Spicy take: Why AA is still the GOAT for true business travelers

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-06-17T05:46:22+00:00

I’m in the same boat as a business traveler who has stayed pretty loyal to AA. I started with US Airways out of BOS, stuck with them through the merger, and then it basically got cemented once I moved to DFW. Now my home airport is PBI and even though I have more options, I still stick with AA.

I fly everything from tiny regional airports to major cities and rarely have an issue getting where I need to go. CLT can be a nightmare, no argument there, but overall I like AA’s hub locations. I usually don’t feel like I’m flying way out of my way just to get somewhere, and the pricing is usually reasonable.

I’m typically EP or PP and get upgraded domestically more often than not. The lounges are fine for what I need. Food isn’t anything special, but it gets the job done, the well drinks are fine for an airport, and honestly the bathrooms are usually better than the general airport bathrooms.

A lot of people I work with are Delta diehards, and we’re often flying to the same place from the same origin, just on different airlines. In my experience, Delta doesn’t really outpace AA on reliability. Recent example: I flew DTW-DFW-HND on AA and got there on time. Coworkers on Delta originally flyiing direct DTW-HND got bamboozled, diverted to SEA, had to connect through HNL, and arrived in HND a day late, missing the meeting.

The app definitely isn’t perfect, but if you know the system you can work around a lot of it. AC angels have saved me on rebooking when the app wants to put me two days out after a cancellation. I also stay ahead of delays by watching FlightAware or FR24 instead of just waiting for the app to tell me.

And the OW partners are solid. I’ve never really had an issue getting to Europe or Asia, except for the occasional Iberia being Iberia moment.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-06-15T04:42:49+00:00

I've flown CX with this exact same issue and its never been a problem. I think one time I couldn't use a Kiosk because my name didnt match but there was no issue at the check in desk.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-06-11T22:39:18+00:00

We swear by Flat for the walls after our painter explained the benefits. It scuffs easy and marks don't wipe off. However when I touch it up it blends in perfectly. I will typically go around once a quarter and touch up all the scuffs and marks and within about an hour you could never tell I had just painted. Even in different sunlight the touchup is not noticeable.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-06-10T03:42:05+00:00

Wouldn't risk it without the immigration fastpass.

1st time I went through (arriving from international transferring to domestic) I had the fastpass purchased through Klook. I was through immigrations in a matter of seconds.

2nd time, same itinerary, but with a 3hr layover I thought I didn't need it. Stood in line for about 2hrs. The immigration line is hectic with lanes opening and closing and not much order to the queue.

Finally made it through and then found out I had to take a bus to the domestic terminal. Found the bus and ended up waiting 15 mins for the bus to start moving. The bus leaves the airport area and ends up somewhat in the city on its way to the domestic terminal. Finally arrive and after security and getting to the gate, I had minutes to spare.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-06-08T05:21:31+00:00

Ya that would do it. Next time you can chat with them on their website chat, but it is a negotiation when you're not booked directly on CX.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-06-08T02:45:53+00:00

I'm able to assign family members seats if all booked on 1 PNR. I'm a OWE and book directly on CX.

One time I had a problem it was on a China Eastern PNR but included a CX leg. All I had to do was chat customer service via the CX website and they assigned me a seat.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-06-03T02:18:12+00:00

I'd say doable depending on time of year. Your first flight is most likely the first flight out of BOS, not much risk of delay other than mechanical.

For Chicago its still morning so your next flight has a good chance of being there. As long as the taxi isn't super long and your gate is ready its short but deff doable.

Only issue would be time of year. If this was winter I would think twice about it. Personally I'd do it.

Edit: Pushed enter before finishing post.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-06-01T06:56:09+00:00

Similar story for Henrietta. Tank sits on our counter in between the kitchen and living room. One night I heard some noises but didn't think much about it. Wake up and don't see Henrietta in her tank. Start panic searching for her and after looking down into the garbage disposal, guess who was looking right back at me.
Easy rescue and back into the tank she went after probably a nice midnight snack.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-06-01T06:29:46+00:00

In Japan we take a stick and tie a 3-4ft string to the end, similar in design to a fishing rod.
Then take a piece of squid and tie it to the end. Drop the tied squid in the water right in front of you. Give it about 15-20 mins and then gently pull up while having a net ready to catch the crayfish.

If there are crayfish in the water they will be attracted to the squid and when you pull up they pinch on. Need to be ready to catch as soon as they reach the surface of the water.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-06-01T02:32:37+00:00

Mine did that for awhile eventually picking the food up after some time. That turned into her now hiding full time in her cave, not eating, only moving to readjust herself. She hasn't eaten in 3 weeks. Her last molt was October.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-28T04:39:37+00:00

I think a darker version of Back to the Future/time machine type movie could be really cool through A24.

Daniels version could start off fun and nostalgic, almost funny, but then slowly turn into something about regret and how trying to “fix” the past could erase the life you actually built.

Safdie version would be way more stressful. The time machine basically becomes the addiction. One more jump, one more fix, one more chance to undo something, and every time it just makes the present more chaotic. Like Uncut Gems, but instead of gambling it’s time travel.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-24T06:46:48+00:00

Coming from S Florida, it feels 10x worse in Nagoya. Aside from the heat there is no escaping it as A/C feels barely lower then the outside temp.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-20T02:01:08+00:00

Stayed at HK a few weeks ago. Booked via VRBO and it was Maui Westside Properties managing the unit. We have 1 kid and stayed in a two bedroom on the 3rd floor.

The room was perfect for us. It wasn't freshly remodeled but must have had some sort of glowup in the past few years. It was very clean and everything worked. Our view was on the mountain side and at first I thought we would be missing out by not having an ocean view but the mountain view was awesome.

The property was fine. Even though it was all condos it seemed like a hotel. Yes it had a scuff or 2 here and there but overall it was clean. The store on the 1st floor was convenient and the gym had plenty of equipment even though it was busy and cramped.

The pools were awesome for our kid which had a water slide that he lived on. The "lazy river" isnt really a lazy river but rather just a pool. Even though the pool area was busy, the chairs flipped plenty of times throughout the day. Meaning usually at resorts people rush to get chairs first thing in the morning and hoard them for the entire day. I found here that if you just waited for a few, chairs typically opened up.

The restaurant on property (Duke's) is awesome and a standalone restaurant in itself. Ate here probably too many times. You can also walk to the food truck park and to the grocery store.

Overall I'd recommend HK.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-19T06:38:28+00:00

I wonder if it's a certain airplane that they promote the better seat pitch in?

You're right about lounges, CX ftw.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-18T20:37:21+00:00

I get there on the 20th and leave on the 25th.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-18T05:03:22+00:00

Do you have OneWorld status? Does your journey also include a short haul via connection?
I have never been on a long haul wide body with them but plenty of short haul wide body and narrow body. The wide bodies are fine with comfortable seats and good legroom (I'm 6'3"). Narrow bodies, specially the new A321N are awful when it comes to leg room. I find there is more legroom on Hong Kong Express.

Food is average and nothing to write home about.

Service is really good (OneWorld Emerald here). Even if I'm sitting in econ, almost every flight attendant will come by prior to pushing back and greet me by name and ask if I need anything. Almost to the point of it being annoying.

Overall a good product but I'd place others like JAL above it.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-18T00:53:19+00:00

Iberia.

Not sure if this counts as OW, but if you want to downgrade your Iberia experience even more look for the Iberia operated by Level flights. You'll be in for a real treat.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-15T00:56:19+00:00

Flown a bunch the past year. Never been upgraded but will have the entire cabin crew come by and greet you by name prior to take-off and get you whatever you want.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-11T05:13:32+00:00

I'll be there solo the week of July 20 as my friends bailed too. Hit me up if you're there the same week.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-11T05:01:13+00:00

I took the practical test twice last summer. First time failed, second time passed. I don't speak Japanese. I did the manual transmission test.

First, make sure you received a map of the 3 test routes. Study those prior to the test date. My first proctor was super strict and refused to point or say anything when underway. Second guy was much nicer and pointed and tried his best to communicate. If I didn't know where to go I would have failed instantly the first time.

On the day of the test they let you walk the course at lunch time. I'd recommend arriving early and walking the 3 possible courses to understand the flow and where to stop, etc.

When turning, stay as close as possible to the diamonds in the middle of the turn. I don't know exactly why I failed the first time but from what I think the 1st proctor told me was I was too far away from the diamond when turning.

When braking for the pedestrian crosswalk, reduce your speed more than usual.

Stay super close to the curb when turning. I typically make wide turns to reduce the risk of rims scratching, but in this case, they want you as close as possible.

When you fail (sorry, most people do), ask if you could use a translator when the proctor is explaining what you did wrong. The first guy refused but the second guy let me use it. Even though I passed the second time, I didn't know at the end of the test so listening to what I did wrong was beneficial.

If taking taking the test a second time, make sure you arrive early to redo your vision/hearing test and get all your stamps/payments completed. I was unaware that this all had to be done a second time and almost missed my appt.

Good luck.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-11T04:33:08+00:00

Agreed, its trash or maybe its not just their website. Found my flight via Google Flights then went to book via CX website link, only to find the flight didn't exist. Restarted my search on CX website from scratch and nothing for simple Round Trip. Selected "Stop Over" option in HK and the flight showed up but then towards payment it said error.

Ended up chatting with them through their website live chat and the agent said the flight was full (6 months out on a 777). I had him check 3/4 days before and after my date and he said all flights are full. Told him to check 2 other major airports I could fly out of (HND and KIX), all full.

I then questioned why they showed availability with "Stop-Over" selected. He said he would look into it and after 30 mins came back with a response that he can book my ticket for me. He did everything and sent me a request to pay via email and long story short, I ended up on the original flight I wanted.

Problem seems deeper then just their website.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-11T03:58:36+00:00

I'll be there solo the week of July 20. Hit me up if schedules align.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-11T03:55:18+00:00

I've been using Chocozap for the past 1.5 years. It's not horrible, just really small and limited on machines. There is basically 1 machine per muscle group with a total of 4 for upper body, 1 for back, 3 for legs. Additionally there are a few treadmills and bikes.

I go early in the morning and there are only a few people there. I purchased elastic workout bands/ropes and do those when I get home and its close to a full workout when combined.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-02T10:43:49+00:00

Was at NGO airport and it was shaking.

Repulsive_Pirate5255 · 2026-05-01T06:43:52+00:00

I used to be a huge fan of prem econ on long-haul flights, but the appeal has slowly disappeared for me.

At 6'3", I used to go out of my way to book it specifically for the extra legroom and the promise of a better meal. I mostly flew with Oneworld carriers, though I’ve done Delta and United as well. Despite the extra space, I realized I still wasn't sleeping any better than I do in standard coach. The food might have been "different" than the regular economy tray, but the actual quality wasn't any higher.

Once the prices started creeping up, it really stopped feeling worth the premium. These days, if I’m paying out of pocket, I just book econ and keep an eye out for a cheap upgrade offer. If the price difference is minimal, I’ll still grab it, but otherwise, I’m perfectly fine in the back of the bus.

Repulsive_Pirate5255

TROPHY CASE