This is what I posed on FlyerTalk. Our flight was supposed to leave at 1015am. We didn't leave the ground until 802pm. One of the flight attendants said
"I'm ashamed to work for American Airlines today."
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Our crew started their day with us. Over the 10 hours, NONE of the delay was caused by weather or even weather-related issues (by admission of the Captain himself). Each issue individually, not a big deal. But put them all together and it's pure idiocy.
Over the 10 hours, we had 3 different 763s across 3 terminals (A, then D--two different gates at D--then C).
Mechanical issue on the original plane at A39. Moved to new equipment at D22 as my wife and I are eating breakfast at Au Bon Pain. Once we got there, we're moved to D25. Each delay was only 15-30min out, so we all huddled at the gate because we didn't want to roam too far. At D25, it was first a cleaning issue. Then it was a security inspection delay. Then it was the cooling unit.
We finally board at around 130p (didn't track exactly so this is just a guestimate). Now delays in the ground crew. FINALLY push back. Maybe 50yds back we stop. Few minutes later back to the gate. Now it's a problem with the computer that controls the slats/flaps.
Maintenance comes out to check. First one, then two, then a third. Rip up the carpet by 1L, open the hatch, rope off the area, and start to work. Order a replacement for the the rack-mount unit. Tests out OK. As soon as we shut the door again, the cooling issue reappears. Pilot announces that they're refusing the plane.
We deplane and are asked to stay near the terminal while they check for other equipment. From boarding to deplaning, the elapsed time is roughly equivalent to a DFW-SFO flight. In other words, this was like a practice flight. "If this had been an actual flight, you'd be in SFO now instead of DFW."
There are 6 of us together (wife and I in F, others in Y), so we decide to hit Cool River Cafe for a bite. As soon as the food hits the table, they announce that our new flight--another 763 from the hangar--is leaving at 515p from C8 (it's now 435p and we're at D25). We get boxes and bags, pack up our food without even a bite taken, and haul butt to Term C, along with everyone else. The AA Flight Notification texts are flying. On the TrAAin, at the first Term E stop, and the new text says "515p D25." Now we're all confused. Should we leave the train and head back, or hope it was an error and continue on to C8? Thankfully we chose the latter, and as we arrived at C the next text says "545p C8."
We wait for the flight already at C8 to leave, and then wait for the new plane to get to the gate.
About to board. But wait. Another cleaning delay. And after, another security inspection delay. Finally we board. It's like Groundhog day at this point. It's now 6-something PM. More delays. Capt says it's catering. Fine, ok, whatever. Door closes.
Then more delay. Now we're missing trash cans from the front and rear galleys. MUST have these trash cans, even if not needed for trash, because otherwise things can shift around in turbulence. Ok. Trash cans delivered to the front. Truck now goes around to the back, delivers the others.
We push back for the second time that day (first time on this plane). The tow vehicle separates, and we engine up and move forward about 10 feet, then stop.
Captain comes on again. "We decided to push back so we're still legal to get you to SF." Problem now, AGAIN, is trash cans. Sure, they brought them, but the rear received the wrong size. Catering truck now has to come out to us to replace them.
More waiting. Finally, the trash cans are in place, and we get moving.
Flight officially departs at 802p.
The 4 in our party in Y were in 22/23/HJ. To add to the mess, the main center video screen in front of 20DEF was broken (and we all know how AA begs for foregiveness for broken A/V equipment simply based on the unsolicited compensation they offer when it happens).
On the "practice flight" the GA came down, profusely apologized, and said she hadn't seen anything like this in 24 years with AA. Offered to take food orders from folks. Trying to smooth things over. Her sentiment was much appreciated, but offering to take food orders for a full 763--futile.
At a certain point--it was right after the second trash can announcement--I looked at my wife and just cracked up.
If the Marx Brothers were alive, our entire day could have been condensed into a 2 minute comedy clip.
Unfortunately, most people weren't laughing. Among them were the flight crew.
-----------------------------------------------
Our crew started their day with us. Over the 10 hours, NONE of the delay was caused by weather or even weather-related issues (by admission of the Captain himself). Each issue individually, not a big deal. But put them all together and it's pure idiocy.
Over the 10 hours, we had 3 different 763s across 3 terminals (A, then D--two different gates at D--then C).
Mechanical issue on the original plane at A39. Moved to new equipment at D22 as my wife and I are eating breakfast at Au Bon Pain. Once we got there, we're moved to D25. Each delay was only 15-30min out, so we all huddled at the gate because we didn't want to roam too far. At D25, it was first a cleaning issue. Then it was a security inspection delay. Then it was the cooling unit.
We finally board at around 130p (didn't track exactly so this is just a guestimate). Now delays in the ground crew. FINALLY push back. Maybe 50yds back we stop. Few minutes later back to the gate. Now it's a problem with the computer that controls the slats/flaps.
Maintenance comes out to check. First one, then two, then a third. Rip up the carpet by 1L, open the hatch, rope off the area, and start to work. Order a replacement for the the rack-mount unit. Tests out OK. As soon as we shut the door again, the cooling issue reappears. Pilot announces that they're refusing the plane.
We deplane and are asked to stay near the terminal while they check for other equipment. From boarding to deplaning, the elapsed time is roughly equivalent to a DFW-SFO flight. In other words, this was like a practice flight. "If this had been an actual flight, you'd be in SFO now instead of DFW."
There are 6 of us together (wife and I in F, others in Y), so we decide to hit Cool River Cafe for a bite. As soon as the food hits the table, they announce that our new flight--another 763 from the hangar--is leaving at 515p from C8 (it's now 435p and we're at D25). We get boxes and bags, pack up our food without even a bite taken, and haul butt to Term C, along with everyone else. The AA Flight Notification texts are flying. On the TrAAin, at the first Term E stop, and the new text says "515p D25." Now we're all confused. Should we leave the train and head back, or hope it was an error and continue on to C8? Thankfully we chose the latter, and as we arrived at C the next text says "545p C8."
We wait for the flight already at C8 to leave, and then wait for the new plane to get to the gate.
About to board. But wait. Another cleaning delay. And after, another security inspection delay. Finally we board. It's like Groundhog day at this point. It's now 6-something PM. More delays. Capt says it's catering. Fine, ok, whatever. Door closes.
Then more delay. Now we're missing trash cans from the front and rear galleys. MUST have these trash cans, even if not needed for trash, because otherwise things can shift around in turbulence. Ok. Trash cans delivered to the front. Truck now goes around to the back, delivers the others.
We push back for the second time that day (first time on this plane). The tow vehicle separates, and we engine up and move forward about 10 feet, then stop.
Captain comes on again. "We decided to push back so we're still legal to get you to SF." Problem now, AGAIN, is trash cans. Sure, they brought them, but the rear received the wrong size. Catering truck now has to come out to us to replace them.
More waiting. Finally, the trash cans are in place, and we get moving.
Flight officially departs at 802p.
The 4 in our party in Y were in 22/23/HJ. To add to the mess, the main center video screen in front of 20DEF was broken (and we all know how AA begs for foregiveness for broken A/V equipment simply based on the unsolicited compensation they offer when it happens).
On the "practice flight" the GA came down, profusely apologized, and said she hadn't seen anything like this in 24 years with AA. Offered to take food orders from folks. Trying to smooth things over. Her sentiment was much appreciated, but offering to take food orders for a full 763--futile.
At a certain point--it was right after the second trash can announcement--I looked at my wife and just cracked up.
If the Marx Brothers were alive, our entire day could have been condensed into a 2 minute comedy clip.
Unfortunately, most people weren't laughing. Among them were the flight crew.
