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

Max Prosperi
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Max Prosperi is a part-time frequent flyer and travel writer and full-time student. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Max covers a variety of topics with a focus on points, miles, and aviation.
June 29, 2019
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2 min read
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American Airlines Operates First Ever Flight With All LGBTQ+ Crew Members
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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)
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.

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Featured image by American Airlines operates first ever flight flown with crew that identifies as LGBTQ+ (Image courtesy of American Airlines)