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American Airlines Ups Its Game for Hollywood

Aug. 17, 2016
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2 min read
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American Airlines Ups Its Game for Hollywood
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American Airlines has been working to expand its presence in Los Angeles (LAX) over the last year. So far in 2016, AA has added new international routes, many new domestic routes, rolled out a new marketing campaign (#BestInLAX) and signed on to be the primary sponsor for the Hollywood Bowl.

In total, American Airlines had plans to operate 220 daily flights from LAX to 70 different destinations starting this June. While this rapid expansion has led to major operational issues — leading AA to now scale back LAX flights — AA seems to still be committed to becoming the primary airline at LAX.

This week, we learned about another initiative that AA is using to up its LAX game: the American Airlines Council on Entertainment. This panel of entertainment industry managers and executives has reportedly been meeting every few months to help the carrier cater better to the crucial Los Angeles entertainment industry.

Among the improvements are healthier salads in premium cabins. Image courtesy of American Airlines.

The reported improvements have been fairly incremental so far: healthier in-flight food, a 24-hour service desk and a private reservation line for top VIPs.

The panel also convinced AA to add another Los Angeles (LAX) to Toronto (YYZ) flight for eight days in September during the Toronto International Film Festival. While the existing once-daily flight between these airports is on an Airbus A319 with standard recliner first-class seats, the additional flight will be operated using American Airlines' A321 Transcon — which includes 10 lie-flat first-class seats and 20 lie-flat business-class seats.

Bottom Line

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It's good to see American Airlines reach out for guidance on how to improve. Still, while the improvements implemented so far might persuade some entertainment executives and performers to switch, AA is going to lose the battle for LAX if it doesn't drastically improve its operational performance. After all, having a healthier salad on board isn't going to make up for less than 65% of AA's flights arriving on time in June at LAX. If the council is able to convince AA that operational performance should be the primary goal, that's one improvement that'll benefit all American Airlines passengers.

H/T: LA Times

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Featured image by Kevin Song

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.