Racial discrimination lawsuit against American Airlines revolves around incident in Phoenix

Christina Estes/KJZZ

American Airlines jets at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport on September 4, 2020.

A consumer protection group wants a jury to decide whether American Airlines employees removed certain passengers from a flight from Phoenix to New York because of the color of their skin.

American Airlines says allegations of racial discrimination in a new lawsuit do not reflect the company’s values.

According to court documents, at least eight black passengers were suddenly asked to disembark a plane in January shortly before it was scheduled to depart Phoenix.

American Airlines staff reportedly cited a white flight attendant’s complaint about body odor as the reason.

According to reports, the airlines wanted to transfer the black passengers to other planes and then put them on board the flight to New York.

During her absence, the pilot allegedly told the other passengers that the delay in takeoff was due to a complaint about body odor.

American Airlines said the incident is currently under investigation.