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Civil rights groups issues advisory for American Airlines
US civil rights organisation the NAACP has issued an unprecedented advisory for African Americans to ‘exercise caution’ when flying with American Airlines.
It has singled out the world’s largest airline after four recent ‘disturbing incidents’ of ‘disrespectful, discriminatory or unsafe conditions’, it said.
"The NAACP for several months now has been monitoring a pattern of disturbing incidents reported by African-American passengers, specific to American Airlines. In light of these confrontations, we have today taken the action of issuing national advisory alerting travellers, especially African Americans, to exercise caution, in that booking and boarding flights on American Airlines could subject them disrespectful, discriminatory or unsafe conditions," it said in a statement.
The advisory will remain until further notice, the NAACP said.
"The growing list of incidents suggesting racial bias reflects an unacceptable corporate culture and involves behaviour that cannot be dismissed as normal or random," said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP.
The organisation cited four recent examples where black passengers were booted from flights after calling out issues over seat assignments, checked bags or comments made by other passengers.
The airline responded with a statement, seeking discussions with the NAACP to address concerns.
"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," spokeswoman Shannon Gilson said.
"We are committed to having a meaningful dialogue about our airline and are ready to both listen and engage."
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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