'Because we're black': Kelowna couple say racism contributed to their flight exclusion

The incident in which a Kelowna couple were removed from a plane by police earlier this month is under investigation by the airline.

His passengers Jhody Batiste and Andre Henry allege racism was a factor in his exclusion from his Swoop flight between Toronto and Kelowna.

Swoop apologized to Batiste and Henry, offered a refund for the flight, and said they were conducting an internal investigation.

Batiste said the situation arose after she and Henry boarded Flight Swoop in Toronto on her August 10th. The couple were seated far apart, so Batiste asked another passenger if she could change seats. The passenger was fine with it, but the flight attendants said they had to pay Batiste. explained. "Shortly after that, she also came back with another woman who I believe was the supervisor. Then she said, 'I have a problem,' and I said, 'No problem.'

Batiste said flight attendants said the plane's weight was disturbed by the movement. Came back frequently saying there were other issues.

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By Batiste said the flight attendant.

The couple were then told they would be kicked off the plane.

"Then 'What did I do? Authorities.'"

Batiste said he believed the police would help mediate the situation. When they were called, she began live-streaming the incident on Instagram.She was escorted to the front of the plane by police and began asking flight attendants and pilots what she had done wrong.

"You guys kick us out because we're black," Henry said during the livestream.

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In a statement to Global News, Swoop said it had launched an investigation into the matter.

“Swoop has zero tolerance for racism or discrimination of any kind. We are investigating this incident internally and have been in direct contact with Ms Batiste to follow up on her concerns," the statement read.

Batiste said the airline has since apologized and offered a refund of about $2,000 the couple paid for their return flight on WestJet.

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Since it happened, she has replayed that moment over and over in her head, feeling embarrassed and embarrassed. I had to explain to my son that I was escorted off the plane.

"It was so heartbreaking for her. I have to keep explaining to him that I've done nothing wrong. That's just the way people are," said Batiste. said.

She has spoken with a counselor since the flight, explaining that the event left her feeling "naked and scared." "The color of our skin may make us feel small, or we may feel like a minority, but we want people to know they have a voice," Baptiste said.

Batiste said Swoop hopes to learn from the incident. You will meet people and I think they need proper training and conflict resolution.”

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