As a US citizen currently living in the Middle East, I have experience flying with all three Gulf airlines in question. My family members are all Privilege Club members 

of Qatar Airways, which is our airline of choice for 100% of our travels (where available). We are also Emirates Skywards members. 

In my opinion, today there is no comparison between the Gulf airlines and American / Delta / United. I have flown all three US airlines many times in the past, and 

was both an AA and Delta Skymiles member for years (I even had a Delta Skymiles AMEX). My family and I make trips between the Gulf and US several times a year. 

Normally, when flying Qatar Airways, we connect to American Airlines (or their regional partners), so I feel I have honest and constructive feedback to provide. We 

fly in coach class, so please note that my comments relate to that cabin category only.

In the nearly three years that I have been flying on a Gulf airline, I have never witnessed an employee disparage or act disrespectfully towards another team member, 

or anyone else. Their employees are pleasant, respectful, professional, conscientious, and go above and beyond to assist their customers. I have never been charged 

excess fees for luggage or ticket changes, and ticket agents look for ways to upgrade me wherever possible (unfortunately, it doesn't happen because upper class 

seats on Gulf airlines are so popular and always seem to be full). I was especially impressed with the care and level of service afforded to me when I shipped my pet 

overseas on Qatar Airways. In contrast, I cannot count how many rude, dismissive, uncooperative US airline employees I have encountered over the years. 

My most recent trip on a US carrier in May, 2015 is an example. After flying from Doha on Qatar Airways (a nearly 15 hour flight), I connected at DFW to USAirways 

#2561. The flight was delayed because the crew had not shown up yet (even though the plane was there), the gate agent was dismissive, and when we finally were 

allowed to approach the plane, we were made to wait at the door as the plane had not been cleaned. The flight attendant came out and chastised us for waiting at 

the doorway because they were not ready for us to board. He even went so far as to yell down the hallway to the gate agent telling her to stop sending passengers 

because they weren't ready. His lack of professionalism was painful to watch. The co-pilot then came out and told us that the gate agent had no business sending us 

down to the plane because they weren't ready for us to load. At no point did the flight crew apologize for the delay, they just seemed annoyed that we, their 

customers, were standing there waiting to board the plane. I was shocked to see two crew members so blatantly throw a team member under the bus in this manner.

In the past year our family has encountered several upsetting instances at the hands of American Airlines and United Airlines, which we had to use as connections 

within the US - including lost luggage, delayed flights, missed connections, and dismissive staff. Most recently, my teenage daughter was flying back to the Middle 

East on her first solo international flight for the Christmas holidays and endured a horrific 30 hour delay in Dallas while attempting to connect from American Airlines 

to Qatar Airways. She received no assistance from AA, other than rebooking her ticket, and was left to her own devices at the airport - no food vouchers, no 

accommodation, nothing. And, her luggage took seven days to arrive.

On a previous flight, connecting through Houston on United Airlines, our family's luggage was misplaced during a four hour layover and didn't make it on to our flight 

into LAX. 

My family avoids flying US airlines as much as possible, mostly because of a lack of convenient flights and price (which is absolutely exorbitant these days even with 

the lower oil prices), but also because of flight delays (it seems as if every flight is late), seat comfort (hard and small), lack of onboard entertainment, and overall lack 

of customer service. I won't even mention the food, or lack thereof. I have even been the recipient of disrespectful comments by US airline employees who question 

why I fly Gulf airlines. 

Another instance earlier this year, I flew my daughter from MS to Washington, DC (with one connection) at a cost of $700 RT - the cheapest flight I could find, even 

with a 30 day advance purchase. In contrast, my RT flight from the Middle East to Washington DC (direct flight) was $1,400. I find it ridiculous that I had to spend 50% 

the cost of an international 14 hour flight, for her domestic flight that lasted less than two hours. How is that possible?

There is no comparison between the Gulf flight attendants and US flight attendants. Gulf flight attendants are gracious and act like they really want to be doing their 

jobs. US flight attendants always seem harried, too busy and condescending when you ask for something. And, the difference in being a Qatar privilege club member 

is far and away a better experience than what I ever had with Delta or AA. Sitting in QA coach seats as a privilege club member reminds me of when I flew business 

class with AA. QA, Emirates and Etihad don't care what category seat you have, they treat everyone well. I will say that I have not encountered any problems when 

flying Southwest and Virgin America, but unfortunately they are not options for me at this time.

The US airlines have alot of work to do to catch up to the Gulf airlines, and it has nothing to do with Open Skies. I know many people involved in the Gulf airline 

industry, at many levels and in different roles, some of whom are former US pilots who came to Qatar Airways because of the current situation in the US. The big 

three are grasping at straws when they bring up job protection and subsidies. The US as a whole needs to wake up and recognize that there is a lot of competition in 

the areas where we have historically excelled and we have to improve our service offerings or else we will be left behind. I feel strongly about this matter and when I 

eventually return to the US, if the airline industry has not changed it ways, I will continue to fly international carriers wherever possible. 

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my comments.