Tonight NBC Nightly news had a report on how American Airlines is saving money. Sounds logical. Goto http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13365942/

We flew on United a couple days ago and they also asked us to put down our window shade. At the time I thought that was sort of weird, but it makes sense.

Good for American. This is good for AA, the environment, and their customers. If they are prudent, they will do an add on how they are doing their 'bit' for the environment. Makes for good press and may garner some additional 'green' travellers. But I am somewhat biased...I really like AA for domestic US travel.

I somehow see "standing room only" seating and the banning of carry-on bags in the very near future.

In the not-too-distant future, we're going to run out of petroleum so this is an excellent example of forward-thinking
(really, it's common sense) by the AA execs.

I'd love some winglets myself....

Me, too - Buffalo style. Good for AA. Another reason to stick with them.

I will say I miss the open any time snacks area they used to have on trans-Atlantic flight but my waistline doesn't need it anyway.

Next time, when your flight runs out of water or when you wonder why you don't get a pillow or magazine, just tell yourself you're helping the environment. Makes you feel a lot better, doesn't it?

They could save a lot of electricity if they would turn off the Fasten Seat Belt Sign. Put you finger on that sign the next time you are sitting on the plane. Feel how hot it gets.

<i>Feel how hot it gets.</i>

They do it so that the cabin will be so warm that you'll buy more drinks.

Coming soon to an airline near you - mini treadmills under feet of passengers. These will be used to generate electricity for the flight. They will try to sell it as way to promote circulation to the legs during long flights.

Gail, Sounds great to me! At least I'd have somewhere to put my legs!

&quot;Good for American.&quot; and &quot;I really like AA for domestic travel&quot;-you probably need to get out more.
Due to their incompetence and inefficiency they are in this situation. I cannot understand why all US-based airlines (with the exception of SW) are so poorly managed and are losing so much money despite charging such ludicrous prices for flying with them. For example is it reasonable for them not to serve food and to offer almost non-existant service on a 7 hr flight from Boston-LAX. You compare these jokers with any international airline and still tell me if this is positive news

I think AA could save even more $$ by not buying politicians to keep the ridiculous Wright Amendment in place (and the &quot;compromise&quot; is a joke).

Laguna,
I don't even care if they charge for the food. A couple years ago, hubby &amp; I were on planes all day and due to circling in the air, delays on ground (while in plane), etc. we had to run to catch our plane each leg. Not a second to spare to grab any food. It was our bad luck that we were never on a plane when they were serving a meal. Talk about starving. On our last flight, there was no snacks or anything. We were begging the attendent to find anything to feed us. He found a couple misplaced bags of pretzels. Since then, I never travel without snacks in my little carry-on.

I just spoke to someone who flew Continental to Stockholm today and he said the flight attendants were rather gray. The profitable airlines have a much younger staff.

Just flew Span Air and the flight attendants were around 25. I am not saying that we should get rid of people when they get older, however, I am going to assume their salaries do go up after 20 or 30 years of service with the airline.

Great one gail.
Or maybe they'll strap us to the wings of the plane and tell us to flap our hands!

They'll sell those &quot;seats&quot; as &quot;AA introduces <font color="purple">exo<font color="red">tic tr<font color="blue">av<font color="gold">el <font color="black"> for the environmentally conscious, claustrophobic passenger&quot;</font></font></font></font></font>

If you don't like AA, don't fly them. I do &amp; now we have more options than just AA down here &amp; I'm STILL sticking with them. I've found their customer service far superior to 2 other airlines common to this area. While there have been some bad situations in the past, for the last 6-7 years any glitches were resolved to my satisfaction completely.

Frankly, air fares for sure haven't kept up comparing prices 20 years ago to now. I've been an AA frequent flier since 1985 or 86 &amp; I'm still loyal. No, I don't own stock in the company.

The article goes on to say that American did turn a profit, so maybe they can bring back free beer and wine on International flights.

Wally....I really hate to be the one to report this, but AA announced yesterday that they are going to convert all toilets on all their flights to coin op (exact change required).

On the other hand, it will also be a great revenue boast. Maybe they will be able to offer free booze.

Jama,
That was funny!!