Pros
American offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits (free non-rev (standby) unlimited flying in coach, confirmed tickets at 20% discount of the stated fare, superb and comprehensive health insurance, reasonable vacation time, 5.5% 401k match after 1 year) There isnt a glass ceiling. You can move in the department or across departments and there is room for advancement (based on merit). American leadership is solid, I really believe we have a competent and caring executive team ( as well as other lower level management) that is legitimately interested to hear about its employees interests and concerns. A considerable amount of transparency. American also payed my relocation expenses (professional moving company) when I moved and gave me a (taxable) moving/house hunting stipend of about $1300. American (at least in our department, though I would say in most others as well) gives plenty of opportunity for work life balance.
Cons
Poor IT infrastructure: the internet is slow, you have to provide your own monitors at work (as well as any decent mice or keyboards) Conference rooms and other common spaces are rather inadequate. Per diem is $30/day or actual expenses when traveling for work Unpaid vacation is not an option The cafeteria food is OK but certainly not budget conscious with limited (and slowly improving) variety, No free snacks and the break rooms are minimal and antiquated (expected to change when a new headquarters is built) No on-site gym or shower facilities