In part, these are the allegations
that American Airlines helped delay
ticket compensation to Brannagh on
tickets that it wrote for Braniff in
order to hurt it financially, that
American reservationist pressured
customers not to fly on Braniff
and that American Airlines pilots dallied
on the runways to delay Braniff arrivals
and departures.
The Civil Aeronautics Board has been
investigating all of this for about a
week. Aside from that, all they'll say
is no comment.
Sources familiar with the investigation
told me that so far they have found,
quote, no smoking gun.
Another told me, quote, They have
developed nothing solid either way.
And so at this point, the investigation
may end as quickly as it began.
American Airlines officials say the
charges are ridiculous, unfounded.
The pilots say that they wouldn't and
couldn't dally on the runways.
That would cause a safety problem.
Today, we sent Mike Snyder to Houston and
he found that 23 of the 25 major
travel agents in Houston are not
providing Braniff tickets or Brena
ticket information when you call, unless
you specifically request that.
But again, we could find no conspiracy.
They simply said that they were afraid of
getting stuck in case Braniff goes under.