Multiple U.S. Airliners Fined for Subjecting Middle Eastern
passengers to an added degree of pre-flight scrutiny
During the 9/11 hearings Commissioner John Lehman stated that ...it was the policy to fine
airlines if they have more than two young Arab males in secondary questioning because
that's discriminatory.
On September 21, as the remains of thousands of Americans lay smoldering at Ground Zero,
Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta fired off a letter to all U.S. airlines
forbidding them from implementing the one security measure that could have prevented 9/11:
subjecting Middle Eastern passengers to an added degree of pre-flight scrutiny. He sternly
reminded the airlines that it was illegal to discriminate against passengers based on
their race, color, national or ethnic origin or religion.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) filed complaints against United Airlines and
American Airlines (who, combined, had lost 8 pilots, 25 flight attendants and 213
passengers on 9/11 - not counting the 19 Arab hijackers). In November 2003, United
Airlines settled their case with the DOT for $1.5 million. In March 2004, American
Airlines settled their case with the DOT for $1.5 million. The DOT also charged
Continental Airlines with discriminating against passengers who appeared to be Arab,
Middle Eastern or Muslim. Continental Airlines settled their complaint with the DOT in
April of 2004 for $.5 million.
According to the TSA regulations, passengers wearing an orthopedic shoe won't be asked to
take it off. Screeners should not be asking anyone to remove orthopedic shoes, appliances,
or medical device at any time during the screening process. |
