It is the first day of the month and the news is hot.
American Airlines is the first airline to announce a new, unprecedented 24 hour arrival guarantee.
Imma B. Late, the AA's spokeswoman, said that Greg the Frequent Miler has been tough, but fair. Our flights carry passengers to family members, weddings, honeymoons and miles-and-points seminars. We want them to feel safe in the knowledge that they will always arrive on time.
There are details.
Here is what is included in AA's guarantee.
- Every American Airlines passenger is now guaranteed to arrive no later than 24 hours after their scheduled arrival time.
- In the unfortunate event that a flight is delayed longer than 24 hours, AA will give each passenger, regardless of elite status, a $10 voucher to the airport food court (alcohol not included) and a 10% off coupon for Cinnabon.
- Platinum elites and higher will be able to trade 500-mile upgrade certificates for a package of mini pretzels or one biscotti. Gold members will be allowed to use free airport wifi to look at unused 500-mile certificates accumulating in their accounts.
You're fairly safe in our hands, direct link to official page.
Key terms and conditions
- Exclusions from the “You’re Fairly Safe in Our Hands” guarantee include, but are not limited to: inclement weather, equipment failure, crew callouts, asteroids, bankruptcy, the pilot needing to catch-up on “Bridgerton,” dental work, rain, snow, sleet, hail, sun, clouds and damage from Santa’s Reindeer.
- American Airlines is not responsible for any oral injuries resulting from the consumption of mini-pretzels.
- Food court voucher is only valid at Sbarro’s and Orange Julius.
- 10% Cinnabon coupon will expire 30 days from issue, unless extended by the purchases of miles or magazine subscriptions.
- If American Airlines deems that any mileage accumulation from a delayed flight was due to “gaming,” the American Airlines Shopping Portal will remove the miles from the members’ account.
Quick thoughts.
Hear that? It's the sound of slow-clapping. They have a history of late flights, stranded passengers and disinterested customer service, but this really sets a new bar for airline accountability and I applaud them.
Will this industry-leading customer care be enough to get Greg back into the fold? I bet a package of free mini-pretzels will be the answer.
