Pros
As major airlines go, American because of its employees, is still one of the best majors out there. It has the economies of scale that are important in the industry and a very recognizable brand name. As an airline it also operates to a very high degree of safety vs other carriers. American has a great route system, and fairly new equipment. Its' infrastructure is better than any other major too. Especially its' maintenance capabilities and facilities.
Cons
The most frustrating thing about American is the total disregard for the employees by Senior management. Employees are treated as a liability not as an asset like Southwest Airlines values its' employees. This coupled with a high degree of distrust and hate for Senior Management makes for a very depressing work environment. Also in many cases, various departments within the company excell at the expense of another department. This is unacceptable and would not be tolerated by say, the Penske Corporation.. Senior management is arrogant and cannot be trusted at their word. Worse, management is unrestrained by a Board of Directors who are nothing but "yes" people. Senior managements' continual "nonaction" in dealing with the problems that face the company are a real concern. There are far too many Vice Presidents and managers and decision making is affected by this. This disfunctional corporation seems to do all it can to drive passengers away. Those in management who work in "the office" are oblivious to the realities of "the line" and what really goes on on a daily basis. All they see are the charts and graphs but not the carnage of the real world.