American Airlines has reached a settlement in a federal race discrimination lawsuit filed by three Black men who were removed from a flight earlier this year. While the financial terms remain undisclosed, the airline described the resolution as “amicable,” emphasizing its commitment to fostering an inclusive travel experience.
“The agreement allows all parties to move forward and focus on what matters most – ensuring a safe and inclusive travel experience for every customer,” the company said in a statement on Thursday.
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The plaintiffs, Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph, and Xavier Veal, filed the lawsuit in May, following an incident on January 5, 2024. The men, along with five other Black passengers, were ordered to deboard an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to New York after a flight attendant reportedly complained about an unidentified passenger’s body odor.
In their lawsuit, the three men maintained that they were not responsible for any odor, were not seated near one another, and had no prior connection before the flight. Though the airline initially offered to rebook them, they were eventually allowed to reboard after no alternative flights were available that evening.
American Airlines has since terminated the flight attendants involved in the incident, according to the plaintiffs’ attorneys.
In a joint statement, the plaintiffs expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “We are very pleased that American Airlines took our complaint seriously and we hope that this never happens to Black passengers or any other people of color again,” they said. “Our goal in speaking out has always been to create change. We are proud that we used our voices to make a difference in the lives of Black Americans.”
The incident sparked internal and external scrutiny, prompting a response from American Airlines CEO Robert Isom. In a June memo to employees, Isom acknowledged the severity of the situation.
“I am incredibly disappointed by what happened on that flight and the breakdown of our procedures,” Isom wrote. “We fell short of our commitments and failed our customers in this incident.”
The settlement underscores the ongoing need for accountability and equity in the airline industry, with both the plaintiffs and the airline hoping the case serves as a catalyst for positive change.
