I also emailed Chris, and while my reply was probably not as well written as BoilerUP's, I felt compelled to back him up. I don't know if Mr. Elliott actually reads or cares about his feedback, but what the heck, it's worth a shot. I'll post if he replies.
Chris,
Your article perpetuates myths about U.S. airline travel that do little to help an industry which admittedly has problems.
To quote a woman who managed to see "fear in people's faces" ahead of her is mere sensationalism.
Although smaller planes may be more subject to turbulence, to suggest that rough air is a danger is incorrect and irresponsible.
Terming a flight on a regional jet a "downgrade" only serves to prop up your article's flawed basis. Why not point out the way small communities rejoiced 10 years ago when commuter service became more widely available due to the increase in regional jet production?
Half of the 10 most delayed flights in America are on regional jets? That means half are not. Even a cursory look at the list shows the problems stem from congested airports like Newark and Chicago O'Hare rather than any specific airline.
Perhaps in a follow-up column you can point out the real problems facing the airline industry: Ultra-low fares demanded by consumers armed with Orbitz; an antiquated air traffic control system outdated due to bureaucratic red tape and government ineptitude; and the cost of oil, which drives airlines toward more efficient, but smaller, turboprops.