NAACP issues travel advisory for American Airlines

SOUTH FORT MYERS, Fla. A national travel advisory was issued Tuesday for African-American passengers traveling on American Airlines flights, the NAACP said in a statement.

The NAACP cited a “pattern of disturbing incidents reported by African-American passengers.” The situations allegedly involved “racial insensitivity and possible racial bias.”

“In light of these confrontations, we have today taken the action of issuing national advisory alerting travelers — especially African Americans — to exercise caution, in that booking and boarding flights on American Airlines could subject them disrespectful, discriminatory or unsafe conditions,” the NAACP said in a statement.

American Airlines responded to the advisory in a statement:

“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,” the statement read.

The NAACP expressed a desire to meet with airline officials to discuss concerns.

“Until these and other concerns are addressed, this national travel advisory will stand,” the NAACP said in a statement.