I just saw a story on ABC news about a AA 757 low on fuel. He declaired an emergency, requested direct DFW. Center cleared him to the airport but when he got there the controller told him to expect rnwy 31R even though he had requested a more expeditious approach to 17C. http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/5971396.html
What outrageous behavior! The controller has apparently been "retrained."

I don't want to second guess the captain, he probably had enough reason to believe he could make the controllers choice of runway but, come on! He should not even have to think about the controllers concerns. When you declare an emergency you get Carte Blanche.

I would have liked to hear the Captain say something like, "I say again, we are landing straight in 17C. I request you clear the airspace immediately. If you are unable, I suggest you get someone who can." That would have made for some interesting listening.

Any AA guys out there with details about this situation?