American Airlines review by Tom Stuart

I purchased a Business Class international ticket on American Airlines for approximately $4,000 because I needed a lie-flat seat due to my bad back. This was a significant expense—nearly five times what my friend paid for a coach ticket ($800)—but I justified the cost for the comfort and ability to sleep on the outbound flight to Europe. Unfortunately, my experience with AA turned into a nightmare. The night before my departure, AA canceled my flight without explanation. Instead of accommodating me properly, they rebooked me on the same flight the following day but downgraded me out of Business Class. When I requested to be rebooked at the original $800 coach fare (which I would have purchased had I known I wouldn’t get Business Class), they refused. Instead, they insisted I would have to pay the significantly higher last-minute coach fare. AA assured me I would be treated “fairly” after my trip—when, of course, I had no leverage. After multiple follow-ups, they issued me a mere $853 refund. Frustrated, I took matters into my own hands and contacted every senior service manager I could find on LinkedIn. Only then did someone reach out and offer me an additional $500 flight credit. In the end, I paid $4,000 for a Business Class ticket I never received, and AA effectively kept over $1,800 of my money. This is deceptive, unfair, and frankly feels like fraud. Lesson learned: just because you pay for an upgraded seat doesn’t mean you’ll actually get it—or your money back if AA decides to downgrade you. What a disgraceful way to treat a longtime loyal customer of over 25 years. This experience has made me seriously reconsider ever flying with American Airlines again. 1,000 thumbs down. 👎👎👎