Originally Posted by andreas500

FYI - for those interested, I have flown many many miles on numerous airlines, I am not a pilot, and I have always been interested in the aviation industry.

That being said, I received the same email from AA a couple of days ago, and instantly recognized the BS of putting it on an employee group that is critical for safety and operational excellence. So, I sent the following email to AA Advantage Customer Service:

I have been a significant business traveler for more than 20 years, and have nearly 4 million miles on American over the years. Similar on United, and Delta, and Northwest prior to their merger with Delta.

I hated traveling United for years because their employees were just fed up, leading up to and through their bankruptcy. Congratulations, you are now in that category.

As a Platinum for life member on Advantage program, I received the email from Suzanne L. Rubin, President for AAdvantageŽ Loyalty Program, and wish to share my perspective.

I also have years of dealing with mission critical professionals that are proud of their work. I am dismayed by the treatment AA has given their Flight Attendents, Mechanics, and frontline CS personnel, but especially Pilots, leading up to and in this Bankruptcy.

Do not believe you can send an email and have all your customers believe that the recent operational problem stems from "maintenance write-ups by our pilots, many right at the time of departure. Our maintenance teams are responding appropriately to such reports, which may cause interruptions in our schedules". Many of us know better, and I certainly hope that AA does not believe that! The root cause is the treatment AA has given it's Pilots, and other critical employees, for years, but especially during this bankruptcy.

Fair treatment and honest negotiating goes a long way to happy satisfied employees - the only way to have happy and satisfied customers.

So, for what it is worth, there are customers flying with you that both recognize and support your importance to AA and to successful business travel. Keep up the efforts to fight against a system that is stacked against you, but that CAN NOT succeed without you. Stay united!