Asalaamu alaikum, Because of the circumstances facing Muslims, especially during travel by airplanes, my husband insists that we pray fard prayer while sitting during flight. Is this permissible? Jazaakom Allahu khairun.

AAWW

Praying the obligatory prayers while sitting in the airport is not acceptable. But while traveling in the airplane, it is acceptable if standing is not possible- which is most probably the case- . When doing so, you do not need to repeat/makeup the prayer.

The above rule is because of the physical inability to stand and face the Qiblah and not because of the circumstances facing the Muslims in the US. When able to stand, it is our duty to educate our fellow Americans that what we are doing is simply performing a  prayer and not anything else!