the absence of extras, but the absence of basic warmth and professionalism. On a long-haul international flight, small moments of courtesy and humanity make a significant difference. In this case, the experience felt transactional and dismissive rather than welcoming. I hope this feedback is taken constructively, as there is a meaningful difference between efficient service and indifferent service.
4.0 OkayDesiree, Feb 2026SYD - LAX
When I originally booked this flight, I was expecting to travel on Qantas. When the itinerary changed and the long-haul segment was operated by American Airlines, we were disappointed but remained open-minded. Unfortunately, the overall service experience fell far short of expectations. This was a long-haul international flight. Getting up periodically to use the restroom or stretch is inevitable, especially on flights of this duration. However, each time we stood up, we felt as though we were inconveniencing the crew. The tone and body language often suggested that we were in the way or disrupting something simply by moving about the cabin. As a result, I avoided getting up as often as I needed to and was physically very sore upon arrival. Meal service was similarly impersonal. The options were presented in single words “beef or veggie,” “pasta or beef” without any description of what was actually being served. There was little engagement or courtesy beyond that. Even simple expressions of gratitude were often not acknowledged. I am accustomed to no-frills travel and do not expect luxury. What was disappointing was not the absence of extras, but the absence of basic warmth and professionalism. On a long-haul international flight, small moments of courtesy and humanity make a significant difference. In this case, the experience felt transactional and dismissive rather than welcoming. I hope this feedback is taken constructively, as there is a meaningful difference between efficient service and indifferent service.
an hour late, then had to disembark on back stairs and take 4 flights up to get to main airport. No warning, and difficulty for those with canes and poor knees.
Flight arrived late with no one to help over 30 people rebook. I slept at the airport.
Business seats not as comfortable or private as most competitors (e.g. Qantas was outstanding), and movie selection was much more limited than Qantas or United has been recently
I'd like to see AA's flight safety record clearly and prominently posted online.
Hard to move and get out of my seat when the passenger in front is in recline position.
After already paying for excess luggage prior to flight, i was advised AT check in that i had to pay $816 or forfeit my flight! The lady at the counter was SO rude and had already started offboarding me when i said i would pay it after asking her three times for the exact amount! Have lodged a formal complaint yet heard nothing. Will not ever travel via Qantas again
Basic airline, aircraft and service. AA gets you from point A to B. My flight was delayed by 2 hours too.
My flight from Dallas to Sydney was cancelled. My entire trip was rerouted to include the following: Hartford to Washington DC Washington DC to JFK JFK to Auckland Auckland to Christchurch I paid for an aisle seat on the flight to Auckland and was asked if I would take a window seat to accommodate a family. The agent at the podium failed to mention that the family had a 3 month old baby and that a bassinet would be used during the 16 hour flight. The only way I could get out of my seat was to crawl under the bassinet of the sleeping baby. I think it is wrong that I was no given the choice to sit in another seat, that the agent knew what she was doing and chose to not properly disclose my seating arrangement. Terrible treatment.
they ran out of fruit for breakfast and so I just had a yogurt instead. other than that the flight was good
We got delayed three hours and nobody thought to have the bathroom fixed while we were sitting waiting to board? took a full hour to have maintenance come and check it off. Had to shut the bathroom down twice so that the pilots could go to the bathroom. Everyone missed their connections.
Given I (and I’m assuming most people) have both carry in and a personal item included in their fare, I find it very unfair that on neither of my flights I was able to use the overhead for my small backpack because they were completely rammed with luggage, people personal items, jackets, hats and other items. So the only item I brought in had to be stuffed under my seat while they had their leg room and sat comfortable with all of their items in the overhead. This has to stop because I was uncomfortable on both flights when I only had one smaller item that could not be checked due to its contents (medication etc). Plenty of people could have checked theirs but chose not to and then took up the space allotment for 2 people.
Flight left on time and we arrived 25 minutes early! There was a gate available when we arrived so early on a busy Sunday afternoon! Flight attendants came around twice with the drinks cart.
Wonderful. Quick boarding. Early departure and we arrived 30 minutes early at our destination. Unfortunately, when you arrive early, there is still a departing aircraft at our gate. We had to park for 30 minutes until the gate was clear. So our early arrival was not really early at the gate. Otherwise it was a quick and smooth flight. Appreciated the efficiency.
I couldn’t make my first flight due to weather delays trapping us in the town we were in. Then I had to buy a new ticket
Flight attendants had a little attitude. Food tastes no good.
Chargers didn’t work, no entertainment and we had to wait for taxiing for easily 40 minutes after arriving early. Bags were late too!
Everything was great except for the boarding process. Everyone is lining up all at the same time and it’s hard to tell between the groups as they are way too large.
Women boarding passengers at the gate was absolutely rude and disrespectful of passengers. The flight attendant was absolutely delightful! Smiling and connected with the passengers. So happy. The seats are cramped and uncomfortable but I guess that’s just the way it is Communication regarding flight was excellent
Overall we had a good experience during our flight from San Francisco to Houston.
