US airline passenger told to switch seats as Pakistani men 'did not want to sit next to woman'

The men were described as Pakistani monks by the female passenger, and were reportedly wearing long orange shirts


News Desk October 02, 2016
Ms Campos, a million-mile flyer, said she was 'shocked' but was forced to move seats. PHOTO: AFP

A United Airlines passenger was moved to make way for two 'Pakistani monks' who did not want to sit next to a woman.

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Mary Campos was on a Houston bound flight leaving from California when a member of the staff reportedly approached her and requested to change her seat. He explained that owing to the Pakistani passengers' "cultural beliefs" they could not sit next to or talk to a woman.

The men were described as "Pakistani monks" by Campos and were reportedly wearing long orange shirts. No other information was available on the men's ethnicity or religion. "They could also not be served by female staff."

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Campos lamented the "discrimination" against her but complied nonetheless. In a letter to United Airlines, she wrote: "What if I were handicapped or transgender? What if your entire crew were female? Any belief that prevents individuals from interacting with females should not travel on commercial aircraft."

The airline responded to say they would look into the matter. "We regret that Campos was unhappy with the handling of the seat assignments on her flight," read a response to Campos. "United holds its employees to the highest standards of professionalism and has zero tolerance for discrimination."

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Campos said she did not want to sue the airline, but insisted that they apologise to every woman on the plane, including staff. "I thought I lived in a culture where females were equal to men," she said. She also wanted the company to change their policy to protect women’s rights.

This article originally appeared on The Independent

COMMENTS (15)

Asad | 7 years ago | Reply @Sara: I share the same view. The article mentions clearly that they were monks wearing orange shirts but sadly few pakistanis/muslims will come now and then and adapt the apologetic attitude. People like Ajmal have no self-respect and no clue when to stand for themselves. And although they clearly know that no religion gives respect to woman the way Islam does but even so they will willingly start bashing religion for nothing.
Sara | 7 years ago | Reply I dont know why the people blame it on Muslims everytime? Monks wearing orange jubbas doesnt belongs to Muslims and if they are from Pakistan then its not to be blamed on their attitude towards women. Islam is the only religion who respects women more than any other religion. They just need any chance to degrade Pakistanis and specially Muslims for their beliefs. Such insecurity...
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