American eventually dropped the effort. “The old insidious intimidation program, which demanded that pilots file reports to justifying her or his request for more fuel, no longer exists at the new American Airlines,” APA spokesman Dennis Tajer said Thursday.

“No matter the corporate cost savings program in effect, our captains by the authority and responsibility of their FAA license, in a partnership with our dispatchers, have the last and final say on ensuring the highest level of safety and reliability for every single flight,” Tajer said.