US Airways to give each flier on ditched jet $5,000

[labbats]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-01-20-plane_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

Why would they do this? Isn't this just admitting fault with an unavoidable bird strike? I know my luggage isn't worth $5000.

 

[AKAAB]

I wouldn't cash that check until I spoke to a lawyer.

When I was in highschool I worked nightshift at a 7-11. We were taught that if anyone fell or was injured in a store we were supposed to offer them free coffee, sodas, and snacks - anything they wanted. Then we were supposed to document it all. The lawyers said it helped with slip and fall claims because they could go to court and prove that the store had already given, and the customer had accepted, compensation for their mishap.

 

[Andy Neill]

That's the way I took it. Perhaps they thought $750-800,000 is a lot cheaper than dealing with a lot of law suits.

*****
Edited for math

 

[Taxilight]

Pax: 150*5K = $750,000

And what does the crew receive?
5*x=5x

 

[PreContact]

x=0???

 

[Amish RakeFight]

...But your Honor,

The FO flew into a flock of birds...
The Captain landed in a river...
My belongings have drowned...

...and all I got was a lousy $5K.

 

[indianboy7]

That 5 grand will be accompanied by a hold harmless agreement....USAirways is just avoiding the medical bills...

 

[Captzaahlie]

Did the jump seaters or non revs get more than a free towel from the American Red Cross? Just wondering if this "so called" show of good faith was extended to them as well.....

 

[Superpilot92]

The passengers should all give that money over to the crew members.

 

[Whataburger]

What about the 5 pets that were in cargo bin?