Just feels like they’re not listening to what people actually want anymore.
You’re not alone—feels like the basics are slipping while the price keeps climbing. I get that things change, but when you’re paying more, you expect at least the same level of service, if not better. The “perks” are nice, but honestly, I’d trade most of them for faster roadside help. Low-usage flexibility would make a lot of sense, especially for folks who barely call in a year.
Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from. It’s wild how the “extras” keep getting hyped up, but when you’re stuck on the side of the road, all you really want is someone to show up fast—preferably before you’ve memorized every song on the radio. Has anyone else noticed the wait times creeping up lately? Used to be I’d call and someone would be there before I could even finish my coffee.
I do wonder if it’s just more people using the service or if they’re stretched thinner these days. The low-usage flexibility thing makes a ton of sense, though. Why should folks who barely use it pay the same as someone calling every other month? Maybe there’s some behind-the-scenes reason, but from the outside, it just feels off.
Curious if anyone’s actually tried switching or downgrading their plan—did it make a difference? Sometimes I think about it, but then I remember that one time my battery died in the middle of nowhere and AAA saved my bacon... so I keep hanging on.
Has anyone else noticed the wait times creeping up lately? Used to be I’d call and someone would be there before I could even finish my coffee.
- Noticed the same thing—last time I called, it was almost an hour, which never used to happen.
- Tried downgrading to the basic plan last year. Didn’t really see a difference in response time, but I did save a few bucks.
- Wondering if the “extras” are just fluff now. Anyone actually use those travel discounts or whatever?
- Is it just AAA, or are all roadside services getting slower? Maybe it’s a staffing thing post-pandemic...
Title: Wait Times Up, Perks Down? Not Sure It’s All Bad
Wondering if the “extras” are just fluff now. Anyone actually use those travel discounts or whatever?
I get what you’re saying about the “extras” feeling like fluff, but I’ll admit, I actually used one of those hotel discounts last summer. Saved me enough for a couple of fancy coffees, at least. Not life-changing, but hey, it’s something. I think the problem is they hype up the perks like you’re getting a golden ticket, when really it’s just a few bucks here and there.
About the wait times—yeah, they’re definitely longer than they used to be. But I’ve noticed it’s not just AAA. My neighbor had a flat and called one of those newer app-based roadside services, and she still waited almost 45 minutes. Maybe it’s just the new normal? I mean, after the pandemic, it feels like everyone’s short-staffed. Even my local pizza place takes longer now, and they don’t have to tow anything.
I downgraded to the basic plan too, thinking I’d notice a difference, but honestly, the only thing that changed was my monthly bill. Still waited about the same amount of time for a jumpstart. Maybe the premium plans are more about peace of mind than actual faster service? Or maybe it’s just a clever way to get us to pay more for the same thing.
One thing I will say—at least with AAA, I know who I’m dealing with. Some of these new roadside companies pop up overnight and disappear just as fast. I’d rather wait a bit longer and know someone’s actually coming, instead of rolling the dice with a random app.
Anyway, I’m not ready to ditch them yet, but I do miss the days when you’d call and the truck would beat you to your car. Maybe I just need to drink my coffee slower...
I hear you on the wait times—last time I called for a tow, I sat on the shoulder for nearly an hour. Not ideal, but at least I knew someone legit was on their way. Those “perks” just feel like marketing noise to me now. I’d rather they put that effort into getting the trucks out faster. And honestly, some of those app-based companies? No thanks. I want someone who’s actually checked out, not just whoever signs up that day. Maybe it’s just me, but safety’s worth a bit of a wait.