We understand that things are tough for the airlines, what with fuel prices and all. It does seem that their planning ability is a little, shall we say, off: when you start charging fifteen bucks for a checked bag, it should cross your mind that more people will carry their bags on-board, leading to overhead bin chaos, angry passengers, and late departures. But at the moment let’s focus on angry passengers…you know, angry because of being stuck for hours on the tarmac, angry because of missed connections, angry because a lousy bag of potato chips costs four bucks. People have a right to be angry, you know, when they are treated disrespectfully and like cattle. And when they are really abused, they have the right to be very angry. Your job, in such situations? Say you are sorry, and treat them extra-nice.

But…no. When American Flight 1908 from Miami to LaGuardia was delayed almost two hours because the flight crew arrived inexplicably late (Hangover? Hi-jinx?), the passengers were angry. When they finally arrived, apparently expecting to be cheered like returning heroes, the angry passengers instead started to boo. This was too much for the fragile egos of the crew, who decided that the passengers were “hostile” (Damn right, they were hostile. I’d be hostile too.) They refused to fly, and FAA regulations give them the right to declare conditions unconducive to a safe flight. So instead of being treated “extra nice,” the angry passengers had to wait 24 hours for the next flight.

I guess that showed them!

What mind-numbing arrogance. The late crew should have accepted responsibility for their flight’s delay, and should have been contrite, apologetic and accommodating. Instead, its attitude appeared to the passengers to be, “Hey, you can’t go anywhere without us. You’re lucky we showed up at all!” This is an example of absolute power corrupting absolutely.

I have an idea, however, that American is sure to love. Just require a ten dollar surcharge for anyone who wants the right to get angry at the airline’s arrogant ways and lousy service. I’d pay it gladly.