More on Muslim family kicked off of AirTran flight for questioning
Yesterday, not long after Scott posted about the American family who are Muslim were removed from an AirTran flight at the Ronald Reagan International Airport in Washington D.C., I heard an interview on NPR with Atif Irfan, one of the family members.
Irfan explained in more detail what happened to create the misunderstanding. Because there were nine of them, the family had booked the last rows of the plane so they could all sit together. As they were walking down the aisle, he and a sister-in-law were discussing which part of the plane was the safest. His wife recalls that a "couple of girls" who heard their conversation thought they were talking about doing some sort of terrorist act. Federal marshals escorted them off the plane for questioning.
As Irfan explained, the men in the family have beards and the women have head coverings, but other than that they were wearing western style dress. He also said they had three small children with them. Usually, he is very careful about what he says as to not alarm people, but this time they weren't thinking much about their conversation.
What amazes me about this story is not that the family was questioned, but that after the FBI cleared the family and asked AirTran to allow the family to fly, AirTran refused. Who did AirTran think the FBI were? Certainly the FBI had badges and obvious credentials. If the FBI aren't listened to, that's startling? Maybe there was a snafu in communication.
Irfan, by the way, has nothing but good things to say about the FBI who did get the family on a US Airways flight. AirTran has since offered restitution in a free flight home and reimbursement for the family's US Airways flight and an apology.
After listening to Irfan, I was reminded about the importance of civility. For the family who, from what I can tell, stayed calm and collected throughout their experience, bravo. I'm wondering just how many other passengers would have behaved so well? It's also a reminder that passengers do listen to conversations. What you say could be held against you.
By the way, Atif Irfan was born and raised in Detroit and now is a lawyer who lives in Alexandria, Virginia.
Filed under: Stories, Airlines, Transportation, Airports, News
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
Mary Jan 13th 2009 1:56PM
Did the passengers also tell how they caused a scene at the gate area, cursing & swearing at the agents,and yelling about Timothy McVeigh & bombs??? Of course they didn't mention that. Thats why they didn't fly on AirTran that day.Irate passengers causing a scene do not fly.It was other passengers that were uncomfortable w/these pax....not the AirTran crew.
Matt Jan 8th 2009 4:55PM
I have to say I agree with the way the airline handled this. Sure they were cleared, but the airline should have the right to refuse service to anyone! I dont feel sorry for muslims when they are dressed in full garb and people get scared. You never know and I have the right to be afraid! I have the right to look at them and not trust them! Screw their rights! What about mine! If I dont feel safe around a certain person because of the way they are dressed whether it be because they are dressed like a gang banger or like a terrorist, I have every right to be afraid! If they really cared about people looking down upon them, they wouldnt dress in such a manner. I dont care if it hurts them. I used to dress like a punk back in the day and you know what? I never got any respect! People looked at me and tried to avoid me. It didnt matter that I was actually a good person! So you know what I did? I decided I was sick of the lack of respect I was getting and I dressed like a normal clean cut citizen. And you know what? People not only treat me better, I have no problem getting a job and people dont look down on me like I am some punk! That is just the way the world works and these muslims that got kicked off the plane should either get off their high horse and be respected or stay in their old ways and get looked down upon everywhere they go. Its ultimately their choice, but they have NO RIGHT to complain!!!!!
Stefan Jan 8th 2009 5:48PM
Sorry Tom,
Thhis is not racism but religionism. And as long as moderate Muslims do not stand up and loudly say that they disagree with the fundamentalists, they will be subject to these kinds of inconvenience - and the rest of us subject to the TSA and all other security inconveniences.
bleu Jan 8th 2009 8:28PM
Great post.
Stefan Jan 8th 2009 9:38PM
Tom: It is not racism it is religion-ism, and it occurs because fundamentalists of that religion feel that they must destroy our society. If moderate Muslims stood up and denounced the fundamentalists in a loud voice then people would probably be less uncomfortable around 'any' Muslims and such moderates would not be subject to these inconveniences. Do not forget about all the inconveniences to which we are subjected, because of the fundamentalists.
Mary:
In the first instance AirTran seemed in the wrong for the later handling of the situation, but if you comments are correct then I agree wholeheartedly with Airtran. Anyone, repeat anyone, who is loud and angry can and should be denied carriage.
Mary Jan 8th 2009 10:17PM
My comments are correct Stefan....I work there...its all documented. These people got all their money back & then some.Got their time in the spotlight too....they should watch what they say, like EVERYONE else.
Santa Jan 10th 2009 11:32PM
But the FBI aint getting on the plane...I am sure thier story would change if something happened!!!
sherri Apr 8th 2009 2:19PM
Unfortunately, the United States has been attacked by a certain group of people that carry certain physical characteristics. It has nothing to do with discrimination or lack of professionalism. If a certain physical characteristics were blond hair, blue eyes, freckles, light skin......then I would know that out of protection and safety for those around me that I would be a likely interest when dealing with safety. Would I take offense to this--NO----its just the way it goes.