The NAACP has warned black passengers about traveling on American Airlines, claiming there was a “pattern of disturbing incidents reported by African-American passengers, specific to American Airlines.”
The NAACP said that, in light of several confrontations, it took the action of issuing the national advisory to alert African-American travelers “to exercise caution, in that booking and boarding flights on American Airlines could subject them disrespectful, discriminatory or unsafe conditions.”
The group claimed a series of alleged incidents that suggested racial insensitivity.
One refers to an African-American who, upon responding to disrespectful and discriminatory comments directed toward him by two unruly white passengers, was forced off a flight.
In another incident an African-American woman was removed from a flight by a pilot after she raised a complaint about having her seating assignment changed without her consent.
Although the NAACP did not reveal the woman’s identity, the incident may have involved activist Tamika Mallory, who kicked up a social media storm after she was forced from the plane.
A third incident saw an African-American woman and her baby removed from a flight after the mother asked that her stroller be retrieved from checked baggage.
American Airlines issued a statement expressing disappointment to the advisory.
“Our team members — a diverse community of gate agents, pilots, and flight attendants — are proud to serve customers of all backgrounds," American Airlines spokeswoman Shannon Gilson said, per Fox News. "Every day American is committed to providing a positive, safe travel experience for everyone who flies with us."
Gilson added that the company hoped to meet with NAACP to discuss the incidents referred to in the advisory.
Meanwhile, Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of NAACP, said in a statement that “the growing list of incidents suggesting racial bias reflects an unacceptable corporate culture and involves behavior that cannot be dismissed as normal or random.”
He said the advisory would stand until these concerns were addressed by airline officials.
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