On January 24, 2025, following a complaint by America First Legal, American Airlines was found to have violated federal anti-discrimination laws in its hiring practices. A federal investigation by the Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs mandated the cessation of these practices.

On January 17, 2025, American Airlines was involved in a series of customer service incidents where passengers, including S.L. Brown and others, experienced racially discriminatory treatment. Several cases of racial profiling and humiliating treatment of passengers raised serious concerns about the airline's commitment to equitable service.

In an earlier incident reported last year, American Airlines was imposed a $50 million fine by the U.S. Transportation Department for failing to provide adequate assistance to passengers with disabilities. This enforcement action highlights the airline’s neglect in ensuring accessibility and support for vulnerable individuals.

American Airlines reached a confidential settlement in a race discrimination lawsuit after Black passengers were removed from a flight. In response, the airline terminated the involved flight attendants, implemented new staff training on unconscious bias, and established an oversight advisory group to improve the travel experience for Black customers.

On October 31, 2024, American Airlines announced updates to its Sustainable Supply Chain Policy and Human Rights Statement. The new policies enhance supplier oversight, introduce corrective action procedures, and expand supplier diversity efforts, while reinforcing the company’s commitment to international human rights standards and ethical business conduct.

American Airlines has enhanced its anti-human trafficking measures by expanding mandatory training for frontline and international purchasing staff, forming key partnerships with non-profits like PACT and It’s a Penalty, and engaging in active dialogue with government agencies. The company’s Vice President at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport now sits on the Governor’s Council to Combat Human Trafficking in Arizona, reinforcing its commitment to combating modern slavery and child exploitation.

American Airlines released its 2023 Sustainability Report detailing progress on climate change initiatives, enhanced support for team members, and improved sustainable sourcing practices. The report underscores the company’s commitment to transparency, better labor practices through diversity and inclusion efforts, and ethical procurement that aligns with environmental standards.

On June 6, 2024, as contract negotiations dragged on, American Airlines’ CEO announced an immediate 17% pay raise for flight attendants. However, the flight attendant union rejected the offer, criticizing it as a short-term fix that fails to secure long‑term benefits, and has set up a strike command center while calling for more comprehensive contract terms.

Following multiple allegations of racial discrimination and a recent lawsuit filed by three Black men, the NAACP has urged American Airlines to investigate these incidents and reinstate its advisory council. The airline's continued silence on the issues has raised concerns about its commitment to equity and civil rights.

Amid intensifying union demands for a 35% immediate pay raise and back pay dating back to 2019, American Airlines maintained that no impasse exists in negotiations with its flight attendants. The company reiterated its commitment to ongoing talks, offering an 11% immediate raise and gradual increases, a proposal seen as insufficient by union representatives.

American Airlines reached a four-year union deal with the Allied Pilots Union, awarding a 21% wage increase and enhanced benefits for pilots. While the deal contributed to a reported $545 million revenue loss in the third quarter, it reflects a strong commitment to worker rights and improved labor conditions.