Looks like Northwest Airlines might be making other peoples’ crap list besides Tieki Rae’s.

Hundreds of passengers experienced disruptions in their travel plans this weekend when Northwest Airlines canceled more than 200 flights.

During a summer season already filled with record delays and cancellations, the nation’s fifth-largest carrier cited pilot absenteeism for the problems.

Where in the world are the beloved pilots?

The pilots have said they were not playing hooky. They said their contract with Northwest limits their flying time to 90 hours per month and during this year’s busy travel season their time sheets are maxed-out.

I’m reading that as the contracts with Northwest that are limiting the pilots to 90 hours per month, not FAA regulations. Therefore, I’m limiting this entire problem to labor unions. Seriously, do you realize that 90 hours per month is barely over 20 hours per week?

What’s the labor union saying?

This weekend’s cancellations happened despite efforts by Northwest earlier this month to thin out its schedule so pilots would have enough hours. The union said the airline simply needs more pilots.

Heck, I didn’t realize it was possible to find a profession that actually works less hours than a dentist, but by golly I think I’ve done it! The entire article can be found here, but I also find the little ditty below to be a bit disturbing:

The Federal Aviation Administration said on-time performances in June were dismal. Last month had twice as many cancellations compared to the same time in 2006, the result of bad weather, more flights and an outdated air traffic control system.

Yikes! That’s something I think we should stay on the cutting edge of technology with.

And last but not least:

In a May 2007 survey by the University of Michigan, Americans ranked the airlines below the Internal Revenue Service in customer satisfaction.

I can guarantee you that Northwest has earned this honor. They should be so proud.