American Airlines suckage

[bcholmes]

I've seen a few references to this article about a gay couple that were told to stop being affectionate on an American Airlines flight, or else the plane would be diverted. A quick scan on the airline's home page revealed no notice about the incident. Me, I'm boycotting.

Comments

[indefatigable42.livejournal.com]

I'm still not seeing it on any major news sites. The New Yorker and the Advocate and a couple of blogs are talking about it.

All the other results that come up when I google for +"american airlines" +gay are about how wonderful and progressive a company they are when it comes to their employment practices and their gay vacation planning services.

[indefatigable42.livejournal.com]

Oh, and it's not quite as dramatic as the catchphrase that's going around... they were told by the captain that the flight would be diverted if they kept arguing with the crew, not if they kept being affectionate. Although the end result would have been the same if 'not listening to the crew and doing what you want, even though it isn't hurting anyone' was interpreted as 'arguing'.

Either way, it still smacks of 'if you two don't behave I'm turning this plane around and we're going right back home!' If they weren't being really obstreperous, threatening a diversion is a shamefully frivolous abuse of security procedure.

[the_axel]

This article intrigued me, so I've sent a letter to the customer service department asking for an elaboration on that policy.
I'll post something if I get an answer.

AA Rainbow TeAAm (Inside Perspective)

[(Anonymous)]

We are Betty Young and George Carrancho with American Airlines' Rainbow TeAAm, and now have had a chance to look a bit more into this episode and some of the comments raised here. It's easy to see many strong feelings, whether in tight cabin space or online so we thought we'd try to clarify a few things.

No question, it's American's policy to treat every one who flies with the exact same respect and courtesy, and for years we've made our welcome to GLBT customers well known. We are very proud to partner with many GLBT leaders and nonprofits; giving back to the community is something we've done for over a decade. That's why this story troubled us so much too, and seems so out of character.

Let's keep it simple. Along with members of our GLBT employee group, we had a chance to review the reports and customer communications to try to fully grasp everything that happened, and we honestly felt that the crew members did act reasonably and fairly when all was known. We did not see evidence of any bias, though there apparently were misunderstandings. We're all human.

Bottom line. We genuinely hear and do understand all the concerns, and will also expect this matter helps American better assess our policies and training to be as sensitive as possible in the future. We will certainly try hard.

[firecat]

Re: anonymous comment: Wow. Did someone send the URL to this post to AA, or did they find it by Googling? Or is someone spoofing?

[bcholmes.livejournal.com]

I've been wondering those things myself.

[indefatigable42.livejournal.com]

I vote for fake. There isn't even a press release or a public apology that I can find on the AA.com website. If they're acknowledging that this is not something they want their employees doing, and are backing down on having supported their flight crew on this incident, you'd think they'd be saying something more public than just googling for people's blogs.

AA Rainbow TeAAm (Yes, we're real)

[(Anonymous)]

I assure you, the message and the sentiments posted by the AA Rainbow TeAAm last week are truly genuine. I ask you all to check George and me out at www.AA.com/Rainbow or visit www.amrgleam.com to read a related message from American’s GLBT employee resource group.

Betty Young & George Carrancho, AA Rainbow TeAAm
Feel free to reach us directly at rainbow.team@aa.com