With the frequent reporting of nightmare scenarios unfolding on commercial flights, I thought I’d add my more vanilla and pleasant experience of flying American from ABE to MSP, via CLT.
Every flight was on time, every flight except the very last return leg from CLT to ABE was full, with many young children who got antsy at times but were monitored by parents and tolerated and even enjoyed by other passengers. I saw no evidence of short tempers, the crews tended to business but were polite and helpful, and I didn’t lose any luggage.
Two caveats: the weather cooperated along the flight routes (i.e. no delays or cancellations), and I did wear noise-canceling headphones most of the time, which I’ve decided I will never do without- if only because of the constant engine noise in the cabin. Where I can afford to sit, it is a loud environment by nature, so it helps to have the noise-canceling feature—even if it makes me look like I just want to be left alone. It’s not an environment conducive to conversation, anyway.
Truth be told, I’ve always loved the whole airport experience, except for getting through security. I’m still trying to figure out ways to make that go smoother.
3 Cents' 