DALLAS— A former American Airlines (AA) flight attendant is fighting to regain his job after the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) barred him from secure areas of U.S. airports, effectively ending his career.
The TSA’s “security threat determination” followed the dismissal of a human trafficking case that alleged he had unknowingly transported undocumented migrants from Mexico. The attendant had been based in Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), a key hub for American Airlines, PYOK reported.
Representative Photo: American AirlinesAmerican Airlines Attendant Accused of Trafficking
The flight attendant, who had served with American Airlines (AA) for several years, was terminated in March after the TSA’s determination stripped him of access to secure airport zones.
This access is critical for any flight crew operating at airports like Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), where TSA clearance is mandatory.
The TSA’s action came months after the attendant had returned to active duty, following the dismissal of criminal charges initially filed against him in June 2023. The charges stemmed from a misidentified pet transport job that turned out to involve undocumented migrants.
According to legal filings, the attendant also worked for a USDA-approved pet shipping company. In June 2023, a client contacted him to transport three animals from Mexico to San Antonio (SAT). The pickup location was repeatedly changed, ultimately settling on Eagle Pass, Texas.
Upon arrival, he found people—not animals—waiting to be transported. Threatened by unknown individuals over the phone, he proceeded under duress. He was stopped by law enforcement shortly after and fully cooperated with authorities. The case was dropped in October 2023.
Representative Photo: American AirlinesReturn to Duty Followed by Sudden Termination
Despite his cooperation and cleared charges, the TSA issued its security threat determination in November 2024, ten months after his reinstatement by American Airlines. As a result, he was removed from the master crew list and formally dismissed in March 2025.
The former attendant attempted to challenge the TSA’s decision through an internal review process. However, in May, he withdrew from the appeal, citing a lack of faith in its impartiality.
In a legal statement, he emphasized his clean background, including the recent renewal of his firearm license, which requires stringent checks. He maintains that the TSA’s decision unfairly damages his career and misrepresents his threat level.
Photo: Clément AlloingLegal Case Heads to D.C. Court of Appeals
The former attendant has now filed an emergency petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, seeking to overturn the TSA’s determination and reinstate his aviation credentials. The case is listed under filing number 25-1151.
He asserts that he poses no national security threat and simply made a poor decision under duress.
The lawsuit challenges the TSA’s authority and the fairness of its internal review process, calling for judicial oversight.
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