American Airlines Boeing B737 800 seat review by Joe Dave #28208

Tickets were very cheap (American Domestic is becoming very aggressive in their pricing). Flown on a very new 2nd Configuration plane, featuring the Boeing Sky Interior, new seats, and a nice IFE + expensive WiFi with good selection. I found the new interior to be well made, functional, intuitive, relaxing, and generally much better and updated than the older 737 NG. However, the seats were a big letdown. They were very stiff, with barely any cushioning unlike the older style. Even though the flight was just ~3 hours, I left the plane with a badly aching back. Recline was poor for row 13 specifically, but forgivable due to location in front of exit row. In addition, the electronics box underneath the seat meant you couldn't keep your legs straight. Distance to the seat in front (I'm 5'8") was very close. More and more airlines are squeezing as much profit as they can by slimming the seats and compacting them together. IFE and windows were dirty, with some sort of drink staining them. This was partially forgivable on a chaotic Spring Break flight, but not completely. Drinks were served shortly after takeoff, no snacks without charge. Attendants and flight crew were slightly rude, but the gate staff were very pleasant and understanding. Generally, the experience wasn't the best, mostly because of the rock hard seat backing (like most lower cost carriers) but I've seen much worse and I am appreciative for their basic services and amenities (like cleaning the airplane), as well as acceptable standards, when opposed to a carrier like Spirit.
By the way, the "New AA" is really just them changing their logo and their paint, as well as updating some of their fleet with newer, more cramped seating.