On Wednesday, October 16, Catherine Banks, a Marine Corps veteran with 22 years of service, found herself removed from a Delta Air Lines flight in San Francisco due to the flight attendant deeming her shirt “threatening.” This situation quickly escalated, sparking a conversation about how passengers, particularly veterans, are treated when their intentions and backgrounds are misunderstood.
Confusion and Frustration at the Airport
Banks was shocked when a male flight attendant approached her and informed her that she had to leave the plane. Initially confused, she asked for an explanation. The attendant’s response was that her shirt, which read “Do not give in to the war within. End veteran suicide,” was considered “threatening.” Banks tried to clarify the meaning of her shirt, explaining that it was a message to raise awareness about the critical issue of veteran suicide. However, her explanation was disregarded, and the flight attendant insisted that she either remove the shirt or leave the flight.
Forced to Change on the Jet Bridge
In a frustrating and humiliating turn of events, Banks was told she had to change her shirt if she wished to reboard the plane. She was forced to do so on the jet bridge, in front of the flight attendant. Banks later described how degrading the experience was, saying, “I feel like they just took my soul away. I’m not a bad person, and that T-shirt, I should be allowed to support myself and veterans.” In her distress, Banks turned her back to the attendant while she changed, trying to maintain her dignity in an incredibly uncomfortable situation.
Consequences and Unfair Treatment
Once she was allowed to return to the plane, Banks was moved to a seat at the back of the aircraft, despite having originally purchased a seat with extra legroom. This seat reassignment not only caused inconvenience but also led to a delay, making Banks miss her connecting flight. Although Delta Air Lines later reached out to address the incident, claiming that the matter had been “resolved,” the actions taken by the airline still left many unanswered questions about their decision-making process.
Rethinking Airline Policies
Delta Air Lines’ Contract of Carriage does provide the airline with the right to remove passengers if their attire causes offense or annoyance to others. However, given the nature of Banks’ shirt, which was intended to raise awareness about veteran suicide, the decision to remove her seems excessive. The message on her shirt was meaningful and non-controversial, and it raises a larger question about how airlines interpret and enforce their policies.
A Call for Change in Airline Practices
This incident serves as a troubling reminder of the need for airlines to reconsider how they approach situations involving their passengers’ attire. Veterans, in particular, deserve respect for their service and should not be subjected to such unjust treatment. Delta Air Lines, and others in the industry, should ensure that their policies are applied thoughtfully, taking into account the intentions and backgrounds of passengers. It is crucial for airlines to show understanding and respect for all customers, especially those who have dedicated their lives to serving their country.
