And another thing...

I had the distinct displeasure of flying in a couple Airbus models on this trip. An A-319 and an A-320. Notwithstanding the fact that the vertical stabilizers on the 320's have a habit of parting from the plane at somewhat inopportune moments, the planes just SOUND stupid. The damned French can't even build a friggin' jetliner without making it sound like it's apologizing for not surrendering to an attacking girl scout troop fast enough.

The servo motors that lower and raise the flaps and slats make the most annoying sound ever imagined. You'd think there was a giant squeegee bum outside the plane smearing the windows and begging for change. And the cutesy little servo controlled monitor screens that fold out of the overhead compartment so I can bump my head when I get up. Those are nice too. How much weight did the electronics and mechanical systems required to operate those 30 monitors add to the already overly complex workings of that fragile craft?

Why on earth would an American company purchase ANYTHING from France, let alone something like a passenger jet that requires a bit more knowledge and design skill than, " Oh, I should remove my shoes BEFORE stomping the grapes."