American Airlines passenger met by police after complaining that cabin crew hadn’t worn masks

Crew ‘lied to police saying I was unruly,’ claims traveller

American Airlines is investigating the incident (MARC SEROTA / GETTY IMAGES)

An American Airlines passenger claims he was met off a flight by police and questioned after he complained to a flight attendant that he had seen members of the crew without masks.

Andy Eisenmann, an arts educator, was flying from Dallas Fort Worth to Palm Springs on 22 November when he spotted what he alleged were maskless American Airlines employees at the airport before the flight.

He took a picture of the two men, who do not appear to be eating or drinking – the only times masks are not required – and shared it on social media.

“AA no masker [flight attendants] at DFW. 30+ minutes at gate,” tweeted Mr Eisenmann.

He claims that, 30 minutes before the plane landed, he “quietly” complained to a flight attendant that he had been “offended” by the crew’s decision not to wear masks at the airport.

When the aircraft touched down, Mr Eisenmann alleges he was met by police for being “unruly” and taken to a small hold room with no vents for questioning.

“Their PSP ops person questioned me in close quarters for doing nothing at all wrong,” he said.  

“AA won’t tell me HOW I was ‘unruly’. Empowered horrid employee had me BASELESSLY LOCKED UP W POLICE!”

He claimed that the flight attendants “lied to police saying I was unruly” and said he was “humiliated” by the experience.

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An AA spokesperson told The Independent that Mr Eisenmann was not detained and that law enforcement had been called as a precaution after a disturbance was reported onboard the flight.

“We are looking into an issue that occurred on American Airlines flight 2835 from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) on 22 November,” they said.

“We’ve reached out to the customer to learn more about their recent travel experience and to address their concerns.

“American requires all team members and customers to adhere to the face covering policy throughout the entirety of their journey – including all areas of the airport and on board aircraft.  

“Our team is reviewing this incident internally and will conduct any appropriate follow-up.”