I work for one of the Japanese automakers. As the industry is in deep recession, our top executives took several drastic actions such as pay cut, cancellation of all corporate parties, flying Y instead of C/F on business trips etc. They did their best to help the company and the associates appreciate the move.

When you are an executive, you are the model for the company. Why did you think the big potatoes from the Big 3 got chewed when they flew private jets to DC few months ago? It's all about image!

I recommend everyone to read this article about the executive of another airliner. It puts the UA executives to shame.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/...n4761136.shtml