The word “turbulence” doesn’t quite do justice to the current state of the airlines.

“Crash landing” is closer to the truth.

When a single airline, American, is forced to cancel 3,000 flights – well, that’s a lot more than inconvenience. It rattles a crucial industry to the core.

For years, we’ve all complained about the assorted unpleasantries of flying. Now, we’re lucky whenever the plane leaves the ground.

I had some fun this past week rewriting the advertising slogans of the major airlines – and pointing out how improbable the real ad claims are.

Shouldn’t American finally admit: “We don’t have a clue why you fly?” Shouldn’t Delta really be saying, “We hate to fly and it shows?”

To be fair, though, it isn’t all the industry’s fault.

Sky-high fuel prices. Rising labor costs and airport fees. Tough competitive pressure to keep fares down. Not long ago, I had the executive of a major airline unload on me when I used the phrase “brand loyalty.”

“People who spend $300 on a hotel room without a second thought will sit for hours on the Internet, shaving $20 off the flight,” he exploded.

Airline people have a snappy answer whenever they get asked: When did the industry’s tough times begin? The day Orville and Wilbur achieved altitude.

I get all that, even though I sure don’t like it as a flier. But here’s what I still don’t understand: Why haven’t any of the candidates for president made this issue theirs?

Deregulation, regulation, a real passenger’s bill of rights. Anything has to be better than this.

It’s an 80-percent issue, an easy 5 in the polls, nothing but clear skies ahead, no real downside between here and Election Day.

Hillary, Barack or John, are you listening? Which one of you is ready to fly?