A recent incident involving an American Airlines passenger has sparked widespread outrage online after she shared her experience of being removed from a first-class flight. The passenger, Erica (@lovergirlmagic), posted a TikTok video detailing the encounter, which has garnered over 2.7 million views. She claims she and her partner were removed from the flight due to what a flight attendant allegedly described as a “race thing.”
A Simple Dispute Escalates
The incident occurred on a flight from Chicago to Austin, Texas, which was already delayed by three hours. According to Erica, the problem began when she boarded and placed her backpack under the seat in front of her.
“A flight attendant asked me to move my backpack,” Erica explained in the video. “I said, ‘That’s fine. I can put it above me if there’s space.’”
While attempting to adjust an overhead bag to make room for her own, the man seated next to her reacted angrily, yelling, “Do not touch my bag. Do not touch my stuff.” Erica apologized, saying, “OK, I’m sorry. My bad. I can put my bag somewhere else.”
Despite her willingness to cooperate, Erica expressed concern about storing her backpack far away, as it contained valuable items like a MacBook and iPads.
The Situation Intensifies
The tension escalated when the man whispered to his wife before standing and declaring to the crew, “I feel threatened.” He then accused Erica of making a racist comment, despite her claim that she hadn’t addressed him directly.
According to Erica, the flight attendant removed her from the plane, allegedly stating, “This is a race thing.” Erica repeatedly asked for clarification, saying, “What’s the race problem? Clarify to me because I don’t understand.”
Erica and her partner were ultimately removed from the flight despite her efforts to de-escalate and her suggestion to involve Chicago police. She expressed frustration at how the situation was handled, questioning how a complaint from a white man about a Black woman could be classified as a “race thing.”
Additional Footage Provides Context
In subsequent TikTok videos, Erica shared more details:
- She filmed as airline staff escorted her and her partner off the plane, during which her partner was allegedly pushed.
- Erica recorded a flight attendant smiling and waving as they were removed.
- She also captured an interaction with airline staff, who explained that the decision to remove them was made collectively by the crew.
One video showed Erica attempting to defend herself to the man who accused her of making racist remarks. The man avoided the camera and declined to engage further.
Pattern of Alleged Discrimination on American Airlines
This incident has drawn attention to previous allegations of racial discrimination involving American Airlines:
- A Black woman claimed she was downgraded to Economy after a white passenger was allowed to take her first-class seat.
- Another Black passenger alleged the airline denied her accommodation after a missed flight, while providing it to a white family.
- In a high-profile 2024 incident, eight Black men were removed from a flight due to alleged “body odor,” prompting lawsuits.
The NAACP issued travel warnings about American Airlines in 2021 and 2024, citing concerns over discriminatory practices.
Viewer Reactions and Next Steps
Commenters on Erica’s video expressed outrage and offered advice:
- “Everyone else just sat there and watched,” one viewer remarked.
- “As a flight attendant, I would’ve had your back. So sorry,” said another.
- “Per the new DOT regulations, you’re entitled to a full refund,” another noted. “Get a lawyer.”
The Daily Dot reached out to American Airlines for a statement on the incident.
This case has amplified discussions about racial bias in air travel, urging airlines to ensure fair treatment for all passengers.
