American Airlines apologizes over outfit scandal

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - American Airlines apologized from Latisha Rowe after flight attendants told her to cover up her outfit to make it more appropriate on June 30 Jamaica to Miami flight.

The company was "remorseful" and it is doing what it could to make it up to the passenger, American Airlines spokeswoman Shannon Gilson said in a statement to People magazine.

“We were concerned about Dr. Rowe’s comments, and reached out to her and our team at the Kingston airport to gather more information about what occurred,” Gilson said.

“We apologize to Dr. Rowe and her son for their experience, and have fully refunded their travel,” she added.

“We are proud to serve customers of all backgrounds and are committed to providing a positive, safe travel experience for everyone who flies with us,” Gilson stated, referring to Rowe's claims of racism.

Rowe claimed that flight attendants told her to cover up her "inappropriate" outfit and if she was not able to find "acceptable attire", she and her son would not be allowed to fly. She said that that's why she covered her outfit with a blanket during the flight.

She also shared front and side photos of the outfit she was wearing, when the incident occurred, taken after landing in the airport bathroom.

“When an educated black woman dresses for the occasion (island attire) she is vulgar and asked to cover up..." tweeted Rowe.

"... I’ve seen white women with much shorter shorts board a plane without a blink of an eye," she added.