The news media is really stirring this pot. I hear many expressions of concern even disgust from those who rarely fly. It doesn't bother me personally but it reveals that very bad image the airlines and the industry have right now.

I intend to keep flying, hope to move up to EXP from PLT, and then (gasp) go for elite status on another carrier as well. I don't see any of the moves by AA as meriting a petition, let alone a boycott or some other mass protest.

My $0.02 worth ... to be increased by $0.0050 Oct 1 ...