Does it feel like this trio of topics come up too often? Maybe if they weren't always doing silly things we'd venture out more. But not this week. Because American, United and Rolls-Royce continue to dig themselves into holes. Ouch.

The Rolls-Royce 787 engine issues continue to spread, and we're not really sure that good options exist to get alternates into place.

American Airlines had a pretty crappy week thanks to an IT issue with regional carrier PSA.

* And also problems with crew hotels.

* And forgetting to return some leased aircraft on time.

* And paying off the government to avoid trial on fare collusion.

* And Fozz really doesn't believe that EXP is all that useful anymore, either.

Culture challenges at United Airlines are also significant. But on the cool side there is now a helicopter option with United to connect between Newark and New York City.

Oh, and the Instagram "influencers" blight is very real. We're talking about it again.