From cnn.com

"Even when local transit police vouched for the agent, the pilot refused to let him board the plane, the council [of American-Islamic Relations] said."

"The agent eventually was sent to another American Airlines flight, but was banned from boarding the aircraft because he had been reported for "suspicious activity," according to the council.

"The agent ultimately took yet another flight to Texas"

"An American Airlines spokesman said the company stands behind its pilot, saying he took appropriate action to protect his aircraft, passengers and crew."

My 2 cents:

AA has decided that re-assuring the majority that its planes are safe is worth any cost to a minority. It is in their financial interests. It is up to the inconvenienced and enraged to decide whether they should continue to patronize this airline.