The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has levied a $4 million fine against Lufthansa for engaging in discriminatory practices against Jewish passengers traveling from New York City to Budapest via Frankfurt in May 2022.
According to reports, Lufthansa barred 128 Jewish travelers—many identifiable by the traditional attire often worn by Orthodox Jewish men—from boarding their connecting flight in Germany. This decision was based on the alleged misconduct of certain passengers. Despite the fact that the majority of these passengers were strangers to one another and not part of a unified group, DOT investigators found that Lufthansa treated them collectively, denying boarding to all due to the actions of a few individuals.
This penalty represents the largest civil rights violation fine ever imposed by the DOT on an airline.
"Discrimination should have no place in travel, and today's decision serves as a stern warning to the airline industry that we are committed to investigating and addressing violations of passengers' civil rights," declared U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "From tackling prolonged tarmac delays to ensuring proper passenger refunds, our department has enhanced its efforts to hold airlines liable for how they treat their customers. We will persist in advocating for a travel industry that upholds fairness and respects the dignity all passengers deserve."
