Disciplinary action | American Airlines firings after 'altercations' raise crew safety concerns

Two American Airlines flight attendants have been dismissed following separate in-flight incidents with passengers, raising questions about how worker safety is balanced against customer relations.

Todd Norris, a 38-year veteran of the airline, was fired in January 2025 after an altercation at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. During deplaning, Norris blocked a male passenger attempting to re-enter the aircraft, in accordance with FAA regulations.

The passenger, expecting a wheelchair on the jet bridge, became agitated. As a new crew arrived to relieve the existing team, a scuffle broke out when the passenger reportedly grabbed Norris’ luggage, causing both to fall.

American Airlines launched an internal review and cited multiple reasons for the dismissal, including failure to de-escalate, insufficient flexibility in enforcing rules, not seeking help from staff, and physical contact with the passenger. Norris, backed by the Association of Flight Attendants, denied wrongdoing and is challenging the decision through grievance channels.