The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has issued a travel warning for African-American travelers when flying on American Airlines.
The civil rights organization issued the warning following a patter of four “disturbing incidents” involving “possible racial bias.”
The NAACP said it has been monitoring the incidents for months, and is now alerting travelers — especially African-Americans — “to exercise caution, in that booking and boarding flights on American Airlines could subject them disrespectful, discriminatory or unsafe conditions.”
“All travelers must be guaranteed the right to travel without fear of threat, violence or harm,” newly installed NAACP President Derrick Johnson. “The growing list of incidents suggesting racial bias reflects an unacceptable corporate culture and involves behavior that cannot be dismissed as normal or random. We expect an audience with the leadership of American Airlines to air these grievances and to spur corrective action.”
Johnson said the advisory is effective immediately and will not end until the concerns are addressed.
There were no specific passenger names revealed, but in one case, an African-American women’s first-class ticket was switched to coach, though her white companion was allowed to remain in first class.
American Airlines said it had invited the NAACP to meet at its headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, and CEO Doug Parker told employees in a memo Wednesday that he was “disappointed.”
“We are disappointed to hear about this travel advisory as 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. “Every day, American is committed to providing a positive, safe travel experience for everyone who flies with us.”
