Local man sues American Airlines, claims racial discrimination

kwtx10 ^ | Aug. 29, 2019 | Brandon Hamilton

[bgill]

Holcomb was on his way back in April to Austin from Las Vegas after celebrating his birthday, but had a connecting flight in Phoenix.

He says he had an allergic reaction to a support dog belonging to another passenger.

American Airlines, in a statement, says it makes accommodations for dogs

“American makes every effort to accommodate all passengers, including those traveling with and seated near service or support animals,” a statement read.

Holcomb says the passenger offered to switch seats but after no one volunteered, a flight attendant and a pilot got involved.

Holcomb says he questioned why he had to move to the back of the plane.

“At that point (workers) told him you’re going to go to the rear of the plane or get off the plane,”McKamie said.

Holcomb was taken off the plane after employees say he was confrontational, a claim he denies.

[bgill]

Too many these days claim to have allergies which they don't. Too many also have service animals which they don't need. Too many get confrontational when there's no need. Too many create events which to sue over.

If this happened the way it's reported, the angry guy is at fault. He could have moved to the back or better yet hire a private plane. Why should everyone accommodate every medical condition of one other person. To be sure, there's be someone on the plane who had cat hair on their clothing and someone would be allergic. Or someone had peanut butter breath or a dozen other things.

[Oldexpat]

I love dogs but don’t make me share my space with someone else’s pet. If they aren’t little them the owner should buy them a seat.

[ronniesgal]

If you have allergies, I’d guess you’d have to call ahead and tell them, no animals. I bet you can’t do that, though.
BTW I have 2 dogs and a cat. Their dander does not bother me, but other animals dander does.
( i seriously may never get on another airplane)

[libstripper]

No one’s ever complained about the Black Mamba I take with me for support. I can’t understand why not.

[monkeyshine]

He should sue all the racists on the plane who refused to switch seats with him.

[Skywise]

Yeah - this isn’t racist. Most likely he was looking for an upgrade to first class. The airline doesn’t have much room here as the government and courts have sided with the support animals, forcing airlines to accommodate them.

[Eric Pode of Croydon]

Trained service animals are a real thing, and by rights should be allowed on aircraft or any other means of transport.

"Support animals" are house pets. They can stay at home, or be boarded in a kennel, or ride in the baggage compartment. There is no need for them in the passenger cabin.

[DoughtyOne]

Back of the plane...

Just can’t make some of this stuff up...

Well, maybe you can.

I’m thinking the guy with no sight trumps, but there is one ring to control them all.

[eyeamok]

With the exception of the Blind, why would anyone need an Emotional Support Animal? Wouldn’t that be considered to be a Confession that they are Mentally Unstable and require Forced Psychological and medical Help??

[Cvengr]

No one’s ever complained about the Black Mamba I take with me for support. I can’t understand why not.

It doesn't make them sneeze.

[dsc]

My “support animal” is a 9-month-old, 85-pound German Shepherd.

It’s like trying to train a chupacabra.

I don’t take him where he might frighten people.

[Cold Heart]

Red Flag trigger.

[Reno89519]

Stupid airlines. And they all need to ban support animals except the traditional ones for the blind.

[Trailerpark Badass]

Shame used to be a valuable tool to keep a certain 1st World-level of public order. All gone now, welcome to chaos!

[TexasGator]

“With the exception of the Blind, why would anyone need an Emotional Support Animal?”

The blind will have a trained service dog, not an emotional support animal.

[CondoleezzaProtege]

The real problem is how in decline airline quality and experience has become. Especially US-based carriers. National embarrassment if you ask me.

[faithhopecharity]

what color was his dog?

[Reno89519]

People with support animals should be flagged and put at back of plane or in cargo with their pets.

[Menehune56]

Probably looking for some go-away money from a deep pocket.

[ronniesgal]

EVERY pet is an emotional support animal. They make you feel good/better, otherwise nobody would get pets. It’s alot of work!
Frankly, I am sick of neurotic people thinking their problems are mine.