Update (3 December): Muslim Family Booted from AirTran Plane

AirTran, after initially refusing any responsibility, apologised Friday afternoon to the nine Muslims removed from its Washington to Orlando flight:

We regret that the issue escalated to the heightened security level it did. But we trust everyone understands that the security and the safety of our passengers is paramount.

Members and friends of the Irfan family were reportedly divided over whether to accept the apology. One of them, Khalif Irfan, said he was "very appreciative and surprised....It's a very generous gesture." However, Irfan added, "We have not ruled out the possibility of legal action.”

Meanwhile, the Council on Islamic American Relations has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation over the incident: "We believe this disturbing incident would never have occurred had the Muslim passengers removed from the plane not been perceived by other travelers and airline personnel as members of the Islamic faith."

Comments

[Bill Clemmons]

Yes, an apology but not a cash damages award. That would chill any following response to irresponsible statements on airplanes. The family passed through security where signs warned against making sensitive security comments. The comments were appropriate at home when selecting seats but not on the airplane around others. Let TSA settle a cash award with them if they agree to no longer make sensitive security statements.

[John Clukey]

I disagree with Mr. Clemmons response. I worked as a reservations agent, and I still fly frequently. Many passengers have asked me which is the safest place on a plane to sit. Many people wonder if the plane breaks apart in any emergency are the passengers over the wing, forward of the wing or behind the wing most likely to survive. I've heard this conversation in the airport, too. I'm pretty certain if a non-muslim made the same comments no one would have thought of a bomb. Other people would just assume that they were nervous fliers. Sue away, and make the airlines take real responsibility for their bigotry.