I mentioned in a previous Blog that I am an American Airlines (AAL) loyalist. I’ve flown over 2 million miles with them. Do not mistake these miles with award miles, that is measured differently. These are the miles that I have actually flown on American flights since I joined their frequent flyer program. Once a flyer reaches the 2 million mile marker, you become a Platinum level member for life! What does that get you? Two free checked bags, one of the first to board the plane, free upgraded economy seats (extra legroom and free drinks!) and priority check-in, to name a few perks.

The AAdvantage Frequent Flyer program started on May 1, 1981. It was the first of it’s kind in the airline industry. I remember joining on a Thanksgiving weekend trip from Los Angeles to Buffalo, NY in 1981. It was a direct flight, I think. I don’t remember much. But I do remember that’s when I joined. It’s been so long, that my frequent flyer member number is strictly numbers (7 of them in fact). Today the member numbers are a combination of letters and numbers. Like my Social Security number, my AAL member number is memorized.

With the number of miles I have traveled with American, I can say that I do love the airline. There will be many of you that may disagree. All I can speak to is my experience with them. Is it perfect? No. But what is? For many years, when I traveled with work, I did everything I could to fly AAL exclusively. Based on company policy (my employer’s) it didn’t always work if another airline was more direct or cheaper.

When you travel as much as I have, you are bound to experience all sort of airline incidents. Well, that is the case for me anyway. I have had two flights diverted to an airport that was not part of the flight plan. One time a direct flight from Los Angeles to Minneapolis resulted in a blown engine and a diversion to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Fortunately, there were no issues, in that we landed safely. However, the airport is a small one and not equipped for larger jets like the one we were on. We sat on the plane for hours until they could figure out how to get us off the plane (using external stairs that would fit the plane; that took some time to locate one in a hanger). We then had to be bussed to Denver to catch another plane the following day (they put us up in a hotel outside the Denver airport).

Another time a flight from Los Angeles to NYC was diverted to St. Louis due to a medical emergency on the plane. This resulted in some of us getting on a later flight and making our arrival into NYC that same day. I do believe my frequent flyer status helped me get on that last flight!

I’ve had luggage “misplaced”, never permanently lost! I’ve had items stolen from inside my checked luggage (this happened recently after a trip from Dallas to Mexico City). Although the airline will tell you that all valuable items should be kept with you and not in checked luggage, and there is really no responsibility that the airline will take. Again, I do believe my Platinum status helped in getting reimbursed in full for the “missing” items.

You know when the plane lands, and the flight attendant announces to take care when opening the overhead compartments as items might have shifted in flight (sound familiar)? Let me tell you about my experience. On a long-haul flight across the country, I was seated in business class, and as tends to happen, a passenger had put his bag in the bin right above my seat, although, I found out later, he was seated behind me in Economy/Coach. I was busy reading at my seat I think at the time. I vaguely remember sensing someone opening the overhead bin right above my seat. I was seated in the aisle. And the next thing I know, a carry on, wheeled bag falls directly on my head.

There are so many more experiences that I could share. But I don’t want to make this Blog too too long. I’ve had a male passenger refuse to sit next to me, a woman he does not know. The flight attendant dealt with his complaint and refused to move him. Ultimately another passenger offered to switch wih me. Another note: I do not engage in conversation with people seated next to me. I flew so often, that I tried to make that time, my time. I usually read on a flight, or watch a movie. I enjoy my “quiet” time. I did a lot of talking in my professional life (at work), so, no I do not want to hear about your career, nor am I willing to give out free human resources advice to my seat mate. Sorry, not interested.

That leads me to seat assignments. I always reserve a seat ahead of time. I prefer aisle seats as inevitably I will need to get up at some point(s) during the flight to use the restroom. I make no issue, when boarding and people need to get in next to me. But please, allow me to get up and make room for you to enter the row. DO NOT crawl over me, for goodness sakes! Also, no, I will not switch seats with you so you can sit next to your friend. I almost laugh out loud when someone wants to trade my aisle seat for their middle seat. Seriously? An aisle seat for another aisle seat, I may consider.

I remember when AAL used to offer a full hot meal in first/business class. With actual silverware, and the highlight was a made to order ice cream sundae. Wow, yes, yum! I joined AAL’s airport lounge, the Admiral’s Club. As often as I flew, it was always a nice place to land pre-flight and grab a bite to eat or a drink (or two). I’ve run into many celebrities either in the VIP lounges or on my flights. Some I remember were: Nicole Kidman (we had tea together; well, we made our teas side-by-side), Bradley Cooper, Goldie Hawn, Diana Ross, and Jenny McCarthy. I’m sure there were others, but these I remember today.

Even as a retiree, I do enjoy the benefits of being a Platinum level flyer on AAL. But overall, I would say I’m quite the professional traveler. I’ve been flying a long time, and seen so many changes in airlines, airports and policy. I am TSA Precheck flyer, which allows me to use a special line at Security within the USA. I am also part of the Global Entry Program, which allows me to use a special line at Immigration when entering the USA. It’s super fast!!