Despite living in Charlotte and flying around 60 round trips a year, I'm still not back on American more than once a year. I would rather take a connection than fly on AA. But there are times where a direct flight is the best option and that's what happened today.
I was on a regional jet from Charlotte to Washington. On the plus side, my seatmate didn't show up so I had two seats to myself. On the minus side, that didn't improve the legroom situation. It was uncomfortable.
Boarding was on time at Gate E2, the gate agent managed it well (I was in Zone 2), the flight attendant was very pleasant and did the usual beverage service and the landing was on time and soft. Of course, the regional jets at DCA are hard stands that are served by a bus back to the crowded shuttle.
There was some trash in the seat back bucket And the wall panel kept falling down.
Would I fly American again? Sure, if it's an early flight and I don't have time for a connection and it's not an airport directly served by someone else. Basically, they're last.