Elon Musk, the 53-year-old billionaire behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X, is no stranger to controversy. But on May 10, 2025, a seemingly routine flight turned into a public relations nightmare for American Airlines when Musk was forcibly removed from first class over a dispute with the crew. What followed was a masterclass in Musk’s ability to exert his influence, as his response—not in the skies, but on the ground—unleashed a viral storm that shattered the airline’s image forever. As of May 13, 2025, the incident has sparked widespread outrage, legal threats, and renewed debate about customer treatment in the aviation industry, leaving American Airlines scrambling to contain the damage.
The incident occurred on American Airlines Flight 214 from Los Angeles to Washington, DC, where Musk was traveling to meet with officials about his role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk, whose net worth stands at $407 billion, had booked a first-class seat, expecting a quiet flight to strategize after scaling back his DOGE involvement to “just a day or two per week,” a decision he announced in late April to refocus on Tesla amid its 71% profit drop in Q1 2025. Dressed casually in a Tesla cap and hoodie, Musk boarded the flight, his appearance unassuming despite his status as the world’s richest man. But trouble brewed shortly after takeoff when a flight attendant confronted him over a seemingly trivial issue: his refusal to shut down his laptop during the safety briefing.
According to witnesses, the flight attendant, a 30-year veteran named Karen Ellis, insisted that Musk comply with FAA regulations when stowing his device. Musk, known for his disdain for bureaucracy, responded with a joke: “Pretty sure I know more about safety than your manual—I’ve launched rockets into space.” The comment, though classic Musk, didn’t sit well with Ellis, who felt disrespected by his tone. Tensions escalated when Ellis demanded Musk’s compliance, threatening to remove him if he didn’t cooperate. Musk, unfazed, continued typing, prompting Ellis to alert the captain. Within minutes, the plane returned to the gate, and Musk was escorted out by security, his removal captured on video by other passengers who immediately recognized the billionaire.
The footage, which shows Musk from the plane as he calmly held his laptop, went viral on X within hours, racking up more than 25 million views by May 11, 2025. Passengers can be heard screaming in disbelief, with one shouting: “That’s Elon Musk, you can’t kick him!” Another passenger, a tech enthusiast named Ryan Carter, tweeted: “American Airlines just removed Elon Musk from first class over a laptop dispute. This is crazy, they will regret this.” The hashtag #AmericanairLinesfail was trending worldwide, with users condemning the airline for what many saw as overreach. “Elon Musk builds rockets and cars that save the planet, and AA kicks him for using a laptop? What a joke,” one user wrote, echoing a sentiment shared by millions.
American Airlines initially stood by its decision, issuing a statement on May 10 that cited FAA regulations and emphasized its commitment to safety. “All passengers, regardless of status, must comply with safety protocols,” the statement read. “Mr. Musk’s refusal to follow the crew’s instructions necessitated his removal from the flight.” But the airline’s response only fueled the backlash, as Musk’s legion of followers, frustrated by Tesla’s recent challenges, including protests over his political involvement with Trump, seized on the incident as a personal attack on their icon. Musk’s political stances, including his $291 million in donations to 2024 Republican candidates, had already alienated some Tesla customers, but this incident united his base in a way few events had before.
What Musk did next turned a PR crisis into a full-blown disaster for American Airlines. Hours after his removal, Musk took to X, where he commands more than 200 million followers, and unleashed a scathing critique of the airline. “American Airlines treats passengers like cattle, bringing me in for working on my laptop while their own planes clip their wings and catch fire,” he wrote, referencing recent incidents involving US airlines, including a wing-clipping event at Reagan National Airport and an emergency landing in Denver where a plane burst into flames on the tarmac. He followed up with a bombshell announcement: “Starlink will offer free Wi-Fi to all airlines except American Airlines, see how they handle the competition when passengers can’t even work in peace.”
The announcement sent shockwaves through the aviation industry. Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet service, had recently partnered with United Airlines to launch high-speed Wi-Fi on regional jets, a move hailed as “game-changing” for in-flight connectivity. Musk’s decision to exclude American Airlines from this service was a devastating blow, as passengers increasingly prioritize internet access when choosing flights. Within hours, American Airlines shares plummeted 12%, wiping out billions in market value. Social media erupted with memes mocking the airline, with one viral image showing a plane labeled “American Airlines” crashing while a Starlink satellite soared above. “Musk just grounded AA without even leaving the ground,” one user joked.
The fallout didn’t stop there. On May 11, 2025, Musk escalated his response by filing a $500 million lawsuit against American Airlines, alleging defamation, emotional distress, and breach of contract. The lawsuit claimed the airline’s actions damaged Musk’s reputation and disrupted his ability to conduct business, particularly given his role in Doge and Tesla’s ongoing efforts to recover from a sales slump. Legal experts were divided on the merits of the lawsuit, with some arguing it was a long shot, while others saw it as a strategic move to pressure the airline into a settlement. “Musk knows how to play the game,” said UCLA law professor Jon Michaels. “It’s not just about the money; it’s about making American Airlines a cautionary tale.”
American Airlines’ image, already battered by recent safety incidents, took a hit. Passengers began canceling reservations, with some citing Musk’s treatment as the final straw. A grassroots campaign, #BoyCottAmericanairlines, gained traction, with influencers and Tesla fans urging their followers to switch to competitors like United, which was now boasting Starlink Wi-Fi. By May 12, 2025, the airline issued a second statement, this time apologizing to Musk and announcing an internal review of the incident. “We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to Mr. Musk and are committed to ensuring this does not happen again,” the statement read. But the apology was considered too little, too late, and many accused the airline of caving to pressure rather than addressing systemic problems.
The incident also reignited debates about Musk’s polarizing influence. His political involvement, including his role in Doge and his support for Trump, had already strained Tesla’s brand, with sales falling 13% in the first quarter of 2025 amid protests from green customers. Yet this event showcased Musk’s ability to leverage his platform for maximum impact, turning a personal slight into a corporate calculation. Supporters hailed him as a champion of the little guy, pointing to his Starlink announcement as a way to empower passengers. Critics, however, accused him of bullying the airline, arguing that his wealth and influence gave him an unfair advantage. “Musk can’t handle being told ‘no,’ so he throws a tantrum and takes over a company,” wrote one detractor on X.
For American Airlines, the damage may be irreparable. The airline industry in 2025 is already grappling with increased scrutiny over safety, as evidenced by recent incidents like the Denver fire and the Reagan wing clipping event. Musk’s actions have amplified these concerns, positioning American Airlines as a symbol of corporate arrogance at a time when passengers are demanding better treatment. Analysts predict the airline will face months, if not years, of reputational repair, with some suggesting it may need a complete rebrand to recover—a marketing strategy that marketing experts have recommended for companies facing similar crises, much like airlines after the disaster.
As for Musk, the incident has only solidified his reputation as a disruptor. While Tesla’s challenges remain—declining sales, a tarnished brand, and a stock price down 50% from its peak—its ability to command global attention is undiminished. The Starlink Wi-Fi announcement has positioned SpaceX as a game-changer in aviation, potentially reshaping passenger expectations for connectivity. And Musk’s lawsuit ensures that American Airlines will feel the repercussions of this incident for years to come. In one fell swoop, Musk turned a first-class extraction into a first-class demolition, shattering the airline’s image forever and reminding the world that crossing it comes at a steep price.
