Jose Luis “El Puma” Rodriguez He was removed from the flight American Airlines That would cover Quito-Miami routeafter crossing with crew members on A Ecuador Airport. The incident, which was recorded before take-off, led to the delay and its aftermath Transferring the artist to another company’s service. As a result of the controversy, The American airline issued a statement Where he explained his position and clarified What is the operational rationale? behind the decision.
According to the company Flight 932 He delayed his departure by ten minutes for the audience A problem with storing luggage inside the cabin. The airline stressed that it, like all American companies, is obligated to comply with these rules FAA Provisionsfor its abbreviation in English) In particular with Regulation 14 CFR 121.285.
“he Hand luggage It cannot be placed in an area that obstructs access to the exit“The airline said in its statement universe. “It was the client Sit in the front row of the cabinwhich has a barrier in front, and He did not comply with crew instructions “To store your personal belongings in the overhead compartment,” he said.
to American AirlinesWhat happened to Al-Mughniyeh is part of this operational commitment. The company indicated that it would review what happened internally, but stressed this The priority was to comply with safety standards regulating the transport of personal items during the flight.
“We appreciate our customers’ understanding ever since We have prioritized safety and regulatory complianceThe airline concluded.
the Standard 14 CFR 121.285 Regulates the location of cargo and baggage in the aircraft cabin. One of its sections indicates this No objects shall be placed in positions that prevent access or use of any exit.Do not obstruct passage through corridors.
It also requires that it be installed securely Avoid displacement in case of disturbance And it does not prevent the mandatory signs from being seenSuch as seat belts or emergency exits.
American Airlines cited these criteria as a reason to intervene in the singer’s case. Who traveled with a bag containing medicine. Rodriguez explained that he needed his bag close by for health reasons related to the lung transplant and the treatment he needed. but, When traveling in the first seat, items were not allowed to be placed under the seatwhich led to the initial discussion with the crew.
The airline confirmed that the interference occurred due to… The bag had to be placed in an overhead compartment to ensure compliance with regulations.
he Venezuelan singer He shared his point of view through A Ten minute video It spread on social networks. He said that in his story The origin of the incident was the need to keep the bag containing his medications close by..
Rodriguez explained that he agreed to place the luggage in the overhead compartment, but later, His statement sparked a complaint from a crew member.
“I made a comment about the guy being a bit stupid because the problem was so easy to solve. Another assistant walked by Listen to me say what I say about this person. “Then (the captain) says I’m talking bad about him.”
According to his account, the conversation with the plane crew increased the tension This led to the captain deciding that the artist should leave the plane. Rodriguez stated that he tried to explain his health condition to the commander, but he received the response that the decision was left in the hands of the crew.
The artist stated that he addressed the other passengers to convey what was happening He even apologized to the attendees involved.. Moreover, he stated that I felt severe physical discomfort and ringing in one ear After the moment he was ordered to leave the plane.
“They really kicked me out like a criminal. I’ve struggled all my life to treat people well, to treat them well, not because they have what they need, but because that’s who I am. The problem was that I felt so humiliated and humiliated, they actually took me off the American Airlines plane like a criminal.“, he regretted.