American Airlines Pilots Introduce Aircraft Trading Cards: "My Dues Are Being Used"

Aircraft Trading Cards for Passengers

Pilots from American Airlines can now hand out aircraft trading cards to passengers. However, this has sparked quite a debate within the airline.

How Airlines Motivate Customers

Many airlines are striving to build customer loyalty and encourage a passion for aviation among travelers. Hence, the distribution of trading cards by pilots is not an unusual practice.

Passengers can request these cards, which typically feature images of the aircraft they are flying on. This allows travelers to collect various cards. Recently, the popularity of aircraft trading cards has surged, likely influenced by social media.

Delta and the World of Trading Cards

For instance, Delta has been issuing trading cards since 2003, and the demand for these cards has significantly increased. They even release special commemorative cards. Spirit Airlines has also recently invested in trading card distribution, showcasing their popularity in the aviation industry.

American Airlines Joins the Game

Previously, American Airlines was the only major airline without trading cards, but that has now changed. However, it’s not the airline itself that is issuing the cards, but rather the Airline Pilots Association (APA), which represents the pilots.

The APA describes this initiative as a way to "enhance the passenger experience," offering at least four types of cards, each corresponding to different aircraft in their fleet. These cards feature the union's logo instead of the airline's, although they still showcase the aircraft in the airline's colors.

Pilot Opinions

Pilots will determine whether to receive cards from their bases and distribute them to passengers. Interestingly, it's unclear if there will be a QR code on the back of these cards linking to a website.

Recently, the APA has expressed dissatisfaction with management, promising to communicate this discontent to "all stakeholders at American." Could this initiative be part of that plan?

Mixed Feelings Among Pilots

In reality, pilots have mixed feelings about this initiative. Some are supportive and express excitement, with one pilot saying, "thank goodness," and adding, "nothing makes me more uncomfortable than discussing not having a card." However, many other pilots are less than thrilled, with common complaints revolving around "my dues at work being used for this."

Some even commented, "Will the union pay for the cards, but the company won’t?" and "It’s no surprise that AA is doing quite well." Indeed, it feels a bit off that this is funded by the union rather than the airline itself.

Internal Culture Issues

An airline focused on customer experience would always encourage these types of interactions. When Delta released a press statement about their trading cards, they emphasized that the interaction between pilots and passengers could have a significant impact and enhance the flying experience.

In my opinion, Delta is correct, and this highlights a significant cultural issue at American. The airline seems to be under-investing in understanding the importance of positive interactions with front-line staff and how they affect passenger perceptions.

Conclusion

Now that American Airlines pilots have access to aircraft trading cards, it’s through the union rather than the airline itself. Therefore, I wouldn’t expect these cards to be as readily available as they are with other airlines, where the company covers the costs.

Pilots have conflicting feelings about this new initiative. Some are excited to distribute trading cards, while many are unhappy to discover that their contributions are being used for this purpose.