They allege they were removed from the flight due to racial discrimination.
They say a white male flight attendant complained about an unidentified passenger’s body odor.
The passengers did not know each other and were seated separately.
CEO Robert Isom: “I am incredibly disappointed by what happened on that flight and the breakdown of our procedures"
They claim they were among eight black men told to leave the plane.
During a confrontation with airline personnel on the jet bridge, the men demanded an explanation for their removal.
According to their lawsuit, one of the passengers recorded the discussion, capturing an airline employee seemingly agreeing that the men were discriminated against.
Following a delay of about an hour, the passengers were allowed back on the plane.
American Airlines has not disclosed the number or positions of employees on leave.
A spokesperson for the airline said: “We are holding those involved accountable, including removing team members from service.”
In response to the incident, Isom announced the formation of an advisory group to focus on the experiences of Black customers, enhance the reporting of discrimination allegations, and improve diversity training to recognize better and address bias and discrimination.