Delta Airbus A350 (Photo: Formulanone)
Veteran Catherine Banks was removed from a Delta flight at San Francisco International Airport on October 16 due to a T-shirt she was wearing, which read “Do not give in to the war within. End Veteran suicide.”
The t-shirt was deemed “threatening” by a flight attendant, prompting her removal from the plane. Banks, who had served 22 years in the Marine Corps and 15 years with the Air Force, was on her way to visit her Marine sister when the incident occurred.
According to Banks, the flight attendant instructed her to get off the plane without explaining the reason at first. Once she exited onto the jet bridge, she was told her T-shirt was the issue. Despite explaining her military service and the significance of the shirt’s message, she was told she could only reboard if she changed her clothing. As she was not wearing a bra, Banks had to turn away from the flight attendant to put on a sweatshirt.
Although allowed back on the flight, she was denied the extra legroom seat she had paid for and was instructed to sit at the back of the plane. The flight was delayed, causing her to miss her connecting flight. Banks described the experience as humiliating and said it felt as though her service and her efforts to support Veterans were disrespected.
T-shirt sold by the Til Valhalla Project (Photo: Til Valhalla Project)
Banks’ shirt was from the Til Valhalla Project, a nonprofit that raises funds for Veteran mental health programs and memorials for fallen Service Members. The organization aims to bring attention to the issue of Veteran suicide, a growing concern with over 30,000 post-9/11 Veterans having died by suicide, according to the United Service Organizations.
Delta Air Lines’ contract allows for the removal of passengers if their conduct or attire is deemed offensive or poses a risk of discomfort to others. In a statement, Delta acknowledged the incident and stated that they had contacted Banks to address what happened and work toward a resolution. Delta has expressed appreciation for her service and said they are working to understand the full details of the event. However, Banks remains frustrated, feeling that her effort to advocate for Veterans was misinterpreted and unfairly penalized.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.