Passengers involved in a confrontation with a Sun Country Airlines flight attendant say they plan to file a civil rights lawsuit next week, alleging discriminatory treatment.
The group’s attorney, Keenan Saulter, claims the incident involving flight attendant Jean Riegelman was not an isolated case. He said the investigation uncovered allegations involving Riegelman on multiple previous occasions and accused Sun Country of a broader history of poor treatment of African American and Latino passengers.
The passengers are calling for Riegelman to be fired, changes to airline policies and additional training for Sun Country employees.
The controversy has also taken an emotional toll on passenger Price and her family. She says her children are now afraid to fly, even with a planned trip to London approaching.
Meanwhile, assault charges against Riegelman stemming from the confrontation have been dropped, according to the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office. The charges followed an allegation that Riegelman tried to knock a phone from Price’s sister Ashtyn Whitaker’s hand and struck her arm as passengers were leaving the aircraft.
Sun Country says it does not comment on pending litigation. The airline previously said it was taking the allegations seriously and investigating the circumstances.
Attorneys representing the passengers say the civil rights lawsuit is expected to be filed next week.
The case could now put renewed focus on how airlines handle allegations of discrimination and passenger complaints.
