American Airlines leaves travelers stranded

American Airlines, based out of Fort Worth, Texas, canceled close to 3,100 flights this past week due to safety inspections of their popular plane, the MD-80. At least 250,000 people were affected by American Airlines cancelations throughout the week, and several other airlines canceled flights to properly inspect their MD-80 planes. The Federal Aviation Administration noted that airlines had 18 months to properly check their electrical wiring prior to last month's audit. The flight cancelations could not have come at a worse time due to the rising fuel costs that are affecting multiple industries across the nation. American Airlines tried to do their best by offering $500 travel vouchers and accomodating some travelers with hotel rooms.

I believe that American Airlines is going to be affected greatly by these flight cancelations with their credibility and financially. Along with losing upwards in the tens of millions of dollars in revenue, travelers may think twice about flying with American Airlines next time they book a flight. Canceling that many flights all at once because of poor safety management is not acceptable. The FAA required all airlines to inspect their planes within the 18 month span, and several others were able to get it done. It shows a lack of professionalism because it was a mistake that should have been taken care of.

American Airlines should have done more than hand out vochers and provide hotel rooms for travelers that were affected. Instead of a $500 voucher the airline should have provided at least one round trip first class ticket as well as food and other necessities for the travelers that were affected. The airline's PR department is going to have to put in overtime to clean up the mess that was made.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24029455