Recently, American Airlines faced a controversy involving the removal of several Black passengers from a flight in Phoenix allegedly due to a complaint about body odor. This incident led to the airline putting an unspecified number of employees on leave. American CEO Robert Isom expressed his disappointment in a note to staff, stating that the incident was unacceptable and contradicted the company’s values.
Three Black passengers who were removed from the flight in January filed a lawsuit against the airline, claiming racial discrimination. They mentioned that they were among eight Black men asked to leave the plane after a white male flight attendant complained about body odor from an unidentified passenger. The men, who did not know each other and were seated separately, demanded an explanation for their removal and captured a discussion with airline personnel where discrimination was seemingly acknowledged.
While American Airlines did not disclose the number or job titles of the employees put on leave, a spokesperson stated that those involved were being held accountable, with some team members being removed from service. Additionally, CEO Robert Isom announced the formation of an advisory group focused on Black customer experience, promoting the reporting of discrimination allegations, and enhancing diversity training to address bias and discrimination.
In response to the incident, Isom mentioned speaking with the president of the NAACP to address the situation. The civil rights group, known for advocating against discrimination, did not immediately comment on the matter. It is worth noting that this is not the first time American Airlines has faced allegations of discrimination, as in 2017, the NAACP issued a warning to Black travelers about flying on the airline due to reported instances of discrimination. American Airlines committed to making changes, leading to the advisory being lifted nearly nine months later.
This incident involving the removal of Black passengers from an American Airlines flight due to a complaint about body odor highlights the importance of addressing discrimination in the airline industry. It serves as a reminder of the need for companies to prioritize inclusion, diversity, and sensitivity to ensure that all customers are treated with respect and equality. American Airlines’ response to this incident, including putting employees on leave and implementing accountability measures, is a step towards addressing the issue and fostering a more inclusive environment for passengers of all backgrounds.