I applaud American Airlines

Look, I'm as much of a critic of the airline industry as the next person. Look within this blog and you'll see posts on how I think the industry needs a MASSIVE overhaul, including the elimination of several airlines and a governmental takeover (or heavy regulation).

See: One

See: Two

But, what American Airlines has done here the past few days, while shitty, is the RIGHT thing to do.

The cutbacks within the industry )their own damn fault, mind you) have created a situation where airplanes are doing token maintenance checks. There are not enough mechanics, there are too many planes, on too close/tight a schedule to do the maintenance checks right, to assure the airlines are following FAA protocol correctly.

If your one of those people who are stranded, I feel for you. I really, really do. However, don't get your fat face on television whining about how it's annoying or unfair to be getting to your destination so late. Be glad you are even going to get there.

If you've ever paid attention to big corporation lawsuits, like those dealing with the auto industry...the bean counters will often tell you that when they do the math...sad to say...it's often cheaper in the long run to ignore the problem and pay for the one big crash/disaster that costs them one massive punitive judgment from a jury.

Because in the end, the public outrage will fade, appeal after appeal will be made, dragging out any litigation and money the victims families will see for perhaps decade(s). Ultimately what may have started as a $500 million in punitive damages judgment against the company, will be whittled down to chump change for the corporation's bottom line.

So, let's be glad, let's applaud American for taking it on the chin the hard way. They clearly fucked up. But, they are owning up to it, and costing their company millions.

I applaud this type of corporate responsibility, and frankly, so should you.