In an era where mental health awareness and respect for our veterans are paramount, the recent incident involving Delta Airlines and Marine Corps veteran Catherine Banks has sent shockwaves through the public. This incident, which occurred on October 18, 2024, at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), exemplifies the airline’s apparent disregard for the rights and dignity of those who have served our country. With Delta’s actions drawing widespread criticism, it’s time to consider a boycott to hold the airline accountable for its treatment of veterans and lack of response to this disturbing event.
Catherine Banks, a Marine Corps veteran with 22 years of service and an additional 15 years working for the Air Force, boarded a Delta flight to visit her Marine sister. However, as she settled into her seat, she was approached by a male flight attendant who asked her to deplane without giving her a reason. Once on the jetbridge, she was told that her t-shirt, which read, “Do not give in to the war within. End veteran suicide,” was deemed “threatening” by the airline staff.
Banks explained that the shirt’s message was meant to raise awareness about veteran suicide, a serious issue affecting thousands of service members every year. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), an average of 17 veterans take their own lives daily, a staggering statistic that underscores the urgency of this cause. Despite Banks’ explanation and her veteran status, the flight attendant insisted that she remove the shirt if she wanted to reboard the plane.
The ordeal didn’t end there. Banks, who wasn’t wearing a bra, was forced to change her shirt on the jetbridge without privacy, turning away from the flight attendant to preserve some semblance of dignity. After this humiliating experience, she was allowed to reboard but was stripped of her pre-paid extra legroom seat and relegated to the back of the plane. The delay caused her to miss her connecting flight, adding further inconvenience to an already distressing situation.
Delta’s Questionable Policies and Response
Delta Airlines’ policies state that the airline reserves the right to remove passengers if their “conduct, attire, hygiene or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers.” However, the question remains: How could a t-shirt that promotes awareness of veteran suicide—a topic of national importance—be classified as offensive or threatening? Delta’s actions not only disrespected Banks’ right to free expression but also trivialized the issue of veteran suicide, a mental health crisis that demands attention, not censorship.
Even more troubling is the fact that Delta has remained silent on the issue. As of October 18, 2024, the airline has not provided any public comment or apology regarding the incident. This lack of accountability is particularly striking given the sensitivity of the situation and the outcry it has generated. Public sentiment has been overwhelmingly critical, with many expressing their outrage at the airline’s mistreatment of a veteran who was simply advocating for awareness of a pressing national issue.
This isn’t the first time Delta has faced backlash for its treatment of passengers over their attire. Earlier in 2024, another passenger, Lisa Archbold, was asked to deplane for not wearing a bra under her shirt. While Delta eventually apologized to Archbold, their continued failure to handle these situations with care and respect reflects poorly on the company’s values and policies.
A Pattern of Disrespect: Delta’s Treatment of Veterans
Perhaps the most egregious aspect of this incident is the disregard for Banks’ status as a veteran. When Banks explained that both she and her sister had served in the Marine Corps, the flight attendant coldly replied, “I don’t care about your service, and I don’t care about her service.” Such a dismissive response towards someone who has dedicated decades of their life to defending the country is not only unprofessional but also deeply offensive.
For many veterans, the struggles don’t end once they return home. In addition to the physical wounds of war, countless veterans face mental health challenges, with veteran suicide rates continuing to climb. A 2023 VA report revealed that over 6,200 veterans die by suicide each year, though some studies suggest this number could be significantly underreported. One such study, the Operation Deep Dive (OpDD) research initiative, estimates that up to 44 veterans may take their own lives daily when factoring in self-injury mortality, such as overdoses.
Given these grim statistics, Banks’ decision to wear a shirt promoting awareness of veteran suicide was not only a personal statement but also a necessary one. The treatment she received from Delta not only silenced her message but also belittled the importance of addressing mental health issues in the veteran community.
Why Boycott Delta Airlines?
Delta Airlines’ mishandling of this incident reveals a systemic problem with how the company handles issues of free expression and respect for veterans. By boycotting Delta, we can send a powerful message that their treatment of veterans and mishandling of sensitive issues like mental health will not be tolerated.
A boycott is not just about punishing the company for one incident but about holding Delta accountable for their broader pattern of behavior. In recent years, Delta has faced multiple controversies involving the mistreatment of passengers over their attire, and it seems the company has yet to learn from these past mistakes. If left unchecked, Delta’s dismissive attitude towards these issues will only continue, and more passengers may be subjected to similar humiliation and disrespect.
Additionally, by boycotting Delta, we can draw attention to the larger issue of veteran suicide and mental health. Too often, these issues are swept under the rug, ignored until it’s too late. Banks’ experience serves as a painful reminder that we must do more to support veterans and raise awareness about the mental health challenges they face. A boycott can serve as a catalyst for a national conversation about how we treat our veterans and how companies like Delta can improve their policies to ensure that no one is ever shamed for standing up for such an important cause.
How You Can Participate in the Boycott
If you’re outraged by Delta’s treatment of Catherine Banks and want to take action, here’s how you can join the boycott:
Stop flying with Delta Airlines. Choose alternative airlines that have a track record of treating their passengers—and veterans—with respect.
Spread the word on social media. Share Banks’ story and use hashtags like #BoycottDelta and #SupportVeterans to raise awareness. The more people know about this incident, the greater the pressure will be on Delta to make meaningful changes.
Contact Delta Airlines. Let the company know that you will not support their business until they address the mistreatment of Catherine Banks and make a public commitment to supporting veterans. Delta’s customer service number is 800-455-2720, and their mailing address is P.O. Box 20980, Department 980, Atlanta, GA 30320-2980.
Support veteran organizations. While Delta may have failed to show respect for veterans, you can make a difference by donating to or volunteering with organizations that support veterans’ mental health, such as the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988 then Press 1) or the Wounded Warrior Project.
Time for Change
The incident involving Catherine Banks is a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go in how we treat veterans and address issues of mental health. By boycotting Delta Airlines, we can hold the company accountable for their actions and demand better treatment for veterans. This is not just about one veteran’s experience—it’s about standing up for all veterans and ensuring that their voices are heard, respected, and valued. Let’s make sure that Delta—and all companies—understand that the mistreatment of our nation’s heroes will never be acceptable.
