MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has warned African-American fliers to be cautious when choosing American Airlines.
According to a statement released, Tuesday, the NAACP has noticed “a pattern of disturbing incidents reported by African-American passengers, specific to American Airlines.” The statement added that recent incidents “suggest a corporate culture of racial insensitivity and possible racial bias.”
The NAACP cited a specific incident in Miami where, on a flight bound for New York last week, the pilot directed an African-American woman to be removed from the flight. According to the NAACP, the woman had complained moments earlier to a gate agent when finding out her seating assignment was changed without her consent.
That woman was Tamika Mallory. “They call my name twice from the loudspeaker,” she said.
“I had a seat, and I was changed without understanding what, and I asked a question, and the woman disrespected me like I was nothing,” she said in a video posted to Facebook. “They targeted me. I was already being thrown off the plane. There was nothing else to discuss at that point.”
American Airlines responded, Wednesday:
“So, we were disappointed to learn of a travel advisory issued by the NAACP regarding American Airlines. The mission statement of the NAACP states that it ‘seeks to remove all barriers of racial discrimination.’ That’s a mission that the people of American Airlines endorse and facilitate every day – we do not and will not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We have reached out to the NAACP and are eager to meet with them to listen to their issues and concerns.”
American Airlines added that they will work through this issue with the organization.
Some travelers spoke to 7News upon hearing of the NAACP’s advisory. “They tell us women and children in one line,” said Jasmine Fletcher. “She told me that I can’t stand in line, but 10 minutes later there are people with no children. It’s no women, it’s just men in line, or it’s just whoever they choose to put in the line. It was horrible.”
Fletcher said she will no longer fly with the airline. Many others have also decided to avoid American Airlines flights.
“I will not be flying with American Airlines again ever,” said a traveler.
Some flyers have come to the airline’s defense.
“I have not had that experience, not traveling with American Airlines at least,” said a traveler.
“I didn’t experience that at all,” said Angela Burton. “It was great. It’s my first flight, and I was treated very well.”
While opinions are mixed, one man said discussing the matter can’t hurt.
“Talking about it is a good idea,” said Eric Worthy. “If something’s wrong, you should always speak out.”
However, some, like Montez Williams, said the advisory doesn’t mean much.
“We’re Bahamians but African-Americans should be fully aware of the prejudices that exist in this country and not just with American Airlines,” he said, “so an advisory doesn’t really mean much.”
American Airlines and the NAACP have both voiced that they are open to discussing the allegations.
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