An influencer has accused American Airlines of racial discrimination after she was the only first-class passenger denied a meal during a recent flight—allegedly because the airline “ran out of food.”
The passenger, known online as @johbidoo_official, took to social media to recount her experience, which has since gone viral. She says she was the only Black passenger in the first-class cabin, and the only one who did not receive a meal, even though she had purchased her ticket five days in advance and boarded with expectations of full service.
“My first question that I just couldn’t get past is don’t they know how many seats are in first class? How can you run out?” she said in a video post. “They didn’t run out of what I wanted. They ran out. Period.”
She added that she wasn’t asleep and was offered only a drink—not even chips or an apology. According to her, the flight attendant casually told her that no meals remained, with no explanation or alternative provided.
“I didn’t eat anything all day. I looked forward to this. I paid for first class thinking I’ll eat on the plane,” she said. “It’s cut and dry. They ran out. I didn’t call or report it because I was literally baffled.”
Social media reaction has been swift and intense. Some users urged her to take legal action:
“First class ran out food
girl get your lawyer,” one commenter wrote.
Others pointed out the importance of reporting the incident:
“If you don’t report this, this type of behavior and racial undertones will continue to occur. Reporting this… will make each person accountable for their behavior and the emotional trauma you experienced.”
Another user speculated the meal was likely eaten by a crew member:
“The flight attendant ate your food and felt comfortable telling you they ran out thinking you would not say anything. This is TOTALLY unacceptable and you should be compensated in some form.”
As of now, American Airlines has not issued a public statement in response to the allegations.
The incident adds to a growing list of racial bias complaints in the airline industry, particularly against American Airlines, where critics have long argued that Black travelers are disproportionately mistreated, overlooked, or disrespected, even in premium cabins.
