SFO Incident: American Airlines Passenger Removed After Onboard Dispute

American Airlines removed Peter “Kobe” Nguyen from flight AA2860 on August 4, 2025, at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) after crew reported he vaped in the lavatory and argued with staff. The airline cited disruptive behavior and said an internal review is underway.

Nguyen, who flew from Phoenix to SFO, recorded crew during the confrontation, accused a flight attendant of assault, and threatened legal action and social media exposure. There’s no evidence the crew member assaulted him. He was escorted off the aircraft upon arrival without further incident, according to the airline.

American Airlines said in a statement: “A customer on American Airlines flight 2860 with service from Phoenix (PHX) to San Francisco (SFO) was removed from the aircraft upon arrival at SFO due to disruptive behavior. We thank our customers for their patience and apologize for any inconvenience.”

Why the removal matters now

This case comes amid heightened scrutiny of airline removals and follows American Airlines’ policy overhaul that took effect in late 2024. The airline tightened rules after public criticism and lawsuits — including a case where eight Black passengers were removed over an “offensive odor” complaint.

Civil rights groups and regulators have pressed carriers to show fair, consistent decisions when conflicts arise onboard. The timing of the SFO incident makes the airline’s handling and follow-up particularly consequential.

What the updated policy requires

American Airlines says its updated policy limits removals to safety or security threats, adding procedural guardrails to reduce subjective decisions. Key elements include:

• Removals for non-safety issues should start from customer complaints, not crew.
• Crews must try to resolve issues without removal.
• De-escalation is required. A second crew member should assist before removal is considered.
• For non-safety cases, the captain must consult a Customer Resolution Officer (CRO) before authorizing removal.
• Anti-discrimination rules are explicit, covering race, gender, religion, color, sexual orientation, and national origin.
• Every removal must be documented, and the airline commits to reviewing incidents for policy compliance.

Experts say the updates match industry best practices, but consistent training and strict enforcement will determine whether trust is rebuilt. Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests success depends on day-to-day enforcement, not just written policy.

How the SFO incident fits the rules

Vaping on a plane violates federal law and onboard safety rules. Smoke detectors can trigger alarms, and e-cigarette batteries pose fire risks. In this case, crew reported vaping and escalating behavior.

Under the policy, the expected steps are:

1. Attempt de-escalation.
2. Involve a second attendant.
3. If not a direct safety threat but still tense, the captain consults the CRO before removal.

American Airlines says it is reviewing the incident internally. That review typically relies on:

• Crew reports
• Cabin camera footage (where available)
• Follow-up with airport staff who handled the arrival

What passengers should know if confronted onboard

Passengers asking what to do if facing removal can follow these steps to protect their rights and help keep the situation calm:

1. Follow instructions immediately. Complying lowers the chance of removal.
2. Ask for clarity using calm language: “Can you explain what I did wrong, and what I need to do next to fix it?”
3. Request de-escalation: “Could another crew member join us?” — this prompts the airline’s expected second-crew step.
4. Note the process: If removal is discussed for a non-safety issue, ask if the captain has consulted the CRO.
5. After landing, seek review: Keep your boarding pass, note the flight number/time, and file with American Airlines Customer Relations and, if needed, the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Contact points for help

• American Airlines Customer Relations: aa.com/contact, 1-800-433-7300
• U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection: transportation.gov/airconsumer

Recent cases and continuing scrutiny

• On June 9, 2025, a travel blogger was removed from an American Airlines JFK-LHR flight after a dispute over overhead bin space. Critics said it wasn’t a safety issue and questioned whether the airline followed de-escalation and CRO consultation steps. American Airlines apologized and offered compensation.

These cases show the difficulty of balancing crew authority and passenger rights in real time. Civil rights advocates continue to press for transparency and accountability.

Civil rights advocates: what they want

Groups such as the NAACP are watching how airlines apply anti-discrimination promises. Their demands include:

• Data on removals and outcomes
• Consistent training for crew and CROs
• Independent reviews when removals involve subjective judgments (odor, attitude, seating disputes)

This pressure likely influenced American Airlines’ stronger documentation and review requirements.

What this means for SFO travelers

SFO is a busy hub with frequent American service. Travelers should expect:

• Firmer action on vaping and tampering with lavatory smoke detectors.
• More steps to calm conflicts before removal, especially for non-safety disputes.
• If you believe a removal was unfair, ask how the CRO decision was made and request the incident record after the flight.

Practical tips to avoid trouble

• Do not vape or smoke anywhere on the aircraft, including e-cigarettes in the lavatory.
• Keep phone use calm. Recording is often legal, but pointing a camera at crew or refusing to stop can be seen as disruptive.
• Use respectful language — short, polite phrases help: “I’ll comply,” “I’m sorry,” “What’s the next step?”
• If you have a complaint about a crew member, wait until after the flight and file it in writing with specifics.

Voices from analysts and airline officials

Aviation analysts say the rules look solid on paper and align with federal expectations. They stress that:

• Repeated training and clear, quick CRO consultations are the real test.
• Airline officials emphasize safety and dignity, and promise ongoing reviews to adjust procedures if problems persist.

What’s next

American Airlines plans continued monitoring of removals and the policy’s impact. If complaints rise or regulators press harder, more changes could come. Other U.S. carriers are also reviewing their policies, watching public reaction and legal risk.

For immigrants and visitors flying within the United States, these rules matter. Many travelers fear a misunderstanding could affect future trips or — for noncitizens — trigger extra questions at the airport. While a removal from a flight does not by itself affect immigration status, confrontations that lead to police contact can create stress and delays.

Keep documents handy, stay calm, and handle disputes after landing through formal channels.

Community impact at a glance

• Passengers: Clearer steps and more transparency; less chance of removal for minor issues.
• Crew: More guidance and shared responsibility; documentation protects staff and passengers.
• Advocacy groups: Continued calls for data, fairness, and accountability.
• Airports: Smoother arrivals when onboard conflicts are managed early and resolved without law enforcement.

Bottom line for SFO travelers

In the case of Peter “Kobe” Nguyen, American Airlines says the removal followed disruptive behavior tied to vaping and a heated exchange. The airline’s policy expects de-escalation and review in non-safety disputes, but vaping itself implicates safety rules, raising the stakes.

If you face a conflict onboard:

• Comply first
• Ask for a second crew member
• Seek a post-flight review

That approach protects your trip and strengthens your case if you later challenge the decision.