About the Order

This order concerns the failure of American Airlines, Inc., (American) to comply with the Department’s oversales rule, 14 CFR Part 250, with respect to its transportation of a group of 11 passengers represented by Ms. Doe.1 Violations of Part 250 with regard to Ms. Doe’s group also constitute failure to adhere to the carrier’s Customer Service Plan in violation of 14 CFR 259.5. This order also concerns American’s internal policy, implemented since at least 2008, that resulted in the misclassification and misreporting of certain passengers who were involuntarily denied boarding as volunteers, in violation of 14 CFR 250.10. Violations of the reporting requirement under section 250.10 constitute violations of 49 U.S.C. § 41708. Violations of Parts 250 and 259 also constitute unfair and deceptive practices and unfair methods of competition in violation of 49 U.S.C. § 41712. This order directs American to cease and desist from future violations and assesses American a compromise civil penalty of $20,000.