Spilled Soda Caused Loose Jet Seats, Says American Airlines

Spilled soda is the cause behind loose seats on three recent American Airlines flights, according to a report by the airline.

Last week, seats on an American Airlines Boeing 757 came loose during a flight from Boston to Miami, forcing an emergency landing. The unnerving incident was quickly followed by seats coming loose on two more flights just a few days later.

The airline has now identified the culprit: spilled soda drinks and coffee that, over time, have “gunked up” seat locking mechanisms, in turn affecting the track that locks seats to the floor of the aircraft. American Airlines spokeswoman Mary Frances Fagan assured customers that the problem would be promptly addressed:

“We are taking extra steps to ensure that the seats do not dislodge from the track.”

American initially blamed the loose seats on an incorrectly installed saddle clamp. In a statement issued Wednesday, there was no mention of spilled soda causing the loose jet seats.

The loose seat issue has been the latest in a long line of difficulties for American Airlines; in recent times, the company has also faced financial woes, staff layoffs, and negative press.

Furthermore, a judge scrapped American Airlines’ contract with its pilots union in September. Since that decision, pilots have staged what the airline has described as “a slowdown” that has caused more than 1,000 American flights to be canceled in the past month, and a further 12,000 delayed.

Now the airline has finally got to the bottom of its shaky seats dilemma, will you fly American again?