Greedy US Airways Passsengers Look to Cash In

A few weeks ago, when Capt. Sullenberger heroically guided a stricken airliner into the Hudson River with no deaths, the natural reaction by everyone was to be relieved. For those on the flight, that relief must have been enormous.

Now, removed from the drama a bit, some passengers are looking to cash in:

Many US Airways (LCC) passengers who endured a crash landing in the Hudson River 12 days ago say they appreciate the $5,000 that the airline has offered — but some say it's not enough.

Joe Hart, a salesman from Charlotte who suffered a bloody nose and bruises, says he "would like to be made whole for the incident."

What the hell does that mean, "made whole"? The dude broke his nose and suffered a contusion or two. Your nose healed, the bruises faded so now you are whole, end of story.

"We're grateful everyone survived, and the captain on the plane was so marvelous," says Gail Dunham, the group's executive director. "But passengers lost luggage, briefcases, cellphones, BlackBerrys and business documents, and went through a terrific ordeal."

Sure, they lost a few belongings, but nothing exceeding $5,000 I'd suspect. More importantly, they still have their lives. Just as in a house fire, you may lose pictures and belongings but if you're alive, it a net positive.

Still, two idiot passengers are whining like pussies because they say they had more than $5,000 worth of belongings on the plane--yet admit that US Airways has treated them very well. If you had more than $5,000 worth of equipment while flying, you're an idiot.

This litigious BS is the sole reason we are in trouble with health care costs, consumer goods price increases and it affects every facet of daily life. US Airways properly trained the pilot, offered recompense in excess of that required and ensured that everyone made it to their destination. The accident was caused by a flock of birds that the government will not allow the airlines to properly deal with and was not their fault. In short, US Airways is not to blame and these two morons should be told to go pound sand and given only the required $3,300 instead of the generous $5,000.

Some people have their priorities straight, however:

Amber Wells of Charlotte says she's so thankful to have survived and to be with her 9-month-old daughter, Rayley, that she hasn't had time to think about her belongings.

She says she lost $2,000 of nursing equipment and a laptop computer, as well as a checked bag and a carry-on bag.

"Everything that's gone can be replaced," says Wells, 34, a senior manager for NASCAR. "My life cannot be replaced."

Amen Ms. Well, Amen.