Is your boss reasonable or a total a..e? Looks at options with AA and see if you can come up with a near comparable fare. And then explain that PLTAA will allow you to use the AC, which has free wi-fi and shower facilies. Also as a PLT, you will have more opportuntities to be rerouted or stand by in the case of irregular opts (it would still be winter time in ORD and DTW). As for Airline X, if there are weather issues you are s...d like all the Kettles flying to go see the Bodines.