Demerde Press Agency, Dallas: Disgruntled AA flyer Mark Henstock has threatened to sue American Air CEO Gerald Arpey for making him sick.

From his hospital bed in the city's Memorial Hospital, Henstock sits in traction. "It's my back" he says "since the pillows were removed my spine has contracted - it looks like I may be in pain for life, and it's all Arpey's fault."

The Million Miler who regularly travelled thousands of miles a week throughout the AA network, still finds hours to post on internet chatroom message boards, and has still more complaints.

"From a consistent diet of soy nuts and sundaes my bowels have ceased to function. It all started during a snowstorm at DFW; I sampled a snack pizza and it lead from there. The dough has restricted my movements, in more ways than one."

Even the stewardesses are a target for his ire:

"In 1973, before my obesity really kicked in, I had a three in a bed romp with another airline's trolly dollies. The HAAgs on American have never indulged my fantasies. Even though I have a thing for older women. And I mean old."

But Gerome Arpey's office was quick to challenge the basis for the legal claim.

"The ticket was a co-pay upgraded fare. Frankly we couldn't give a damn. Fancy a trip on an MD-80? La la la la la la. I am off to dive in a dumpster."

Photographs of the thresome incident have yet to be released, though Polaroids of the lavatory in which it took place are rumoured to be in the possession of a newly qualified Doctor.

"There is an excellent shot of some nice Bristols. Which is a shame as I had always wanted to visit there. Do you have any information on that city?"

It is hoped the case will be settled out of court.