American Airlines defends decision to boot family for body odor
American Airlines has stood by its decision to remove a family from a flight when other passengers complained about their body odor.
The Michigan family were seated on a flight from Miami to Detroit on Wednesday when cabin crew asked them to step off the plane.
The airline said several passengers, along with crew members, had complained about their smell.
It said the family were provided with hotel accommodation and meals, and re-booked on a flight the following day.
Yossi Adler, his wife, Jennie, and their 19-month-old daughter, complained to the media and denied they had body odor, saying they bathe every morning.
The 36-year-old business consultant from Southfield, Michigan accused the airline of singling out his family because they’re Jewish.
He recorded a conversation with ground crew shortly after they were taken off the plane.
American Airlines insisted that body odor, not religion, was the reason for its actions.
A spokesman said: "The Adler family were asked to deplane Wednesday evening after multiple passengers, along with our crew members, complained about Mr. Adler’s body odor.
"Our Miami airport team members were concerned about the comfort of our other passengers due to the odor. Our team members took care of the family and provided hotel accommodations and meals, and rebooked them on a flight to Detroit Thursday morning."
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Have your say Cancel reply
Subscribe/Login to Travel Mole Newsletter
Travel Mole Newsletter is a subscriber only travel trade news publication. If you are receiving this message, simply enter your email address to sign in or register if you are not. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. ITR is free to our subscribers.
































TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026