About five years ago, I spent four weeks trying a case that centered on how air carriers maintain the jet engines that keep planes up in the sky. The case preparation included a tour of an engine shop, where the engines are torn down after they are pulled off the wing for periodic maintenance, and overhauled.

I'm no advocate of the aviation industry; rather, a frequent victim of airline delays. Indeed, I was opposing the aviation industry's view of its maintenance practices in the case I mention. (I lost.)

That said, I learned enough about how the industry maintains aircraft and engines to have serious doubts about Gordon's claim regarding "years of maintenance neglect."

I find no fault with American Airlines for playing it safe.

Jake, Thanks for sharing that perspective. I just wanted to clarify that I didn't pull that claim out of my hat. That's the backstory that I am seeing in the NYT and elsewhere.

I guess my approach would be to ask myself "What's wrong with taking a day and a half to get somewhere, if I can travel in safety and comfort and get to see the country in the bargain?" Of course, I would be perfectly happy spending a week's vacation just riding around the US on Amtrak.