American Airlines pilots will finally be able to provide airplane trading cards to travelers, although this is proving to be somewhat contentious.
American pilots can now access airplane trading cards
Airlines aim to cultivate customer loyalty (or so they assert) and also wish to inspire a passion for aviation among individuals, so it is customary for airlines to supply their pilots with airplane trading cards. The premise is that passengers can request these trading cards, which usually highlight the aircraft in use, allowing travelers to gather various cards.
The general appeal of airplane trading cards seems to have surged significantly in recent times, possibly due to social media, with many individuals sharing about them online. For instance, while Delta has had trading cards since as early as 2003, the frequency of requests for them has increased tremendously.
Spirit has even recently invested in introducing trading cards, demonstrating how some airlines view this as essential.
American has been a notable exception among major airlines by lacking these, but that has finally changed, as pointed out by PYOK. However, the initiative is not being launched by the airline itself but by the Allied Pilots Association (APA), the union that represents the pilots.
The APA characterizes this initiative as aimed at “enhancing the experience of our passengers,” and there are at least four varieties of cards, each representing different aircraft in the fleet. The cards feature union branding instead of airline branding (though they display images of aircraft in their complete liveries). Ultimately, it will be up to the pilots to collect these from bases and bring them onto flights for distribution to passengers.
Now, I can’t help but wonder if there’s a QR code on the back of these cards that links to a specific website, as one might question the true intention behind this. We have observed American’s pilot union being (understandably) quite frustrated with management, and they’ve committed to taking their concerns “to all American stakeholders.” Could this be part of that strategy?
As anticipated, pilots are divided on this
Interestingly, the union implementing this initiative is receiving mixed feedback from pilots on social media. Some are expressing support for this, with one pilot stating “thank goodness,” and “there is nothing I dislike saying more than, ‘sorry, kid, I don’t have any.’”
However, other pilots are less enthusiastic about this initiative, with the predominant critique revolving around “my dues at work.” Another pilot mentions “while I appreciate AA providing something that resembles a decent product for our customers, and trading cards would be neat, I’m not entirely thrilled about spending union dues on this.”
Another commenter states “so your union will cover the costs, but your company won’t,” and “no wonder AA is prospering.”
Honestly, it seems rather disappointing that this initiative is being financed by the union rather than the airline, and it highlights part of American’s broader cultural challenges. If you’re a customer-centered airline, you foster interactions like this. When Delta issued press releases about trading cards, it emphasized how the engagement between pilots and customers can be “impactful” and “elevates and enriches the flight experience.”
I believe Delta is spot on here, and this underscores an issue with American’s culture. The airline does not invest enough in recognizing the significance of positive interactions with frontline staff and how they shape the passenger’s overall experience.
Final thoughts
American pilots can now obtain airplane trading cards, but this is being provided through the union, not the airline. Therefore, I wouldn’t necessarily expect these to be as readily available as on other airlines, where the airline itself is funding the initiative.
Pilots are torn on this new development. While some are pleased to finally distribute trading cards, a larger number seem dissatisfied that their union dues are financing this.
What are your thoughts on American’s pilot union introducing trading cards?