When you upgrade to first class, you expect a certain level of treatment. But one American Airlines customer was left feeling sorely disappointed.
All major airlines—including Spirit and Emirates—offer a first-class experience. However, when it comes to American Airlines’ first class service, TikToker Haley Worden (@haleywarden3) felt it was lacking. In her TikTok, which has amassed 2,243 views, she began by explaining that she flew directly to Los Angeles from Cleveland via American Airlines.
She says she upgraded to first class for the first time ever because it wasn’t much of a difference, and she wanted to take advantage of the two free bags permitted under first class.
Worden added that she knew how “unique” the first class experience was from flying as a child. She remembers staff offering drinks, taking care of you, and offering stuff like pillows and blankets. In turn, she says that she was “pretty disappointed” by her first-class experience.
How Did Her First-Class Experience In American Airlines Go?
Things started off OK: she was asked what to drink, offered snacks and a hot towel, and then asked what she’d like for dinner. It was after dinner that things started to go downhill. Staff said there was no dessert, but coffee and tea were available. This was a red flag because, as Worden pointed out, she was paying for this service.
After that, nobody came back to check on her “for hours.” Bear in mind that this, as she said, was a 5-hour flight. During the flight, Worden said she also felt cold. She wore a thin zip-up and was shivering, but nobody offered her a blanket or a pillow.
Worden has a family history with airlines. Her father retired with U.S. Airways, and she says she’s been flying her whole life.
She described her service as “basic economy treatment,” and added, “I am just shocked that that’s what you guys call first class.”
Worden was so disappointed by the experience, she says she was questioning whether she even wanted to fly first class.
The TikToker noted that she appreciates this is a “first world problem.”
Ultimately, however, if someone wants to fly first class, she brands American Airlines as “not worth it.”
BroBible reached out to Worden via TikTok direct message and American Airlines via email.
People Generally Agreed With Her
In the comments, people were on the same page.
“The FAs are so lazy,” one complained.
“Nowadays its only more leg room, more bags,” a second said.
“Domestic first class in general is just not worth it anymore,” a third opined. “Different when it was $900-$1300 or so per seat.”
And a fourth said, “Not worth it domestic. No pillows. No blankets. They don’t offer anything. Other than having a bigger seat, that’s the only benefit. Even whatever food they have is sus.”
@haleyworden3 My experience with flying first class with @American Airlines and honestly just a lil disappointed bc it wasn’t cheap 🙁 #foryoupage #firstclass #losangeles #americanairlines
American Airlines’ First Class Problems Continue
Worden isn’t the first passenger to feel let down by American Airlines’ first class.
According to TikToker Hess Hembree (@hesshembree), American Airlines is booting out first class passengers from their seats in favor of pilots.
“Just when you think that American Airlines couldn’t be any worse, they are now kicking people out of first class that have already paid for that seat,” he said.
“So just imagine if you were in first class. You work hard to pay for that seat, whatever the case may be, and then they come to you with your drink in hand or whatever it is, and then they say, ‘You need to go back to economy and, you know, sit essentially in someone else’s lap,'” he said.
While airlines are technically allowed to do this, it certainly isn’t a popular decision.