American Airlines found itself in media highlight for all
the wrong reasons the past week. The three notable incidents which put AA in
spotlight this week are related to tensions with labor union, holding back unaccompanied
minor kids overnight by airline and putting the emotional support dog in
bathroom.
Labor tensions
American Airlines has accused the unions of its mechanics- Transport
Workers Union of America and the International Association of Machinists and
Aerospace Workers- for deliberating slowing down the work. It has said that the
mechanics have not been operating at their normal work levels for the last few
months. This has resulted in cancellations of 900 flights in the last two
months. The cancellation of American Airlines reservations has resulted in considerable financial loss to the
airline. The airline approached the court and obtained an injunction against
the unions. The court directed the mechanics not to participate in any
disruption to the airline.
Case of Unaccompanied
Kids
How would you react if you are not informed of the arrival
of your unaccompanied minor kids? And, on top of it, the kids are kept
overnight with the airline itself? Naturally, you would go berserk and try your
level best to find the kids. And, if the airline is not cooperating to give a
phone access to the kids, you are certainly going to be mad about it.
American Airlines flight had a layover in Charlotte, which
was already late, but the kids were not offered food. Instead they were rushed
on to next flight to Portland. This flight also got delayed to a few reasons.
These delays were not communicated to the parents and even the efforts of the
parents to speak to the kids was not supported by the airline. The airline has
offered an apology for the incident.
Case of Emotional
Support Dog
Yet another incident which has kept the airline in news is
that of an emotional support dog being in locked up in bathroom. As per the
woman who was flying Miami to Los Angeles when this happened, the airline had not
been sensitive to her needs as she required the presence of her emotional
support animal because she has been suffering from extreme anxiety. The woman
is suing the airline for $75000. However, the airline mentioned in its
statement that the as per airline policy 777 planes do not allow pets in
premium cabin. The passenger agreed to fly in Main Cabin so that the pet could fly
with her in cabin. Further, the dog was carried in a kennel which was not able
to fit beneath the seat.
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