AMERICAN Airlines is scrapping a whole flight route and cutting others days after rolling out a U-turn on a popular policy.
All passengers are affected by the policy change that was introduced on July 1 and there are just weeks left until changes are made to flight routes.
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In less than a month, there will no longer be flights operated by the Dallas-based carrier between Bermuda and Washington (DCA).
The final flight is scheduled to leave the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on August 5.
It comes as the airline readjusts flights for the seasonal schedule as summer holidays die down again.
However, American Airlines will still run daily flights from Bermuda to Charlotte, New York, and Philadelphia.
Other routes impacted by cuts include flights to Miami International Airport which will still run but at a smaller rate.
The Skyport August schedule, seen by Aviation A2Z, showed no inbound or outbound flights from the airline across a number of dates next month starting August 11.
The changes come just days after American Airlines reinstated an old rule that caused uproar when first changed.
After just 16 months, the airline backtracked on its limiting of standby access to AAdvantage members only.
Standby is often used by travelers who have missed their flights or hope to make a last-minute change.
They can get tickets at the gate if there are seats left once all original passengers have boarded.
This policy was announced in March last year, driving up the number of flyers signing up to become American Airlines members.
While initial sign up is free, there are charges going up to $1,650 to join the Admirals Club where the majority of benefits lie including last-minute flight changes.
Many travelers were outraged at the move as rivals such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines continued to give free standby access to all.
These airlines have even been allowing customers to make at-the-gate standby requests, something carriers have been pushing back on.
But from July 1, all American Airlines passengers are now able to get standby access with the airline whether they are members or not.
“All customers are eligible to list for same-day standby with an agent up to 45 minutes prior to departure – regardless of AAdvantage membership or status,” the carrier said in a statement.
“The policy is only applicable to domestic flights and segments.
“We are continuously looking for ways to enhance the travel journey for our customers and this update gives all customers the convenience of a flexible itinerary, space permitting.”
While non-members will get access up to 45 minutes before take off, American’s Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum, and Concierge Key elite loyalty travelers will be able to get same-day standby for up to 15 minutes before departure as part of their membership.
“I’m thrilled to see American make standby available for all passengers,” one traveler said about the U-turn in a blog post.
They had called it “one of the most irksome policy changes” made by the airline last year.
Meanwhile, last month American Airlines rolled out a policy making boarding cards irrelevant if travelers are happy to make a two-minute check before arriving at the airport.
Alongside other airlines, AA has also issued a stark reminder to passengers wearing jeans or leggings on flights.
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