(Sent from a retired TWA vet [Pascal Wright] who wishes they had done something like this before the fact. As he said, "you snooze, you lose".) St. Louis (AirlineBiz.Com) - American Airlines has struck a blow to TWA retirees by announcing that they will no longer receive 'non-revenue' airline passes on American Airlines. In the first of many probable 'merger-blues' the TWA retirees were told, "All TWA privileges will end when TWA stops flying," according to an internal American/TWA memo. "Those who go to work for American will be eligible for American Airlines passes as employees. TWA retirees will not receive American Airlines passes," according to TWA's President and CEO Bill Compton in the memo. TWA employees and retirees have embarked on a letter writing campaign to the CEOs of American and TWA. A letter to American's Chairman and CEO, Don Carty said, "It is a huge disappointment to the many men and women who devoted much of their lives to the industry in general and TWA in particular." The letter noted past decisions regarding TWA's liberal pass policies with retirees from Pan Am, Eastern and Ozark, some during Carl Ichan's reign. The letter closes saying, "The bottom line is that rescinding your decision will not affect your profitability, since .. we only travel if seats are available. Further, the goodwill created will enhance the image of American with our retirees, their families, and friends." AirlineBiz.Com