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Loose Seats Issue Persists, Dozens Of AA Flights Likely Canceled Friday

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Many American Airlines planes were grounded Thursday waiting for repairs. It was more fallout from a seat scare on three different flights over the last week.

Terminal turmoil has once again gripped American passengers as dozens of Thursday flights were canceled and many more delayed so that crews could check and secure rows of airplane seats.

"It makes you think twice about how things are being maintained," Upper West Side resident Chris Corsa told CBS 2's Dave Carlin.

Tim Adams and Tyler Chambers of Williamsburg experienced a three-hour delay getting to Miami from LaGuardia Airport due to the maintenance issues.

"It's tough to see past the anger at this point," Adams said.

"I would rather have the correct standards in place before they delay hundred thousands of people," Chambers added.

Three American Boeing 757 jets had seats come loose in flight, including one from John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday.

"I read about it. I freaked out," Midwood, Brooklyn resident Rosa Oge said.

Earlier, the airline announced it completed repairs on 48 aircraft, but then came the update that additional steps are necessary, fixes American said will impact flight schedules through Saturday.

Some American Airlines passengers said they'll tolerate delays as long as it means tightened seats and a safer journey.

"As long as everything is safe," Corsa said.

"What am I going to do, right?" added Raya Dukhan of Park Slope.

But other passengers told CBS 2's Carlin they are avoiding American Airlines until the seats issue is hammered down and a labor dispute between the airline and pilots is hammered out.

At least 50 Thursday flights were canceled. Another 44 were likely to be canceled on Friday.

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