David Ryan Harris on Instagram: "Statement from American Airlines:“To summarize our investigation….we and our flight attendant realized that our policies regarding suspected human trafficking were not followed, and through coaching and counseling … our flight attendant realizes that their interaction and observations did NOT meet the criteria that human trafficking was taking place.Our flight attendant in question wanted to make sure that you were aware that they sincerely offer a heartfelt apology to you and your family for their actions, and the results that their actions generated.”All I was looking for was an apology and/or an explanation of policy. From the beginning, I didn’t (and still don’t) think that a slow or tentative response from a 7 year old on an early morning flight should be enough criteria to have the authorities called. I’ve never begrudged the red flag, I’ve always begrudged the apparent lack of diligence on the part of the flight attendant. I still, very much think that non response from the airline smacks of corporate arrogance at worse and a gross undervaluing of customers at best. That I had to resort to shaming the airlines to get a response at all speaks to a general lack of a meaningful customer service apparatus. I applaud American Airlines for eventually reaching out to me, conducting an investigation and hopefully reviewing and/or ameliorating their current policies. I told the higher ups at American to let the flight attendant in question know that I wholeheartedly accept and appreciate her apology. I’ve chosen to move forward from this event in a meaningful way by starting a petition to implement mandatory ID checks for children traveling with parents. I think it would go a long way toward discouraging traffickers from using commercial air travel as a cover. I think it removes the onus from flight attendants to have to make determinations based on conjecture, no matter how well intentioned. If the issue of child trafficking is of importance to you, head over to davidryanharris.com and sign the change.org petition.This has been a teachable moment for all involved." | Zootzle
