AA takes soft option on cost cuts

PENNY-PINCHING American Airlines is to remove the pillows from half its planes to save $300,000 (£163,000) a year.

While the cost savings are small beer compared with the $4bn a year American has slashed from its budget since 2002, it is unapologetic about the move. 'We expect we will see some concern from our customers,' spokesman Tim Wagner said. 'The fact is, it will save us some money.'

The company said that getting rid of the pillows would reduce turnaround time, and insisted it would be good for customers. 'It will streamline our cabin service,' Wagner said, adding that workers would be able to focus on cleaning the planes instead of collecting pillows.

He said pillows would be removed only from its MD-80 aircraft because they have adjustable headrests that can be used instead. The pillows will be distributed among the airline's other planes, Wagner said, adding that MD-80 flights would continue to carry blankets.