As in the NRA debate, sometimes airlines choose to wade into politics…or morality, depending upon how you view the issue.
Just moments ago, United released a statement from CEO Oscar Munoz condemning the Trump Administration policy of separating minor children from parents who are interdicted while crossing the border illegally. Munoz asserts United is not aware of any cases in which the federal government transported immigrant children back to their homelands and vows it will not happen. Furthermore, Munoz broadly condemns the Administration’s immigration policy in the final sentence:
At United Airlines, we have been concerned about reports that commercial airlines have been used to transport immigrant children separated from their parents by a newly implemented immigration enforcement policy. Based on some research we have done internally and public reports, we have not seen evidence these children have been flown on United aircraft.
Based on our serious concerns about this policy and how it’s in deep conflict with our company’s values, we have contacted federal officials to inform them that they should not transport immigrant children on United aircraft who have been separated from their parents. Our company’s shared purpose is to connect people and unite the world. This policy and its impact on thousands of children is in deep conflict with that mission and we want no part of it.
American Too
Earlier today, American Airlines issued the following statement:
The family separation process that has been widely publicized is not at all aligned with the values of American Airlines — we bring families together, not apart. American, like many U.S. airlines, provides travel to the federal government through contracts; however, the government does not disclose information about the nature of the flights it takes or the passengers who are traveling. While we have carried refugees for non-profits and the government, many of whom are being reunited with family or friends, we have no knowledge that the federal government has used American to transport children who have been separated from their parents due to the recent immigration policy, but we would be extremely disappointed to learn that is the case.
We have therefore requested the federal government to immediately refrain from using American for the purpose of transporting children who have been separated from their families due to the current immigration policy. We have no desire to be associated with separating families, or worse, to profit from it. We have every expectation the government will comply with our request and we thank them for doing so.
CONCLUSION
With American and United loudly condemning the child separation policy, will other airlines join in?
The issue may be moot, though. We’re hearing news that Trump will shortly sign an Executive Order which will halt family separation.
Are you proud of American and United for taking a stand on this issue?
image: Milu92 / Wikimedia Commons
United and American fly to many countries and many of them separate their kids if anyone crosses their border illegally. Can United and American Airlines now condemn all such nations including Mexico and many other countries?
I guess members of MS-13 don’t count as companion animals.
I guess United doesn’t want to feed them or provide safe and clean toilets; just like being in Economy.
Strange. I guess United doesn’t make enough on contracted “Illegal fares from the government. Better margin on Basic Economy N fare.
Do you fly for Asiana? Are you for real?
Oh you mean the same policy that was under Obama? But when Trump is president suddenly there’s outrage. American criminals who commit federal crimes don’t get to bring their families with them to federal prison, why should non citizens who commit federal crimes get preferential treatment?
True, the law is the same (illegal entry is a misdemeanor) however Obama did not enforce it as such (he opted to simply deport arriving aliens). That is a different policy, whether it is codified into law or not.
@WR the difference is that now with Trumps ‘zero tolerance’ policy these parents have committed no crimes other than being in this country illegally in an attempt to better their lives. Sure if these were actual criminals it would be one thing but the previous ‘catch and release’ policy that isn’t being followed any more is the true issue. There is no reason to clog our courts and jails with illegal immigrants that have commited no other crimes. In fact its probably worse for our economy to put them in jail … jails are quite expensive and considering these individuals were likely simply working / helping the us economy otherwise…..
@cakflyer,
Not sure I follow your logic – “…these parents have committed no crimes other than being in this country illegally in an attempt to better their lives. Sure if these were actual criminals it would be one thing…” . That IS a crime, they ARE actual criminals, they broke the law by crossing ILLEGALLY into the US.
These illegals are not clogging up jails, they are housed in specially built Immigration detention centers to await deportation back to their country origin.
If there is no consequences to their actions, many others will follow.
Why doesn’t United condemn the People’s Republic of China for trying to force them to call Taiwan “China” instead of the Republic of China or Taiwan? United should not stand up to Trump but kow tow to the People’s Republic of China.
I do not want United to make political statements like alien kids whether I agree to the viewpoint or not.
If there has to be transport of these kids, Spirit may do so. I once saw a Spirit chartered plane transport inmates or some people in chains.
Misleading Header!
This is in fact Bill Clinton and Barak Husein’s Obama policy that was inherited by Trump’s administration. Virtue signalling much???
LOL you’re an idiot
And you are?
And you’re what?
It must be exhausting reacting to all these contrived outrages.
Perfect opportunity for the GSA to cancel all federal government contacts with American and United and give those to JetBlue and Alaska and their international partners, and probably Aero Mexico, since they are dead set against transporting the illegals back to their home countries. I’m sure they would enjoy the extra income.
Companies should stop forcing their political opinions on everyone and just provide the service that they are paid to provide.
I wasn’t aware until just now that so many people who read Matthew’s blog don’t have souls.
I am extreamly proud of American, United and Frontier Airlines for refusing to take part in any way of this amoral and brutal debacle that we Americans are inflicting on children. I hope other private industry will join with the protests.
If the kids don’t want to be separated from their parents they can stay at home. Breaking laws of the land and playing victim.
These actions by Trump and Sessions are simply appalling, and are recognised as such by the vast majority of Americans, including Melania and Ivanka. A thoroughly wicked and dreadful business and to the credit of the airlines that they refused to participate.
They all need to stop getting involved with politics and and run their airlines — it’s a business, not social services.
I’m with ’emercycrite’.
Just when did Americans become so MEAN?
I left the States in 2005, after Bush had his stay in the White House extended another four year, figuring it was going to be downhill from then on in the US of A. What’s happening in the States has me shaking my head in disbelief and thanking my lucky stars I don’t live there anymore – and never will again.
It’s not a matter of being mean……..If I own a restaurant that seats 50 people and every day 1,000 more show up to eat there – the doors are closed, there is no room for more than 50, am I supposed to let these 1000 just bang down the door, take over and sit there demanding to be fed/ served/ accommodated with no care of how or where the amenities are going to come from or how long they are going to last ? You can’t put 50 lbs of crap into a 30 lb bag !!