NAACP warns black passengers against flying American Airlines

[Loyd]

Source: Salon

Charlie May
10.25.2017•1:00 PM

Following "a pattern of disturbing incidents," The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) announced a travel advisory warning travelers, African-Americans in particular, about flying with American Airlines.

"The NAACP for several months now has been monitoring a pattern of disturbing incidents reported by African-American passengers, specific to American Airlines," the advocacy group announced on Tuesday.

"In light of these confrontations, we have today taken the action of issuing national advisory 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."

It's not the first time the NAACP has issued a travel advisory. In August, the organization's Missouri chapter warned people of color, members of the LGBT community, women and those with disabilities to "travel with extreme caution" throughout the entire state because "they may not be safe," as Salon previously reported.

Read more: https://www.salon.com/2017/10/25/naacp-american-airlines-travel-advisory/

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Since the announcement was made yesterday, I went to LBN and scanned the entire first page. This is not a duplicate.

[TygrBright]

1. Well, here's the deal: I'm NOT black. But I don't want to fly on them, either.

Airlines... pretty much all of them... treat ALL their customers so wretchedly and make the experience of flying so miserable as it is that they've established a baseline of "horrible experience" below which I don't want to go.

And discriminatory treatment of passengers based on race goes there.

So, no.

Thanks for the heads-up, NAACP.

appreciatively,
Bright

[Sunlei]

3. I agree, Airlines treat everyone like crap,horrible exhausting experience to fly anywhere in USA

Americas lack of "Real" consumer protection and a government that lets Corporations take advantage of people.

[lagomorph777]

9. American has been evil for a very long time - I haven't flown them for 30 years.

After they stranded me in Atlanta because the captain suddenly decided to ban dogs (I had bought a ticket for the tiny, quiet puppy).

[Sunlei]

2. here's list of 4 incidents & American airlines is meeting with NAACP. Got info off NYT & link for U

salon I don't like their style of writing- IMO they dramatize & ramp-up racial 'tensions" for no reason except click bait & to agitate people about NAACP

BELOW FROM NYT ARTICLE and there are links in article to explain each incident https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/25/travel/naacp-american-airlines.html?_r=0

• Rev. William Barber, who at the time was the president of the organization’s North Carolina chapter, was removed from a flight after exchanging words with two white passengers.

• Rane Baldwin, who had first class tickets, was moved to the back of a plane while her white friend was permitted to stay up front.

• Tamika Mallory, an activist and co-president of the Women’s March, was removed from a plane after questioning why her seat assignment had been changed.

• Briana Williams, a student at Harvard Law School, was removed from a flight, along with her infant child, after an argument over a stroller.

[Baconator]

7. Meh...

Sounds like the normal drama that happens when you cram 100+ people in a big metal tube...

[yuiyoshida]

4. So they are American Airlines, but perhaps they need a new Name...

Un-American Airlines.

[aeromanKC]

10. I was thinking Trump Airlines

The only way to fly for White Nationalists.

[Stonepounder]

5. Back in the day (20-30 years ago) I was a road warrior.

I've still got my American Airlines 'Lifetime Platinum' card, achieved by flying over 2 million miles on American. Back then the airlines competed to give good service and to make your flight pleasant. Free meals and (alcoholic) drinks during the flight, reasonable leg room between seats and so on. I flew almost every week, mainly throughout North America, but occasionally to Europe. Flying was the way to travel.

Then things started to change. Seats got smaller, amenities got downsized, eliminated, or became extra cost. More and more we were treated as cattle and not customers. After a while I started driving to my destination whenever it was less than about 600 miles away. Finally, about 15 years ago I made the decision to quit flying altogether and I haven't flown since. I think the straw that broke the camel's back was when I realized that I could drive from my home in Northern KY to Atlanta faster than I could fly. It is about 650 miles. By the time I got to the Airport 2 hours early to 'leave time for clearing security', flew to my destination, waited 15-30 to get my baggage, got the shuttle to the rental car lot, rented a car, and drove to my hotel in Atlanta, it took a couple of hours longer than to just drive.

I haven't flown since and I cannot think of a situation, now that I am retired, where I would ever fly again. Airlines have been engaging in a race to the bottom and they no longer care about their passengers. I used to enjoy flying. Now I refuse to fly because they figure they can screw over anyone they want and there will be no repercussions, and apparently they are correct.

Unbridled Capitalism. Sad.

[Coventina]

8. I refuse to fly anywhere that I can drive in under 16 hours.

Flying is for masochists who enjoy suffering.

Sometimes, that includes me if I want to go overseas.

Although, even then, I try to fly British Airways.

[ileus]

13. 12 hours here.

[Honeycombe8]

6. Like what? What incidents involving those groups?

I'm female but haven't had particular problems with AA, more so than with airlines in general. Flying is not a pleasant experience, to begin with. You have to be corralled somewhere and follow instructions, since it's a group thing, and not cause trouble or delays. Some people have a problem with that, and I understand that. But if you fly often, you know the drill, and you come prepared. Your own water, your own snack, your own entertainment that doesn't bother others, a sweater, a small pillow, ear buds with music, etc.

[Cold War Spook]

11. My first flight was June 3, 1963 on the government dime.

I enlisted om May 31 and since it was a Friday I got a 3 day pass. The orderly room I picked up my pass and plane ticket. Back then it was fun to fly. You were treated well. Also, if there were any seats open in 1st class, most airlines allowed soldiers in uniform to take them.

[YOHABLO]

12. I have several friends who are attendants on American. You should hear their point of view.

[MichMan]

14. Do they support the charges that the company is racist?