I used to dread flying American, but the experiences on my last 2 flights has changed my mind. Here's why I won't shy away from booking the carrier again.

Taylor RainsApr 24, 2022, 19:21 IST

Taylor Rains/Insider

I've previously avoided flying on American Airlines, but my last two flights have changed my mind.
American's Airbus A319 and Embraer 175 planes were spacious, comfortable, and took off right on time.

I've had terrible experiences with every major US airline, from delays and bad customer service to hard seats and broken tray tables.

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines planes.vaalaa / Shutterstock.com

But, over the past few years, American Airlines always stood out as being consistently unpleasant, including flight disruptions and poor customer service.

American aircraft.Airbus

One instance from last June particularly stood out, which involved me fighting for a new flight from Colombia to Miami after the carrier canceled my nonstop to New York's JFK airport.

Waiting at Bogota airport in Colombia for another AA flight. The flight was canceled the night before for an undisclosed reason and I was told I would be put on a flight two days later, even though there was space on the Miami flight leaving in a few hours. Eventually, the manager placed me on a flight that same morning.Taylor Rains/Insider

One instance from last June particularly stood out, which involved me fighting for a new flight from Colombia to Miami after the carrier canceled my nonstop to New York's JFK airport.

Others may love American, and it's possible I just had bad luck every time, but, nevertheless, it made me dread flying the carrier.

AA's rebooking center line in Miami was hundreds of people long after I landed from Bogota. I tried to get a gate agent to help me rebook my flight to JFK, but I was told only the rebooking center could help. There were several gate agents at their desks that could not help, which astonished me.Taylor Rains/Insider

However, since the start of 2022, I've flown the airline twice. Surprisingly, both experiences exceeded expectations and the service and comfort have changed my mind about flying American.

Taylor Rains/Insider

However, since the start of 2022, I've flown the airline twice. Surprisingly, both experiences exceeded expectations and the service and comfort have changed my mind about flying American.

I took two different American flights two weeks apart — the first from Washington DC's Reagan National Airport to New York's LaGuardia Airport on an Airbus A319 mainline aircraft…

Taylor Rains/Insider

I took two different American flights two weeks apart — the first from Washington DC's Reagan National Airport to New York's LaGuardia Airport on an Airbus A319 mainline aircraft…

…and the second from LaGuardia to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport on an Embraer 175 regional jet.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Going into the first flight, I had low expectations. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the service and ease of the flight. In DC, the check-in process using the kiosks was smooth and I was through security and at the gate in 15 minutes.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Going into the first flight, I had low expectations. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the service and ease of the flight. In DC, the check-in process using the kiosks was smooth and I was through security and at the gate in 15 minutes.

I was able to get my boarding pass at the airport, but also had it in my iPhone's wallet app. Fortunately, I flew on a Tuesday evening so the flight was only about half full and boarding took no time.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I was able to get my boarding pass at the airport, but also had it in my iPhone's wallet app. Fortunately, I flew on a Tuesday evening so the flight was only about half full and boarding took no time.

I was assigned seat 18F, which was a window, and luckily there was no one next to me so I was able to spread out a bit.

Taylor Rains/Insider

However, the seats were plenty spacious for the one-hour flight. According to SeatGuru, American's A319 Main Cabin seat pitch is 30 inches.

Taylor Rains/Insider

While that seems narrow, I did not feel confined or uncomfortable like I have on other carriers. For reference, I'm about 5'4" and on the smaller side, so I'm able to fit in tight spaces easier.

Main Cabin seats.Taylor Rains/Insider

While that seems narrow, I did not feel confined or uncomfortable like I have on other carriers. For reference, I'm about 5'4" and on the smaller side, so I'm able to fit in tight spaces easier.

For those that are pushing six feet, it may be beneficial to upgrade to American's Main Cabin Extra on the A319 since it has 34 inches of pitch.

Main Cabin Extra seats (exit row).Taylor Rains/Insider

In addition to the roominess, I liked the headrests on each seat, which I find are a good alternative to a neck pillow, which I've never enjoyed using. I especially appreciate the headrest for flights where I'm stuck in the aisle or middle seat, making it easier to sleep.

Taylor Rains/Insider

In addition to the roominess, I liked the headrests on each seat, which I find are a good alternative to a neck pillow, which I've never enjoyed using. I especially appreciate the headrest for flights where I'm stuck in the aisle or middle seat, making it easier to sleep.

As far as the seat padding, it was nothing special compared to other carriers, though still plenty more comfortable than low-cost competitors like Spirit or Frontier.

Slim, but still comfortable seat padding you'd find on competing legacy carriers.Taylor Rains/Insider

American's A319 also delivered in terms of overhead bin space, which easily stored my suitcase.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Meanwhile, the tray table was large enough to work on my laptop and store snacks. It also had a placeholder for a drink, which is a small detail but still appreciated.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Although I was a little disappointed that there were no inflight entertainment screens, the carrier did add a few nice amenities, including a power outlet and WiFi…

Taylor Rains/Insider

Although I was a little disappointed that there were no inflight entertainment screens, the carrier did add a few nice amenities, including a power outlet and WiFi…

...a comfortable recline...

There was plenty of space between me and the armrest.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and streaming to my personal device.

Taylor Rains/Insider

After getting comfortable, we pushed back from the gate right on time at 5:00 pm and enjoyed a smooth flight to New York City.

Final approach into LaGuardia.Taylor Rains/Insider

Unfortunately, due to the short duration of the flight, there was no inflight service, though I was offered water, and I snacked on some food I brought with me.

Taylor Rains/insider

After my positive experience from DC to LaGuardia, I went into my flight to Montreal with higher hopes. And, once again, American delivered.

Taylor Rains/Insider

After traversing the new LaGuardia Airport for the third time this year, I made my way to Gate 42 to board the American's Embraer 175, which has recently become my favorite jet to fly on.

Taylor Rains/Insider

After traversing the new LaGuardia Airport for the third time this year, I made my way to Gate 42 to board the American's Embraer 175, which has recently become my favorite jet to fly on.

The flight was operated by one of American's regional partners, Republic Airways.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The boarding process was quick and I was at my seat in no time. Fortunately, I did get upgraded to Main Cabin Extra during check-in, moving from row 23 to 12, and I got the whole row to myself.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The boarding process was quick and I was at my seat in no time. Fortunately, I did get upgraded to Main Cabin Extra during check-in, moving from row 23 to 12, and I got the whole row to myself.

The seat pitch was 34 inches, according to SeatGuru, but it felt bigger. Again, I'm pretty short so most seats are spacious for me, but I was able to stretch my legs all the way out without kicking the seat in front of me.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The seat pitch was 34 inches, according to SeatGuru, but it felt bigger. Again, I'm pretty short so most seats are spacious for me, but I was able to stretch my legs all the way out without kicking the seat in front of me.

While I had the entire row to myself, the reason I love regional planes is the 2x2 configuration. Either way, I'd get an aisle or window, meaning no getting stuck in the dreaded middle seat.

Taylor Rains/Insider

While I had the entire row to myself, the reason I love regional planes is the 2x2 configuration. Either way, I'd get an aisle or window, meaning no getting stuck in the dreaded middle seat.

Regardless of which seat I'm in, I know it'll be comfortable, which is a massive bonus to flying on American's Embraer 175s. The seats themselves are large and fluffy, outshining most other products I've experienced.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Regardless of which seat I'm in, I know it'll be comfortable, which is a massive bonus to flying on American's Embraer 175s. The seats themselves are large and fluffy, outshining most other products I've experienced.

Specifically, the back of the seat and the headrest were bulky and fully padded, making them much more comfortable than the A319.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, according to SeatGuru, the plane I was on had over 18 inches of width in both regular economy and the extra legroom seats, which gives even larger passengers plenty of room.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, according to SeatGuru, the plane I was on had over 18 inches of width in both regular economy and the extra legroom seats, which gives even larger passengers plenty of room.

As far as inflight entertainment, the plane did not have TV screens, though I was able to stream shows and movies on my laptop, which easily fit on the tray table.

Taylor Rains/Insider

However, I was a little annoyed at the seat's deep recline. The person in front of me fully reclined, which I don't mind, but it forced me to practically set my laptop on my legs because it could not open if it sat on the tray table.

If I pushed my laptop further back on the tray table, the lid would be forced closed.Taylor Rains/Insider

However, I was a little annoyed at the seat's deep recline. The person in front of me fully reclined, which I don't mind, but it forced me to practically set my laptop on my legs because it could not open if it sat on the tray table.

Fortunately, the Main Cabin Extra seats provide enough room to cope with the deep recline, though I'm not sure how much space would still be available in regular economy. This would be the one flaw I have with American's Embraer 175.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Fortunately, the Main Cabin Extra seats provide enough room to cope with the deep recline, though I'm not sure how much space would still be available in regular economy. This would be the one flaw I have with American's Embraer 175.

While there was no inflight service on the one-hour A319 flight, the Embraer flight attendants did provide a quick food and beverage service onboard, which included pretzels and a drink, like tea, water, coffee, and orange juice.

Taylor Rains/Insider

While there was no inflight service on the one-hour A319 flight, the Embraer flight attendants did provide a quick food and beverage service onboard, which included pretzels and a drink, like tea, water, coffee, and orange juice.

I opted for coffee on the early morning flight to Canada.

Taylor Rains/Insider

While the flight was only an hour or so, I appreciated the jet had WiFi and power outlets, including a USB port.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I was also impressed with the lavatory on the regional jet, which proved to be very roomy. I was able to stand and move around without bumping against the walls.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Like my A319 flight, the plane took off right on time, and we even got to Montreal ahead of schedule.

Taking off from LGA.Taylor Rains/Insider

I enjoyed taxiing along the snowy Canadian airport and even saw a brand new SWISS A220 that likely just came off the Airbus assembly line.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, I was impressed with both flights and would be happy to spend more than just an hour or so onboard. I think the product is comfortable and appreciate the added amenities that have been absent from previous jets.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, I was impressed with both flights and would be happy to spend more than just an hour or so onboard. I think the product is comfortable and appreciate the added amenities that have been absent from previous jets.

Moreover, the on-time performance of both flights has increased my confidence in American's reliability and customer service.

American's ticket counter in DC.Taylor Rains/Insider

In fact, the airline's new CEO, Robert Isom, vowed to get passengers to their destination with minimal disruptions this summer, according to CNBC.

American Airlines' incoming CEO Robert Isom speaks at a news conference about the company's new partnership with Alaska Airlines in February 2020.Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

"People really need to feel like they have control of their itineraries and we give them control by making sure they get to where they want to go on time," Isom told pilots during a company town hall last week, which was reviewed by CNBC. "I just can't be any more blunt about it than that. Other airlines are really struggling."

American Airlines aircraft.AP Photo/Steven Senne

"People really need to feel like they have control of their itineraries and we give them control by making sure they get to where they want to go on time," Isom told pilots during a company town hall last week, which was reviewed by CNBC. "I just can't be any more blunt about it than that. Other airlines are really struggling."

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I used to dread flying American, but the experiences on my last 2 flights has changed my mind. Here's why I won't shy away from booking the carrier again.

I've had terrible experiences with every major US airline, from delays and bad customer service to hard seats and broken tray tables.

But, over the past few years, American Airlines always stood out as being consistently unpleasant, including flight disruptions and poor customer service.

One instance from last June particularly stood out, which involved me fighting for a new flight from Colombia to Miami after the carrier canceled my nonstop to New York's JFK airport.

Others may love American, and it's possible I just had bad luck every time, but, nevertheless, it made me dread flying the carrier.

However, since the start of 2022, I've flown the airline twice. Surprisingly, both experiences exceeded expectations and the service and comfort have changed my mind about flying American.

I took two different American flights two weeks apart — the first from Washington DC's Reagan National Airport to New York's LaGuardia Airport on an Airbus A319 mainline aircraft…

…and the second from LaGuardia to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport on an Embraer 175 regional jet.

Going into the first flight, I had low expectations. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the service and ease of the flight. In DC, the check-in process using the kiosks was smooth and I was through security and at the gate in 15 minutes.

I was able to get my boarding pass at the airport, but also had it in my iPhone's wallet app. Fortunately, I flew on a Tuesday evening so the flight was only about half full and boarding took no time.

I was assigned seat 18F, which was a window, and luckily there was no one next to me so I was able to spread out a bit.

However, the seats were plenty spacious for the one-hour flight. According to SeatGuru, American's A319 Main Cabin seat pitch is 30 inches.

While that seems narrow, I did not feel confined or uncomfortable like I have on other carriers. For reference, I'm about 5'4" and on the smaller side, so I'm able to fit in tight spaces easier.

For those that are pushing six feet, it may be beneficial to upgrade to American's Main Cabin Extra on the A319 since it has 34 inches of pitch.

In addition to the roominess, I liked the headrests on each seat, which I find are a good alternative to a neck pillow, which I've never enjoyed using. I especially appreciate the headrest for flights where I'm stuck in the aisle or middle seat, making it easier to sleep.

As far as the seat padding, it was nothing special compared to other carriers, though still plenty more comfortable than low-cost competitors like Spirit or Frontier.

American's A319 also delivered in terms of overhead bin space, which easily stored my suitcase.

Meanwhile, the tray table was large enough to work on my laptop and store snacks. It also had a placeholder for a drink, which is a small detail but still appreciated.

Although I was a little disappointed that there were no inflight entertainment screens, the carrier did add a few nice amenities, including a power outlet and WiFi…

...a comfortable recline...

…and streaming to my personal device.

After getting comfortable, we pushed back from the gate right on time at 5:00 pm and enjoyed a smooth flight to New York City.

Unfortunately, due to the short duration of the flight, there was no inflight service, though I was offered water, and I snacked on some food I brought with me.

After my positive experience from DC to LaGuardia, I went into my flight to Montreal with higher hopes. And, once again, American delivered.

After traversing the new LaGuardia Airport for the third time this year, I made my way to Gate 42 to board the American's Embraer 175, which has recently become my favorite jet to fly on.

The flight was operated by one of American's regional partners, Republic Airways.

The boarding process was quick and I was at my seat in no time. Fortunately, I did get upgraded to Main Cabin Extra during check-in, moving from row 23 to 12, and I got the whole row to myself.

The seat pitch was 34 inches, according to SeatGuru, but it felt bigger. Again, I'm pretty short so most seats are spacious for me, but I was able to stretch my legs all the way out without kicking the seat in front of me.

While I had the entire row to myself, the reason I love regional planes is the 2x2 configuration. Either way, I'd get an aisle or window, meaning no getting stuck in the dreaded middle seat.

Regardless of which seat I'm in, I know it'll be comfortable, which is a massive bonus to flying on American's Embraer 175s. The seats themselves are large and fluffy, outshining most other products I've experienced.

Specifically, the back of the seat and the headrest were bulky and fully padded, making them much more comfortable than the A319.

Moreover, according to SeatGuru, the plane I was on had over 18 inches of width in both regular economy and the extra legroom seats, which gives even larger passengers plenty of room.

As far as inflight entertainment, the plane did not have TV screens, though I was able to stream shows and movies on my laptop, which easily fit on the tray table.

However, I was a little annoyed at the seat's deep recline. The person in front of me fully reclined, which I don't mind, but it forced me to practically set my laptop on my legs because it could not open if it sat on the tray table.

Fortunately, the Main Cabin Extra seats provide enough room to cope with the deep recline, though I'm not sure how much space would still be available in regular economy. This would be the one flaw I have with American's Embraer 175.

While there was no inflight service on the one-hour A319 flight, the Embraer flight attendants did provide a quick food and beverage service onboard, which included pretzels and a drink, like tea, water, coffee, and orange juice.

I opted for coffee on the early morning flight to Canada.

While the flight was only an hour or so, I appreciated the jet had WiFi and power outlets, including a USB port.

I was also impressed with the lavatory on the regional jet, which proved to be very roomy. I was able to stand and move around without bumping against the walls.

Like my A319 flight, the plane took off right on time, and we even got to Montreal ahead of schedule.

I enjoyed taxiing along the snowy Canadian airport and even saw a brand new SWISS A220 that likely just came off the Airbus assembly line.

Overall, I was impressed with both flights and would be happy to spend more than just an hour or so onboard. I think the product is comfortable and appreciate the added amenities that have been absent from previous jets.

Moreover, the on-time performance of both flights has increased my confidence in American's reliability and customer service.

In fact, the airline's new CEO, Robert Isom, vowed to get passengers to their destination with minimal disruptions this summer, according to CNBC.