Three black passengers have filed a lawsuit against American Airlines, claiming they were victims of racial discrimination when they were briefly ordered off a plane in January. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in New York.

According to the plaintiffs, they were asked to leave a plane in Phoenix that was about to take off. Upon disembarking, they noticed five other black men who had also been ordered off the flight. The airline employees allegedly told them that they were being removed due to a complaint about body odor, a claim which the plaintiffs argue was false.

The men asserted that they raised concerns about discrimination and were offered to be rebooked. After waiting for approximately an hour, it became clear that there were no other available flights to New York that evening. Subsequently, they were allowed to reboard the plane.

Public Citizen, a consumer-advocacy group founded by Ralph Nader, is representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. American Airlines stated that they are currently investigating the claims made by the passengers, emphasizing that they take all discrimination allegations seriously, and aim to provide their customers with a positive flying experience.

This is not the first time American Airlines has faced accusations of discrimination. In 2017, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) issued a warning to black travelers about flying with the airline, citing instances of discrimination experienced by African American passengers. American Airlines pledged to make changes in response to these allegations, and the NAACP later lifted the advisory.

The outcome of this lawsuit will be closely watched, as it highlights the ongoing issue of racial discrimination in the airline industry and the importance of holding airlines accountable for discriminatory practices. American Airlines will need to address these allegations promptly and take measures to ensure that their policies align with their stated values and commitment to inclusive and equitable service for all passengers.