A passenger has accused an American Airlines gate agent of discrimination and retaliation during boarding for a flight from Philadelphia to Chicago.
Passenger Claims Discriminatory Conduct
The issue began when the gate agent mumbled the mandatory exit-row question while appearing distracted. When the passenger and her mother asked her to repeat it, the agent allegedly turned away and made an offensive remark.
Offensive Remark and Seat Reassignment
According to the passenger, the agent declared that her mother wouldn’t understand English and reassigned her seat without speaking to her directly. The mother, however, is fluent in English and even holds a business-level English certification.
Second Agent Steps In
Another agent reportedly stepped in, repeated the question clearly, and cleared the mother for boarding. But the situation took a turn when the passenger said she planned to file a complaint about the earlier behavior.
Denied Boarding After Complaint Threat
The first agent allegedly returned, overruled her colleague, and denied boarding to both passengers without any explanation. The pair described the incident as humiliating and an abuse of authority.
Questioning American Airlines’ Accountability
The passenger says this experience shows serious misconduct by the airline staff. Many now question how American Airlines handles complaints and ensures accountability among its employees.
