Muslim passenger to sue after being removed from flight
A Muslim-American woman was removed from an aeroplane just before take off – after a flight attendant allegedly heard her say 'It's a go' into her mobile phone.
But US citizen Irum Abbassi, who was travelling out of San Diego's International Airport, claims she actually said 'I've got to go', reports the Daily Mail.
The mother-of-three was searched and made her way back to the flight but the crew refused to allow her back on board. She took the next flight – and is now suing Southwest Airlines for the 'humiliating' incident in March.
She was given an apology, a voucher and a boarding pass for the next San Jose flight.
Her lawyer James McElroy said: "Suspicions were aroused because of her religion. She would not have been removed from the plane if she had been a blond-haired, blue-eyed woman."
A Southwest Airlines spokesman said: “We do not discriminate against anyone for any reason, and we've been recognised as a leader for our diversity and care for all of our customers throughout our 40 years of service.”
In September the airline removed a female couple who kissed during a flight and earlier this year it removed Green Day singer Billy Joe Armstrong and a University of New Mexico football player for wearing trousers that were too baggy.
By Diane Evans
Diane
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