U.S. Airways 'forced two black passengers to take off their jeans and hoodies before boarding first class... but let white passenger dressed identically on the plane'

PUBLISHED: 23:59 EST, 13 April 2013 | UPDATED: 13:22 EST, 14 April 2013

U.S. Airways are accused of refusing to let two young black men into first class until they changed their clothes.

McCraig and Miles Warren are suing the airline for discrimination, claiming that when they tried to board the plane in Denver, they were told by an employee that they should change into more appropriate attire.

According to the federal discrimination lawsuit which was filed on Wednesday, the employee repeatedly told the brothers that their jeans, hooded sweatshirts and baseball caps violated an alleged first-class dress code.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

McCraig and Miles Warren are suing U.S. Airways for discrimination, claiming that when they tried to board the plane in Denver, they were told by an employee that they should change into more appropriate attire

Discrimination: The brothers were shocked to discover two young men in first class - one Caucasian and one Filipino - wearing jeans and hooded sweatshirts

They were told they should change into button-down shirts, dress shoes and slacks if they wanted to sit in first class and were told that was the airline's policy.

The men went to the bathroom and changed before boarding the plane bound for Los Angeles. They were shocked however to discover two young men in first class - one Caucasian and one Filipino - wearing jeans and hooded sweatshirts

Upon questioning the two men, the men revealed that they were 'not instructed to change their clothes prior to boarding, nor at any time during the flight'.

Policy: They were told they should change into button-down shirts, dress shoes and slacks if they wanted to sit in first class and were told that was the airline's policy

Justice: The Warrens say they were shocked, humiliated and confused by what happened and are seeking punitive damages

The Warrens say they were shocked, humiliated and confused by what happened and are seeking punitive damages.

U.S Airways spokesperson Andrew Christie told AlterNet: 'We welcome customers of all ethnicities and backgrounds and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We take these allegations seriously.

'Initial indications are that these pass-riders were traveling on non-revenue tickets as part of our employee travel program. All employees and pass-riders are expected to comply with the policies associated with this travel privilege.'

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Add your comments

Comments (6)

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

I worked for an airline for many years, and when employees traveled, or those flying non-rev on their benefits, proper attire was required. No jeans or t-shirts. This is standard and reasonable for the priviledge flying free and has Nothing to do with race. Paying customers are not held to this, nor should they be.

- South Beach , Miami, United States, 14/4/2013 21:57

Click to rate Rating 292

It's common policy that if you are a non-rev. passenger, and you want to fly first class, you are required to dress appropriately...men I believe are required to wear a slacks, collared shirt, and in some cases a jacket...women, no jeans, slacks and an appropriate top. If they were paying full fair, I'm sure they wouldn't have been told to change their attire. I don't see discrimination in this instance, just company policy in regards to non-revving first class.

- BettyG , Texas, 14/4/2013 21:55

Click to rate Rating 230

The "no Levis' / tank top / hoodie rule" applies only to non-revenue employee passengers or passengers taveling on a discounted employee pass given to family or friends. The rule does not apply to full revenue ticked passengers, which may be the case with the Caucasian and Phlipino passengers..... the article did not make this clear.

- lmlphx , Phoenix, United States, 14/4/2013 21:49

Click to rate Rating 225

More media hype over a non issue. Sounds like there is a dress code for employees flying free. Just follow it and quit your racist whining.

- PeterLocke , Reaganville, 14/4/2013 21:49

Click to rate Rating 276

So I wonder how these two brothers would have reacted if they were allowed in first class but then had to be yanked off the airplane because the airline sold two last minute tickets on a full plane. That has happened to me. It is embarassing but I had no room to complain. I was riding for free. This is what America is coming too. It's like illegal aliens in the US saying that being called illegal is insulting. It's like people on the dole saying that they are tired of government cheese and should get Brie cheese. No sympathy whatsoever for these two fools. I feel sorry for the employee who might just get fired because of the arrogance of these fools to make a big deal of this.

- CommonSense , Houston, 14/4/2013 21:49

Click to rate Rating 204

This has NOTHING to do with color.....it has to do with the rules for 'Buddy passes'. As a travel agent I have been on flights with reduced rates or buddy passes and the airlines have rules on how we can dress....if you want the free or greatly reduced seats...you follow the rules. If they didnt want to follow the rules they could have paid a real fare and they they could have dressed any way they wanted. Kevin.

- klavan , Chicago, United States, 14/4/2013 21:46

Click to rate Rating 253

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.