NAACP warns black travelers over ‘disturbing incidents’ with American Airlines

The NAACP on Tuesday warned African-Americans about traveling on American Airlines, citing a number of “disturbing incidents” that it claimed were discriminatory, according to media reports.

“The series of recent incidents involve troublesome conduct by American Airlines and they suggest a corporate culture of racial insensitivity and possible racial bias on the part of American Airlines,” the civil rights group said in a statement. 

The group cited several occurrences “specific to American Airlines” of removing or mistreating black passengers. 

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On one occasion cited by the NAACP, an African-American passenger was moved to the coach section of a flight after purchasing a first-class ticket, while a white woman traveling with her was allowed to remain in the first-class section. 

In another incident, an African-American passenger was forced to give up his prebooked seats on a flight after responding to “discriminatory” comments at him from disrespectful white passengers. 

The NAACP warned that African-Americans on flights with American Airlines could be subjected to “disrespectful, discriminatory or unsafe conditions.”

While the civil rights group plans to meet with representatives from the airline, it said that it will keep the advisory in place until further notice. 

American Airlines responded to the allegations, saying it was “disappointed” to hear of the travel advisory, and that it is “proud to serve customers of all backgrounds.” 

The NAACP has previously issued travel warnings for areas where incidents of racial discrimination or violence have taken place, including one warning against travel to the entire state of Missouri.