The following is from USA Today:
Earlier today some Jewish and Christian readers in the blogosphere were fired up about stories that Delta Air Lines, in its new alliance with Saudi Arabian Airlines, might wind up enforcing a Saudi policy of not admitting Iraelis and non-Islamic religious items like Bibles on their flights.
Delta spokesman Trebor Banstetter responded with its non-discrimination policy and posted on their blog:
We’ve gotten questions today from you, our concerned customers, following an article about Saudi Arabian Airlines joining SkyTeam (the global airline alliance that includes Delta as a member). After listening to many of your thoughts today, we’d like to take this opportunity to share some information and help to clarify some of the questions we know you have.
First and foremost, I think one of the most important things to mention here is that Delta does not discriminate nor do we condone discrimination against anyone in regards to age, race, nationality, religion, or gender.
That said, some have raised questions about whether Saudi Arabian Airlines’ membership in SkyTeam means Delta is adopting any type of policies that could present barriers to travel for some passengers, including Jewish customers. For this particular concern, it’s important to realize that visa requirements to enter any country are dictated by that nation’s government, not the airlines, and they apply to anyone entering the country regardless of whether it’s by plane, bus or train.
We, like all international airlines, are required to comply with all applicable laws governing entry into every country we serve. You as passengers are responsible for obtaining the necessary travel documents, such as visas and certification of required vaccinations, and we’re responsible for making sure that you have the proper documentation before you board.
According to Religion News Service,
Saudi Arabia bans anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport from entering the country, even in transit. Many Jews believe the kingdom has also withheld visas from travelers with Jewish-sounding names.
Maybe. Jewish leader Rabbi Irwin Kula was wary about inflaming concerns on this, saying he knows many professionals who are very open about their Jewish religious identity who fly to Saudi Arabia all the time for business.
As the rumor of no-Jews traveled the Internet all day, Detroit rabbi and blogger Jason Miller points out:
The issue here is one of principle. Delta isn’t being forced to include Saudi Arabian Airlines into its Sky Team Alliance. In fact, Delta could stand on principle and refuse to include Saudi Arabian Airlines based on its discriminatory policy.
(Source: USA Today)
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8 Responses
The issue here is one of principle. Delta isn’t being forced to include Saudi Arabian Airlines into its Sky Team Alliance. In fact, Delta could stand on principle and refuse to include Saudi Arabian Airlines based on its discriminatory policy.
My point exactly. I really hope a boycott takes off (pun intended.)
Point #1 – Delta’s non-discriminatory statement says very little. Every company in America has a non-discrimination policy so that they don’t get sued. That doesn’t mean that they actually follow it in practice. Ever heard of a DWB?
Point #2 – In fact they are discriminating against Jews! When you choose to do business with people that discriminate you are silently condoning their views and policies. They don’t have to do business with SAA. However, they’ve made a decision to go into business with SAA (knowing the ramifications) rather than stick to their own non-discrimination policy (which apparently doesn’t exist). Obviously moral values are not their priority.
However all airlines on international routes do not allow passengers to board if they have reason to assume they won’t be allowed to get off at the other end – since the airline would possibly be liable for returning them to their place of origin. That includes anyone whose travel documents aren’t acceptable in the place they are going to, or if they are carrying what the country of arrival considers contraband. Consider the example of a Mexican “immigrant wannabee” arriving in the US carrying cocaine. Now consider a Jew (especially an Israeli) traveling to Saudi Arabia with tefillin (which has been banned there since the 7th century).
However the problem isn’t Delta, but rather the American and Saudi governments.
Delta is one of 3 US carriers that fly non-stop to Tel Aviv. I never fly them because of some horrible experiences I have had with their “service.”
Just as they do not make Israeli policy for entry requirements, so they must abide by Saudi law for entry in their country.
Money talks and Delta walks.
However the problem isn’t Delta, but rather the American and Saudi governments.
Not entirely correct. Yes, the govenments ARE the problem (& the US govt may as well be Saudi right now) but Delta CHOSE to partner with them & knowingly condoned discrimination.
However just hours ago the YWN headline was “JEW-BAN: Delta Adopts Saudi Arabian Airlines No Jew Policy”.
YWN is becoming more like The NY Times.
Lets start being honest here,
If Delta is the cheapest/most convenient option, then your flying Delta.
Kanoim always finding issues where there are none.
If you “askanim” want to get mad about something regarding flying to Saudi Arabia then maybe they can call the state department and see if they can do something about offical Saudi policy.
Dont fault the airlines for trying to make sure that their passengers can get off the plane safely at their destination.