United offering to rebook passengers from crowded flights
After being stung by criticism over images of packed flights, United Airlines will now allow passengers to re-book on less crowded services.
Customers will be informed if their flight is approaching ‘close to full capacity’ and offer the option to reschedule or take a travel voucher.
United says the vast majority of flights are less than half full but ‘there are a small number of flights where our customers are finding planes fuller than they expect.’
"We’ll do our best to contact them about 24 hours before their departure time so they can decide whether to adjust their plans before they arrive at the airport," a United spokesperson told Fox News.
"As more cities and states begin to open up, we expect that more people will choose to travel."
The new policy is effective through June 30.
The option is also available at the gate once more than 70% of passengers have checked in.
United has updated its boarding procedures with boarding starting back-to-front by rows.
Boarding will be staggered to ensure less crowding in the gate area and on the jet bridge.
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