In the last few weeks several situations have occurred that frankly, makes me question the Airline industry here is the US.
It started a few weeks ago with Southwest Airlines. Many of their planes had to be grounded for not performing required inspections. Seems that they may have conspired with their buddies over at the FAA, who decided they didn’t need to inspect their planes for cracks in the fuselage. Are these airlines and our government just a little too chummy?
Next up are American and Delta, who grounded planes and canceled hundreds of flights due to wiring concerns.
Not to be excluded is United. Seems they may have missed some maintenance checks as well, so they grounded about 30 planes.
Newer discount carrier Skybus announced that they are closing up shop. Oh, and passengers who have purchased tickets aren’t necessarily getting their money back. They need to contact their credit card companies. This one really hits home for me because Skybus was helping to fuel growth at my local airport, Stewart International.
Tonight I am watching CNN and they announce that yet again American Airlines is disrupting service. AA is canceling hundreds of flights to inspect their MD-80 fleet. Again.
Oh come on already!
Canceling flights for inspections? I don’t understand this concept. Shouldn’t someone be managing this inspection process? Shouldn’t there be a way to schedule a plane for an inspection without disrupting service, without canceling flights that people have already paid for and have planned vacations or business trips around?
I know, it would take someone with a plan, someone with intelligence. A stroke of genius. A college degree. I know it is asking alot, but this isn’t rocket science or brain surgery. Or is it?
What are your thoughts on this? Does this affect which airline you fly with? Does this scare you? Are you considering not flying or taking a vacation because of this poor mismanagement? Is the FAA doing all that they can to protect us in the air?
Ok, now it’s your turn to weigh in!