Letter from AA in response to http://craphound.com/aadossierletter.txt

February 18, 2005

Executive Office

Dear Mr Doctorow

Thank you for your patience while awaiting our response to your
letter of January 14. The circumstances surrounding your January
9 check-in at London's Gatwick airport have now been investigated
and I'm glad to followup with you.

Our own Corporate Communications office was involved in a
comprehensive review of this matter, and your concerns might be
best answered in the following statement which that department
released to the media.


"After reviewing our documentation on Mr Doctorow's experience in
London, it is evident that both our contracted security screener
and Mr Doctorow contributed to what is not a representative
example of our security screening process.

Mr Doctorow exhibited specific behaviors and cues before and
during our initial security screening that caused our screener to
initiate a secondary screening process. We will not publicize
those behaviors because to do so might hamper the effectiveness
of the screening process in the future.

That said, our contracted screener veered from standard procedure
when she asked for Mr Doctorow to write the addresses of his
destinations in the United States. She did clearly state that
once the interview was completed, the address list would be
destroyed in front of Mr Doctorow or that he could have the list
to keep. American Airlines absolutely does not register or record
that type of personal data.

Although the agent concerned is very promising, this incident
clearly showed a lack of experience in the questioning process.
This agent will go through additional training and supervision.
Through daily briefings, the remainder of this station will
benefit from the experience gained from this incident.

American Airlines is entirely serious about the security
procedures we undertake to help ensure the safety of our
passengers and crews. We expect that our passengers apply the
same serious consideration when they encounter our procedures.
The vast majority of airline travelers appreciate the increased
security and have adapted to a new reality in air travel. That is
not, however, an excuse for security measures to be applied
unevenly, and to reiterate, we do not keep personal information
gathered during the screening process.

We appreciate that Mr Doctorow called our attention to the
mistakes that were made because it helps us rectify the situation
going forward."


In essence Mr Doctorow, we are sorry that this security screening
cause you any needless alarm. We consider this to have been an
isolated matter and ultimately we hope you agree. We certainly
value your loyalty and support and are eager to continue the
beneficial relationship we have developed to date. We are all
working hard to ensure that every flight you take on American is
enjoyable and that your every contact with our people is pleasant
and productive. If I can further address this situation for you,
you may address an email to my attention at AA.COM, or you may
call me directly at (817) XXX-XXXX. Please continue to travel
with us often.

Sincerely,



Tim Rhodes