So it has already cost them several times as much as it would have done to bribe someone with a few grand to get off the flight. That's without the various lawsuits and the share price.
Would it be worth it for me to hold out for ten grand to get off a flight the next time if I find myself being asked?
Somehow I suspect that all airlines from now on will have a nuclear option available that does not publicly go above today's going rate.