The NAACP issued a statement on Tuesday that cautioned African-American from traveling on American Airline flights after numerous racially charged incidents were reported by customers.
According to the statement one incident included, “Despite having previously booked first-class tickets for herself and a traveling companion, an African-American woman’s seating assignment was switched to the coach section at the ticket counter, while her white companion remained assigned to a first-class seat.”
While another account said that an African-American woman being removed from her flight when she requested to have her stroller be retrieved from baggage claim before the plane departed.
A portion of the statement instructed travelers to “exercise caution, in that booking and boarding flights on American Airlines could subject them disrespectful, discriminatory or unsafe conditions.”
The NAACP praised those who came forward with their stories and encouraged anyone else who had experienced disrespect or discrimination with American Airlines, to share their story as well.
Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP stated, “All travelers must be guaranteed the right to travel without fear of threat, violence or harm.” The travel advisory is in effect beginning October 24, 2017, until further notice.