Israel Matzav

You can't go to Saudi Arabia but you can fly Delta

Delta Airlines is denying that Saudia Arabian Airlines joining its Sky Miles program will result in discrimination against its Jewish passengers (Hat Tip: Memeorandum).

First and foremost, I think one of the most important things to mention here is that Delta does not discriminate nor do we condone discrimination against anyone in regards to age, race, nationality, religion, or gender.

That said, some have raised questions about whether Saudi Arabian Airlines' membership in SkyTeam means Delta is adopting any type of policies that could present barriers to travel for some passengers, including Jewish customers. For this particular concern, it's important to realize that visa requirements to enter any country are dictated by that nation's government, not the airlines, and they apply to anyone entering the country regardless of whether it's by plane, bus or train.

We, like all international airlines, are required to comply with all applicable laws governing entry into every country we serve. You as passengers are responsible for obtaining the necessary travel documents, such as visas and certification of required vaccinations, and we're responsible for making sure that you have the proper documentation before you board.

In other words, Delta will still be happy to take your money and let you fly, but 'our friends the Saudis' may not let you in once you get there, and for sure they will not let in your Bible, Crucifix, Tefillin or Star of David. For that matter, they might not let you on the plane either. (if you don't have a visa to enter a country, and need one, the airlines will not fly you, because if you are not admitted to the country, they must return you on the next flight at their expense).

Delta's Sky Miles program is not the only one that includes one or more airlines from the Arab world that have a problem with non-Muslim religious objects. For example, One World, in which American Airlines and British Airways are the lead partners, includes Royal Jordanian Airways, and we know that there have been problems in Jordan in the past with Tefillin and yarmulkas (skullcaps).

But I have a bigger problem with Delta and that's how they list the countries of the 'Middle East' region:

Middle East

>Bahrain; Egypt; Iran, Islamic Republic of; Iraq; Israel; Jordan; Kuwait; Lebanon; Occupied Palestinian Territory; Oman; Qatar; Saudi Arabia; Syrian Arab Republic; United Arab Emirates (composed of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras El Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm Al Qaiwain); Yemen, Republic of; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyzstan; Uzbekistan

Anyone know where that country I highlighted is?

And then there's this at the end of the first article I quoted, which is spot-on:

As the rumor of no-Jews traveled the Internet all day, Detroit rabbi and blogger Jason Miller points out:

The issue here is one of principle. Delta isn't being forced to include Saudi Arabian Airlines into its Sky Team Alliance. In fact, Delta could stand on principle and refuse to include Saudi Arabian Airlines based on its discriminatory policy.

Indeed.

Labels: American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Jordan, One World, Saudi Arabia, Sky Miles

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:50 PM