African Americans warned to avoid American Airlines over discrimination claims

Complaint: The passenger is said to have been told he was being 'too sensitive' when he challenged the steward
Getty/AFP
Alexandra Richards27 October 2017

African Americans have been warned not to travel on American Airlnes fiights.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People urged people not to use the airline amid warnings passengers had been treated in a "disrespectful” and “discriminatory” manor.

The advisory describes four incidences of African American being discriminated against by staff working for company. These incidences were uncovered over several months while the NAACP monitored the airline.

After comparing the separate incidents, the organisation found enough similarities to suggest “a corporate culture of racial insensitivity and possible racial bias on the part of American Airlines.”

Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP said: “The growing list of incidents suggesting racial bias reflects an unacceptable corporate culture and involves behaviour that cannot be dismissed as normal or random.”

In the advisory, organisation highlighted four individual cases of African American customers being subjected to discriminatory abuse on the airline.

The first of the incidents matched reports of a flight boarded by Rev Dr William Barber, a Civil Rights activist and president of the NAACP’s North Carolina branch, the New York Times reported.

Barber was removed from a flight after responding to verbal abuse from two white passengers.

Rane Baldwin had two first class tickets and was due to fly with a white friend. For an inexplicable reason, Dr Baldwin was moved to the coach section at the back of the plane, while her white companion stayed in first class.

Another incident referred to in the advisory, is believed to relate to Briana Williams, a Harvard Law student. Ms Williams was ordered off a flight after requesting access to her child's buggy when her flight was delayed and passengers were asked to leave the plane.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

American Airlines have said that NAACP representatives will be invited to discuss the matter at the airline’s headquarters.

Shannon Gilson, a spokeswoman for American Airlines said: “We are committed to having a meaningful dialogue about our airline, and are ready to both listen and engage.”

Ms Gilson said that American Airlines was “disappointed” to learn of the travel advisory as “team members — a diverse community of gate agents, pilots, and flight attendants — are proud to serve customers of all backgrounds.”

She said: “Every day American is committed to providing a positive, safe travel experience for everyone who flies with us.”

Since the advisory has been issued the airline has sent a message to employees signed by its chief executive, Doug Parker. The message informs employees that American Airline’s company mission is in line with the NAACP and that it would not ““tolerate discrimination of any kind.”

This is not the first time the NAACP has issued a travel advisory. In June the organisation advised African Americans to avoid the state of Missouri.

Unlike the advisory issued in June, the one issued on Tuesday did not provide any qualitative data to support its claim.

The Evening Standard has contacted the NAACP for further comment.

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