I did not deal well with the politicians. I tend to tell people that when they are full of crap, that they are full of crap.

A lot of people came into the airline business. Most of them promptly exited, minus their money.

If you want to travel on the airline system, you give up your privacy. If you want your privacy, don't fly. Flying is voluntary.

You put together the best team that you can with the players you've got, and replace those who aren't good enough.

The airline business is fast-paced, high risk, and highly leveraged. It puts a premium on things I like to do. I think I communicate well. And I am very good at detail. I love detail.

This is a nasty, rotten business.

I've never invested in any airline. I'm an airline manager. I don't invest in airlines. And I always said to the employees of American, 'This is not an appropriate investment. It's a great place to work and it's a great company that does important work. But airlines are not an investment.'