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American Airlines Believes It Doesn’t Need Over-the-Top Luxury to Compete With Gulf Carriers
Skift ^ | October 26, 2017 | Brian Sumers

Posted on 10/29/2017 3:59:31 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet

We’re not surprised American Airlines is not interested in blinged-out first and business class cabins. But we’re still slightly puzzled at the U.S. carriers’ anger toward the Gulf airlines. Yes, Emirates, Etihad and Qatar receive government assistance, but so do a lot of airlines.

Don’t expect American Airlines to introduce on-board bars, first class showers, or business class seats that convert to double beds anytime soon.

That news shouldn’t come as a surprise to frequent flyers, who know U.S. carriers such as American prefer more utilitarian premium cabins — with flat-bed seats and gourmet food, but without the over-the-top luxury often favored by the three largest Gulf carriers. During the past decade, Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways have taken share from U.S airlines and their European partners, especially on routes to the Middle East, Africa and India, by offering unusually opulent premium products.

Like its main U.S. competitors, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, American has objected to the three Gulf carriers, alleging they compete unfairly by taking subsidies from their governments. The three U.S. carriers, through a trade association, have argued the Gulf carriers should be barred from adding new U.S. routes until addressing the subsidy issues. Emirates, Etihad and Qatar deny they receive illegal government assistance.....

(Excerpt) Read more at skift.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Travel
KEYWORDS: airlines; flying; luxury; travel
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To: Bonemaker

The NFL guys have asked to have a kneeling section in first class, though.


21 posted on 10/29/2017 5:09:25 PM PDT by rb22982
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To: Bonemaker

You have to assume its mostly big execs and high profile politician types paying rack rate. I could get enough miles for that in theory but no way I’d pay anything close to that for a flight.


22 posted on 10/29/2017 5:10:52 PM PDT by rb22982
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

When US airlines stop treating people like cattle I might pay attention. Have no interest or need in flying anyway.....


23 posted on 10/29/2017 5:45:28 PM PDT by Envisioning (Carry safe, always carry, everyday, everywhere.)
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To: whistleduck

I flew Emirates Business shortly after they started the direct flights from DFW to Dubai. The FAs really were exceptional. The lounge in Dubai blew my mind. I would say the only exceptional American Airlines flight I had was a first class (thank you miles) Honolulu. Still not on par with Emirates


24 posted on 10/29/2017 5:47:55 PM PDT by DallasGal (Texas Strong)
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To: libstripper

In a former life I used to travel a lot internationally, i preferred Asian airlines first, followed by European. Cathay then Singapore were my favorites.

American carriers were the least desirable, United in particular, the stewardesses seemed to be POed at the world.


25 posted on 10/29/2017 6:10:58 PM PDT by phormer phrog phlyer
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

This would be ok by me.
https://thetravellady.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/overhead-bin.jpg?w=500


26 posted on 10/29/2017 6:27:19 PM PDT by minnesota_bound
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To: minnesota_bound


Flight attendant #1 --- Any bags to go in the overhead?
Flight attendant #2 --- Just this one.

27 posted on 10/29/2017 6:30:52 PM PDT by sparklite2 (I'm less interested in the rights I have than the liberties I can take.)
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To: Bonemaker
Keeps the riff Raff out...

***************

I'd quite like to have a seat next to Riff...


28 posted on 10/29/2017 7:50:27 PM PDT by Neidermeyer (Show me a peaceful Muslim and I will show you a heretic to the Koran.)
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To: aquila48

No idea.....my friends have only flown in Business Class.


29 posted on 10/30/2017 2:24:48 AM PDT by Ann Archy (Abortion....... The HUMAN Sacrifice to the god of Convenience.)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

I have travelled monthly for the past so years to many overseas destinations and I say for sure the USA does not have a carrier with service that can compete with many 3rd world countries much a carrier like Emirates or Singapore


30 posted on 10/30/2017 6:48:19 AM PDT by okie 54
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