Skip to content

American Airlines Operates First Ever Flight With All LGBTQ+ Crew Members

June 29, 2019
2 min read
Flying-With-Pride-1
American Airlines Operates First Ever Flight With All LGBTQ+ Crew Members
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

American Airlines made history this past week operating the first ever flight to feature an entire crew who openly identify as LGBTQ+. The historic flight took off on the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn raids, which are considered one of the first major events of the gay rights and liberation movement in the US.

The flight departed Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) for New York-LaGuardia (LGA) and was operated with an Embraer E-190. The crew of two pilots and two flight attendants was joined by two drag queens sporting red and blue outfits, two of American Airlines' main colors.

American Airlines all LGBTQ+ flight crew poses for photos prior to departure. (Image courtesy of American Airlines)

Prior to the flight, the crew posed for photos next to the aircraft proudly displaying the rainbow flag. In a short video posted to Twitter, one of the pilots can be seen waving the flag from the flight deck prior to departure.

A handful of major domestic airlines, including American Airlines, are regularly ranked among the top companies for LGBTQ+ individuals. And while American Airlines was the only airline to operate a flight with an all openly LGBTQ+ crew this month, the airline is not alone in celebrating Pride Month. Airlines including United, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, and Southwest have all taken to social media to show their support for LGBTQ+ crew members.

For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
5X milesEarn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X milesEarn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Excellent, Good

Pros

  • Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
  • Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners

Cons

  • Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Top rated mobile app