In a disturbing incident that raises questions about airline profiling practices, Virginia father John Kerrigan is still waiting for a proper apology after being falsely accused of human trafficking on a Southwest Airlines flight in October. The incident, which occurred at Norfolk International Airport on October 21, has left Kerrigan grappling with the aftermath of public humiliation and inadequate corporate response.
The Incident
What should have been a routine disembarkation turned into a nightmare when Southwest flight crew members, suspecting Kerrigan of trafficking two young girls – his daughter and their friend – alerted security. Three officers forcibly escorted him down the plane’s aisle from his back seat, subjecting him to questioning before eventually confirming his innocence.
Voucher instead of apology
Southwest Airlines’ response to the incident has drawn criticism for its apparent lack of accountability. The airline offered Kerrigan a $1,500 flight voucher as compensation, but notably absent was any direct apology for the ordeal.
“It’s kind of like a non-apology type of ‘thank you’ or ‘have a nice day’-type of thing,” Kerrigan told WAVY. “It didn’t seem to faze them too much. I guess it’s just a large corporation and they figure they’ll take a publicity hit here or there.”
In their email response to the incident, Southwest Airlines carefully avoided using the word “sorry,” instead stating they “regret your disappointment.” While initially considering legal action, Kerrigan ultimately accepted the flight credit on legal advice.
A pattern of similar incidents
This isn’t an isolated case for Southwest Airlines. Last year, the carrier faced a lawsuit from a California mother who was similarly accused of trafficking her own daughter while traveling to a funeral. That case, which sought unspecified damages, highlights a potentially concerning pattern in the airline’s approach to trafficking suspicions.
Balancing safety and rights
While acknowledging the importance of anti-trafficking efforts, Kerrigan criticized the airline’s heavy-handed approach. “But the way they’re going to get you off the plane like that,” he said, “I think is complete BS.”
Looking forward
The incident raises important questions about how airlines balance human trafficking prevention with passenger dignity and rights. As similar cases continue to emerge, the pressure mounts on airlines to develop more nuanced approaches to suspected trafficking situations while maintaining appropriate respect for passengers’ rights and dignity.
