[skiprite]

I just flew flight 1406, MCO TO ALB. I was almost thrown off the flight based on a lie by flight attendant-Renee FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON other than my race- African-American, 59yo, college graduate. I boarded - paid $10 for Early Bird Check-In-and proceeded to get a seat in the exit row. Renee- white- was standing in the exit row seat area on one side. There was a passenger sitting in the aisle and window seat, the center was vacant where Renee was standing. I asked her if it was open, she said yes and I proceeded to sit. After a few minutes I reached for my bag under the seat. Renee started yelling at me saying I touched her leg and she threatens to have me removed from the plane. I said NOTHING. She goes to the front, talks to the ground person, who comes and tells me Renee told her I was a trouble maker and saying inappropriate things to her. Luckily, the passenger next to me-white-spoke up and verified I said nothing or I would have been removed. No apologies were made, just more threats. I am still in shock and plan to pursue with FAA and SWA.

[Matt_FLL]

Your story is offensive to anyone who has battled with or witnessed real discrimination during air travel.

Flying is a unique experience where the best and worst of people come out. We are physically and emotionally surrounded by people who are different than us--for long periods of time. There are real racial conflicts which involve passengers and staff, in both directions and every variation. Most importantly, there are also empowering stories of those who stand up against it.

Your bantering account of flight 1406 involves an illogical (and improbable) claim that you were threatened to be removed from a plane because of your race, without any evidence to support it. As frequent flyer and person who stands up and says "no" to racism, I think you should be ashamed of yourself for posting something like this. Today you have made a serious yet baseless accusation against employees of airline. We are all one human race. You have the power to bring everyone closer or farther apart, and by posting this accusation, you made the decision to bring everyone apart for shock value on the internet. Moderator, I request that you remove this post.

[skiprite]

As you were not there, your judgement on what happened is irrelevant. I was there and know what happened. Your opinion that my post should be removed stinks of censorship. I do not support bigotry of any kind, but I respect everyones right to their own beliefs. Just to set you straight, I HAVE been a victim of racism(prejudice plus power) including violence too many times. If you seriously believe racism does not exist you are tuly ignorant of reality, but as i stated, i respect youir right to be ignorant.