Even The Duchess Of Sussex Flies On American Airlines

Apparently, the Duchess of Sussex flies American Airlines. Meghan Markle flew the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier recently, and left a lasting impression on her cabin crew. A TikTok made by one of the flight attendants working the flight revealed that Markle left a kind note for the crew, prompting social media users to share enthusiasm for the flight attendant’s experience.

It might seem strange that someone with as much fame as Meghan Markle was flying a commercial airline. However, the Duchess recently got criticized over a recent private jet flight. Her decision to fly American might be in response to the public’s criticism of her private travel, and an attempt to boost her public image.

Markle Flies American Airlines

Meghan Markle was seen on an American Airlines flight. According to Parade, Nina Vida, a flight attendant for the carrier, went on TikTok and told the story of how the crew’s interaction with the Duchess went. The crew communicated with her through notes, one of which was written on a napkin. Overall, Markle left a positive impression on her cabin crew, who shared the story on May 22.

The interaction started when the cabin crew wrote a note to Meghan Markle expressing their admiration of the public figure. They ended by telling her what a pleasure it was to serve her, and stating how much they loved her. The Duchess returned the message through a kind note written on a napkin, which Vida explained was hard to read due to her elegant script.

Markle replied to them with a similar tone:

“Dear AA girlies, thank you for the love, hospitality and handwritten note — you know me well. All love right back to you. As ever, Meghan.”

The Duchess Got Criticism For Flying Private

Meghan Markle and her husband Prince Harry have been celebrated for their eco-friendly attitudes and efforts. In fact, according to Daily Mail UK, the couple was named environmental “role models” in 2021. However, Markle recently caused controversy after an expensive and fuel-guzzling trip down the western coast of North America.

Markle and Prince Harry flew from their home in California to the Invictus Games in Canada earlier this year. Markle returned to California without her husband on a Bombardier CL-600 jet, making a stop in Seattle for unknown reasons. Operating a private aircraft like this on a three-hour journey could cost up to $30,000, and release six tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The flight burned 800 gallons of fuel.

Despite being celebrated for her environmentalist philosophies, Markle found herself at the center of criticism over her environmental impact. And Markle isn’t alone. As the impact of aviation on the climate becomes more apparent, celebrities have found themselves under the microscope of fans and critics alike. Markle opting to fly commercial might have been an effort to avoid this criticism in the future.

American Continues To Lag Behind Competitors

While legacy rivals like Delta Air Lines

and United Airlines

have continued to thrive in the post-COVID era, American has not seen the same success. United and Delta’s investments in premium offerings, passenger experience, and a long-haul route map have allowed the two carriers to capitalize on today’s demand trends. American has seen less success due to its smaller international footprint and its fewer premium offerings.

However, American’s management has been making an effort to turn the airline around. Most recently, the carrier took delivery of its first of many new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with new premium cabins. While a small step, it indicates American’s renewed focus on offering a premium product.