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American Airlines - Smoking

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Bob of Mililani NI (12/30/03):
I was discriminated against during a recent AA flight from Honolulu to WDC and the more I think about it, the angrier I get. I am a smoker. That being said, I know where and when not to smoke and abide by the rules, being an adult. But, because I smoke so much, the smell of cigarettes and smoke is always with me -- in my clothing and my hair, etc.

During this flight, as on many others, I had occasion to use the lavatory. As I entered, I smelled smoke and looked around for potential fire. Seeing none, I relaxed and did what I needed to do before returning to my seat. Within seconds of returning to my seat, however, I was accosted by two of the flight attendants accusing me of being the violator in the lavatory, which I denied, letting them know the smell of smoke was prevalent upon my entrance into the facility.

Their only comments were: "He's in denial." and "You smell like smoke." No kidding I smell like smoke. I'm a smoker. But it wasn't me who violated the rules. There was no convincing the flight attendants, however, that they should go smell other possible passengers to see if someone else MIGHT have committed the violation.

As I departed the aircraft at Dallas to get my connection, I heard one of the attendants call my name and I stopped and turned. "He's the one!" she exclaimed, pointing to me and two federal officers took my arms and asked me to remain where I was. They questioned me in the chill morning air, repeating the accusation that I had smoked in one of the lavatories. I explained to them what happened and they also would not listen, instead telling me they would investigate and report me to my employer and ban me from all domestic flights in the future.

It seems that, because of American Airlines' discrimination, I was tried and found guilty right then and there at the doorway to that aircraft. Although I have not been contacted in reference to any investigation, nor have I been formally told I am banned from domestic flights (I have flown since that date), nor has my employer (to the best of my knowledge) been information of the accusation, the harrassment and embarrassment of the moment at having to explain to clueless people some of the facts of life were horrendous.

Unfortunately, in today's high-security atmosphere, passengers can be accused of almost anything without having much opportunity to defend themselves. However, Bob should disabuse himself of the notion that he is the victim of unlawful discrimination. It's only unlawful to discriminate against those in a protected class -- ethnic minorities, the disabled, the elderly, etc. Smokers aren't a protected class.

If Bob is banned from future flights, he will have to consult an attorney and possibly pursue legal action to clear his name.

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