NAACP Warns African Americans about Traveling On American Airlines

African Americans have been warned by the NAACP that flying on American Airlines may not be such a good idea.

The civil rights group said African Americans could be subjected to discrimination as well as unsafe conditions if they fly with the carrier.

The group has been watching a pattern of incidents in the last few months that led them to the conclusion.

One of the incidents involved activist Tamika Mallory who claimed that the airline treated her with racial bias. She even said the pilot ordered her off of her flight.

Mallory had changed her seat at an airport kiosk but was told by someone at the gate that the seat was given to someone else. She had claimed that the white male pilot told her to control herself while on the flight and was kicked off.

According to the NAACP this incident, as well as others “suggest a corporate culture of racial insensitivity and possible racial bias on the part of American Airlines.”

American Airlines spokeswoman Shannon Gilson responded, “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. Every day American is committed to providing a positive, safe travel experience for everyone who flies with us.”

Gibson said that the airline will invite representatives from the NAACP to meet at its headquarters in Texas to talk about the airline.

Gibson said American will invite NAACP representatives to meet at the company’s headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, for “a meaningful dialogue” about the airline.