Little time between flight from Dallas to flight to Gainesville. We chose this one, 43 minutes between, because the price for a connection with at least an hour between, was so much higher. Had to ask passengers on the Dallas flight to please allow us to deplane ahead of them. The economy passengers allowed this. We had to walk very fast to the next gate, 35 gates away. Thankfully all in the same terminal. Getting to the small Gainesville plane was a little confusing as you enter an area that is boarding many small planes at the same time. We stood in the wrong line for about 15 seconds before realizing it was not our Gainesville flight. Since I had boarded at this gate in the past, I knew to check the signs carefully so we weren’t lost. The first class seat experience was wonderful. I really enjoyed the upgrade. We were offered an alcohol drink as soon as we sat down. I got something different but it was a great gesture especially since we really had to hurry to make the flight. We had packed expecting we might miss this connection, but made it. Our luggage didn’t miss the flight. American Airlines delivered our bags to our home the next day. That was very convenient!
We had several flights and they were all on-time and flawless
Airlines should be prohibited from using the seats they get away with.
This short sector between Miami and JFK was undertaken purely for business purposes, with efficiency as the primary objective rather than a full inflight experience. Overall, the journey met its intended purpose; however, the ground experience at Miami stood out significantly. During check-in, I was unable to link my frequent flyer details from Qatar Airways (oneworld alliance) through either the self-service kiosk or web check-in. The situation was handled exceptionally well by the check-in agent, who demonstrated remarkable ownership. She coordinated across multiple counters, ensured my frequent flyer number was correctly reflected, reissued the boarding pass, and confirmed that mileage accrual would be recognized. Additionally, she ensured the boarding pass reflected priority status, enabling a seamless priority check-in experience without delays. This level of proactive service was both commendable and impactful. Boarding and the inflight experience, operated by American Airlines under a codeshare arrangement, were efficient but largely transactional. While operational delivery was smooth, there was no visible recognition of oneworld frequent flyer status onboard. In comparison to the consistently personalized engagement typically experienced with Qatar Airways, this absence was noticeable—though understandably a potential limitation of codeshare alignment rather than a direct service shortfall. In summary, while the flight itself fulfilled its operational intent, the exceptional professionalism and commitment demonstrated at the Miami check-in counter was the defining highlight of this journey. Greater consistency in elite recognition across partner airlines would further enhance the overall experience.
The "on the ground" A/C was not working. It was so hot while waiting to get in the air, a passenger from the rear of the plan declared "I just can't!" and waited in the gangway until time to close the doors. It was miserable. But the crew were champs and had an amazing attitude. I know they were as miserable as we were but didn't let that affect their performance.
The new planes (American Eagle) are beautiful and especially comfortable. The flight attendants are consistently professional and courteous. And, while it may seem inconsequential, the new liquid tube of coffee creamer—in contrast to the powdered coffee creamer—makes all the difference in a cup of coffee.
Bag drop was very disorganized in Miami. All main cabin passengers were shunted to just a few lanes and they had an equal number of lanes for first class passengers but there was nobody on those lines. They did nothing to bring the main cab and passengers over to the open lines and they just had employees standing there and doing nothing
Crew at the gate was very crabby and not at all polite. The plane was very hot the entire flight. And the seat cushion was very worn out.
The staff are very, very professional. It's what flying should feel like.
The flight attendant in business class was excellent! Professional, friendly and attentive.
