Flying with American Airlines is scary...

Flying with American Airlines is scary. I am finally back to the US, with a delay of only one day. This post, though, is not about the inconvenience of the trip back to the US. American Airlines managed to scare the heck out of me. My plane was supposed to leave Buenos Aires Sunday at 10:30 pm. Boarding and departure were delayed for an hour and a half because of "technical problems". Near midnight, the plane finally took off. An hour and a half later, the captain announced that do to technical problems, he had decided to return to Buenos Aires, but that he "anticipate(d) a normal landing". Nice reassurance. We asked one of the flight attendants what was going on, and she said that the plane had troubles with its hydraulic system. She was obviously pissed, because she added: "If it had been up to me, we shouldn't have left the airport, but I am not the one calling the shots, obviously". The plane landed safely, though there was an impressive display of firetrucks, ambulance and rescue teams waiting for us.

They reassigned us to different flights the following day. I was put on an American Airlines flight to Dallas taking off the following night. While the plane in itself was incredibly uncomfortable, I was happy. I had tickets for Tuesday night to go and see really cool and amazing band here in my adopted hometown, and it looked like I was going to be able to make it. So this morning, I am at the Dallas airport, waiting to board my last American Airlines flight back home. Suddenly, an American Airlines employee announces that they were inspecting the aircraft due to technical issues, do boarding would be delayed. 15 minutes later she announces that they were looking for a new aircraft, so we should pay attention for a gate change. Half an hour later, though, they announced that they are ready to start boarding, in the same plane that supposedly had technical issues. I was not in a position to complain, I only wanted to be back home in time for awesome band concert. It was a small plane, and I was sitting on the back. After the plane took off, the flight attendant came over and explained all of us sitting in the back that in case of an emergency, we wouldn't be using the emergency exit located in the middle of the plane, but just the one in the front. My guess? It wasn't working but they decided to use the plane regardless, so that they didn't loose money. Hardly encouraging. I will think twice in the future before booking with American Airlines. On the good side, I made it home safely and in time for amazing concert from awesome band. Good way to end a two day trip.