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Survey Suggests American Airlines Has Rudest Employees Among Domestic Carriers
According to a recent Airfarewatchdog study, a preponderance of surveyed travelers think that of domestic air carriers, American Airlines has the "rudest employees." United was a close runner-up, followed by Delta.Ranking last (which in this case, means winner) is a four-way tie, between Alaska, JetBlue, Frontier and Virgin America. Hmm. Seems budget airlines know how to bring it.
Here's the full list polled in alphabetical order:
AirTran 4%
Alaska 2%
Allegiant 3%
American 25%
Delta 18%
Frontier 2%
JetBlue 2%
Spirit 10%
Southwest 6%
United 21%
US Airways 12%
Virgin America 2%
Our friends at Airfarewatchdog run these unofficial consumer surveys every now and then and this is a great snapshot of the general consumer psyche. Bear in mind though, this data is unsubstantiated and unverified, so take it with a grain of salt. In our experience, most of the airline employees regardless of the airline are pretty darn chipper.
[Photo credit: Flickr user Fabird Blue]
Filed under: Business, North America, United States, Airlines, Budget Travel, News, Airline Reviews, Luxury Travel
Reader Comments (Page 5 of 6)
Clint Dec 14th 2012 12:36AM
The reason why they are rude because they have the union to back them up that they aren't afraid of being fired. To solve the problem, or to raise the service standard, we, the general public, have to have some form of laws like the "Right-to-work". Or fired all of them and rehire the best of them without union membership.
Christine Dec 13th 2012 11:06PM
I had a really bad experience flying American Airlines. I'm scared of heights. Also (this was a couple years ago) I was by myself and it was my first flight ever. I didn't know my way around an airplane...About mid flight I had to use the rest room, and I asked where it was located. The flight attendant told me I had to hold it because there was no restroom on the airplane. One of the passengers ended up showing me where it was located. Also, the same attendant made a really rude comment to me about the way I looked. However, last year I went on a flight for American Airlines and the flight attendants were very kind. I guess it all depends on the person...
Jim Dec 14th 2012 5:08AM
Just think, now that Delta is buying a 49% stake in Virgin America, there goes that airline.
kathleen mcdonald Dec 15th 2012 7:11AM
U.S. Air They need awake up call for sure. Customer Care, Terrible!
Dirty Planes , Rude Help all around. If you don't check your bags, They are thrown on the ground. or left in alleys to find. A scramble to find you bag before some else grabs it. Amazing!
Kathy Dec 14th 2012 8:16AM
Delta is the worst!!! I have had to sit next to Jabba the Hut, who not only was in his seat but half of mine!! When I asked to be switched to a different seat the attendant was rude and just told me to sit in my seat and deal with it. Later, when I asked for the names of the flight crew so I could complain, she told me they would not give me the names of the crew. Then she proceded to walk throught the plane carrying the bag with trash and held it up high so she could hit me in the back of the head.
Bing Ruth Dec 14th 2012 8:43AM
American airlines are the most rudest and underfrindess of all airlines,
Alex Dec 14th 2012 9:20AM
United would probably have been the worst pre-merger but you got the Continental folks holding them up.
Barbara Davis Dec 14th 2012 9:58AM
Southwest has the nicest and most fun attendants!! I used to fly American, United, etc. and I agree that the attendants just don't bring it. I always got the impression that they just hate their jobs. Then I switched over to Southwest because of the low fares and found that the attendants just seem to enjoy what they do and they always make flying a joy.
mary Dec 14th 2012 9:18AM
I think anyone in a stressful situation like air travel can have an off day. Americans are not known as being the most courteous guests in the countries they visit. Where do you think we got the stereotype? I think that when someone has a positive experience, they are not going to write a letter commending someone, but look at someone the wrong way, and you will never hear the end of it. As far as the 4 lowest
ranked airlines, like Alaskan, is it possible that no one has an opinion of them, that is why they ranked so well? As for Jetblue, who can be upset with someone who offers free baggage and snacks? Being a travel agent myself, I find that people are quick to blame for things out of control (we have been blamed for flight delays, people not arriving to the airport on time, weather issues, etc) like we are god. If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford to travel, just enjoy yourself, and end it already.
Carol Dec 14th 2012 9:34AM
Americans are whiney spoiled crybabies. Never pleased with anything or anyone.
texbud Dec 14th 2012 11:37AM
I worked for a major carrier 30 years ago when starting in the workforce before moving on to a better career choice. In my time behing the counter I had tickets tossed across the counter at me with the comment "ON TIME TODAY?", I had two passengers come across the baggage scale at me, was spit on, poked in the chest (by a beautiful woman no less) and was called every obscene name I know (and I'm an ex sailor!).
So who was rude first? And if I was rude do you wonder why?
Look, airline employees today make about the same wage I did in 1978 NOT ADJUSTED FOR INFLATION to endure some of the stuff I did. Seriously, how would you like to start your day having someone throw cr*p at you because the flight to Atlanta is delayed for fog...like I can control that! The vast majority of airline delays are because of weather issues (unfairly called 'air traffic delays') or airport capacity problems (LaGuardia can handle 68 departures an hour on a crystal clear day but typically has 82 scheduled (management does that)...wonder why I'm always late). That agent has no control over any of those issues but IS the company front man/woman getting the grief for it. And quite honestly they're not paid enough to take that cr*p with a smile on their face while you look for something to throw. So if you don't like it and aren't paid enough then quit you say...and they do in droves meaning the remaining folks are understaffed and over worked also. Sorry if my smile is missing this morning ma'am!
Before you fill out that survey on 'rudest employee' next time perhaps you should look in the mirror first.
Brian Daniel Dec 14th 2012 9:57AM
Great, I can finally voice my experience with Allegiant Airway they are the best.
Here's what I seen. I got off the flight brother picked me up and off we went only to discover that I left my computer on board so back we went about 30 to 45 mins, later which they returned my forgetfulness, but while I was waiting at front desk an elderly lady was in need of help and they, Allegiant where right on top of it and went out of their way to help this lady. The reassurance they did for her sure was nice to see. This was at St Petersburg , Fla. Airport (Budget airline maybe but their sure there when needed) Thanks so much
So Real Dec 15th 2012 12:46AM
they are the best until they leave you at checkin then leave you behind because they don't have enough staff
Rubyred Dec 14th 2012 9:58AM
I am a Delta flight attendant and sometimes it is difficult not being nice to people...but you still need to be just like any other customer service position. ALSO, being a flight attendant is a lot more than serving drinks in the sky. We are trained to handle terrist circumstances, unruley passengers that can risk others saftey, medical emergencies, we are tested on the mechanics of the plane itself! We are not being "rude" when you are highly intoxicated on a plane and are being disruptive, we are trying to make sure that you can still function to evacuate, or preform normal saftey precautions (like putting a seatbelt on...its always a big surprise you need to wear a sealtbelt taking off at at 200mph) Because of recent history with plane dificulties, tension seems to be at an all time high. I was at the Lexington, KY airport right after comair flight 5191 crashed leaving 49 people dead. Evereyone boarding was wasted and terrified (understandable so) but the staff is ultimately the one respnsible for babysitting all these passengers. So if we dont tell you how to behave with the largest grin on our face....maybe we are focusing on getting everyone to their destination safely.
Tom Dec 14th 2012 10:47AM
I see the comments and I say that I do agree with a lot of them but I do personally know airline employees and I would not want that job. There are a lot of rude passengers as well. I think that alot of people would reach a boiling point if they had to deal with some of the passengers on those flights. We all have seen them.
Janet Dec 14th 2012 10:45AM
In 1999, 2 1/2 hours before my flight, I broke my ankle. I quickly go to the local hospital and get a split and crutches. I flew on United from California (SNA) to Denver and the check-in counter staff was terrific. I explained, I wasn't scheduled to be in a wheelchair. They said NO Problem. Just tell the flight attendants on the plane, they will make sure and notify them in Denver that a wheelchair is needed for me to change planes.So I told EVERYONE. I was the Last person off the plane in Denver (No Surprise). I get off the plane, was told, a wheelchair was coming and to just wait. I see a too large group of flight staff right outside the plane and ask "Why is everyone standing here?" I realized then said, " Oh, no. The last crew can't switch and leave until I do. I'm sorry." One of the flight attendants then snapped and me. "If you had only told them you needed a wheelchair when you made your reservation, we wouldn't all be standing here right now." I told them all, "I'm sorry, I didn't have it on my itinerary to break my ankle this afternoon, I'm just trying to get home where I still need surgery on my ankle. Although I sprained my good ankle, I can still walk on it." I got my crutches situated and started to crutch it. One of the pilots(he had wings), tried to stop me by stepping in front of me. I just growled at him and said MOVE. Fortunately, the wheelchair came after I had only taken like 3 steps. Talk about being RUDE.
Yet the help I received on the next flight and when I got back to the Sioux Falls terminal was fantastic. Go figure.
USproud Dec 14th 2012 10:55AM
I used to fly American all the time with work and personal, over 500,000 flight miles. 10-12 years ago they took away 225,000 miles of my frequent flyer miles..(equals 8 round trip tickets) That was a big hit to my personal travel to visit my kids in college across the country. I think I have only flown American once in 10 years. Yep, their loss !!! Very discouraged with American Airlines !!!
Tamara Dec 15th 2012 2:48PM
I do not work for the airlines, but I am a Federal Investigator that works often with Customs,TSA and other federal entities in and on airport property. The review from Tammy and the hassle she had flying her dogs can be absolutely true. It is a big hassle! HOWEVER, as with most issues there are two sides. On average, I've investigated two dog deaths a year that occured in flight. The airline has Federal Regulations to check and follow when flying an animal. It should come as no surprise to anyone the paperwork involved in order to comply with Federal Regulations to fly an animal. Airline employees checking in an animal for a flight can take twice as long as a human passenger. They take extra time because your animals are in their care and it is a resposibility most airline employees take very seriously; from the ticket agent to the cargo handler. Remember the same people that checked your animal in may be the one that has to inform you it died en route for unknown reasons. If something like this happens YOU will blame the airline. It is my opinion that it is a risk to fly your animals. Animals are not people they are put in cold cargo holds and can escape carriers among other issues. For those that say they have done it for 20 years without incident it only takes once. I do not know what happened with Tammy, but I have been present when a young airline employee had to tell the owner their beloved pet did not survive the flight. As far as rating the best airline, travel by air is miserable these days for everyone. Is a courteous smile really going to make it better when you get crammed in a seat or hit in the head with luggage. I am a frequent flyer and I smile all the time.
So Real Dec 15th 2012 12:45AM
If you're not unhappy...we're not happy
Sharon N Dec 15th 2012 4:39PM
Perhaps if people traveling on airplanes didn't pack their manners along with their clothing, flying would be more civilized. It is a two-way street, you know - you get what you give!