United in social media backlash after dragging doctor from plane
United Airlines has come under a barrage of criticism for the way a paying passenger was forcibly removed from his seat so a member of staff could travel in it.
The man was one of four people randomly selected to get off the flight from Chicago O’Hare airport to Louisville on Sunday evening.
He refused, so was pulled out of his seat and dragged along the aisle by three burly security guards.
Shortly before take-off, United asked for volunteers to give up their seats to make way for four members of United Airlines’ crew, who were required in Louisville.
Passengers were offered $400 and a hotel stay if they would take a flight the following day, but no-one came forward, so the offer was doubled to $800.
Still no-one came forward, so four passengers were chosen at random.
The man, who was travelling with his wife and was already strapped in his seat, told cabin crew he was a doctor and had patients to treat the next day.
Back up was called and three officers were filmed pulling the man from his seat, bashing his head against an arm rest and dragging him down the aisle with blood coming from his mouth.
Passengers said they were distressed by the scene and children were crying as the man screamed while he was being manhandled.
After being removed from the aircraft, the man apparently broke free from the guards and ran back on board with a bloody face, saying ‘I have to go home’.
The plane took off two hours later.
United Airlines said: "Flight 3411 from Chicago to Louisville was overbooked. After our team looked for volunteers, one customer refused to leave the aircraft voluntarily and law enforcement was asked to come to the gate. We apologize for the overbook situation."
Airline spokesman Charlie Hobart added:~"We followed the right procedures. That plane had to depart."
It is the second time United Airlines has been criticised on social media over policy in two weeks.
A fortnight ago, TravelMole reported the airline was the subject of a social media storm when two teenage girls were not allowed to board because they were wearing leggings.
United chief executive Oscar Munoz made the following statement last night: "This is an upsetting event to all of us here at United. I apologize for having to re-accommodate these customers. Our team is moving with a sense of urgency to work with the authorities and conduct our own detailed review of what happened. We are also reaching out to this passenger to talk directly to him and further address and resolve this situation."
A letter from Munoz to his employees at United was later published online, in which the airline boss said he ‘stands behind’ all the company’s staff.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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