NASHVILLE (AP) — Two Muslim men who were kicked off an airplane in May after the pilot objected to their presence are suing Delta Air Lines Inc. and Atlantic Southeast Airlines Inc., which operated the flight from Memphis to Charlotte, N.C.

According to a suit filed in federal court in Memphis on Monday, the men went through several security checks. It claims the pilot's stated reason for removing the men was that their presence would make other passengers uncomfortable.

The men are described in the suit as having beards and "traditional Arabic clothing."

The suit seeks compensation for their losses and injuries as well as punitive damages.

Calls to the airlines were not immediately returned.

The men were traveling to attend a conference on how to deal with discrimination against Muslims.