Three Black men, Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph, and Xavier Veal, filed a federal lawsuit against American Airlines on Wednesday, alleging racial profiling during a January flight to New York City. The incident on Flight 832 from Phoenix involved flight attendants approaching and subsequently ordering eight Black passengers, including the plaintiffs, to deboard without any clear explanation. The men noticed that only Black passengers were being singled out, leading to their belief that the actions were racially motivated.

The Incident and Lawsuit Details

According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs were strangers before the January incident. They were approached by a white male flight attendant who cited a complaint about a passenger’s body odor. However, the men pointed out the discriminatory nature of their removal, to which an American Airlines representative reportedly responded, “I agree, I agree.” The plaintiffs were eventually allowed back on the flight after no alternative flights were available. They are now seeking compensation for pain and suffering, attorney fees, and punitive damages to prevent future discrimination by American Airlines.

What Did the Airlines Say?

American Airlines has responded by stating they are investigating the matter, emphasizing that the claims do not align with their core values. The airline expressed a commitment to ensuring a positive experience for all customers. Michael Kirkpatrick, one of the plaintiffs’ lawyers from Public Citizen, mentioned that a complaint was also filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation, prompting American Airlines to initiate contact. However, Kirkpatrick noted that he has yet to hear from the airline’s legal team.

Patterns of Racial Discrimination

This lawsuit is not the first instance of American Airlines facing allegations of racial discrimination. Previous lawsuits include a 2020 case where two Black men, Aubrey Kelly, and Elgin Banks, sued the airline for racial discrimination but had their case dismissed. In 2017, the NAACP issued a travel advisory cautioning Black people about flying with American Airlines following several incidents involving Black passengers being mistreated.

Kirkpatrick highlighted that during the January incident, flight attendants selectively approached Black passengers, skipping rows of white passengers. The plaintiffs were ultimately allowed back on the same plane after no other flights were available, reinforcing their belief that the body odor complaint was a pretext for discrimination. The men felt anger, frustration, fear, and embarrassment during the incident, and no apologies or explanations were offered by the airline staff. Fellow passengers expressed horror at the discriminatory actions they witnessed.

Seeking Change and Accountability

The plaintiffs hope their lawsuit will prompt American Airlines to amend its training, policies, and employee practices to prevent similar incidents in the future. They are committed to ensuring no other passengers experience what they endured and aspire for their case to be a catalyst for broader change in America.

The lawsuit against American Airlines by Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph, and Xavier Veal highlights ongoing issues of racial profiling and discrimination within the airline industry. As the case progresses, it underscores the need for systemic changes to protect the rights and dignity of all passengers, regardless of their race.