United, again.

[Old fella]

I saw the vids from another source and couldn't believe what I was seeing, thought it was some sort of fake news site that has it in for airlines. This certainly isn't gonna do United's image any good, probably cost them more in the long run as this pax is probably chatting with lawyers as we type. I would say this guy will get a real good settlement especially now this video is all through the social media sites as national news as well. Why couldn't United deal with it at the gate(I am sure there are lots of ways) instead of boarding the people then demand some get off. This incident is quite troubling, more to the point probably unnerving to those who don't travel very much. I will side with the lawyers on this one and ding United as much as possible.Disgusting images from a Nation/International Air Carrier of the free world...........

WTF is it coming to down there..........

[rookiepilot]

Chicago officer involved was placed on administrative leave. Still nothing from United.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/04/10/ ... off-plane/

I'm sure its still this violent, threatening 69 year old Pax's fault.

Why I am guessing the most virulent Taser-The-Passenger-For-Not-Instantly-Obeying Crowd would be the very same worst acting individuals if put in the same shoes as this guy....just a hunch.

Simple question, Captains: Its your Aircraft. Obviously company screwed up in boarding everyone, then changing their mind. Do you call in the swat team? Or tell company to raise the volunteer price until 2 more people bite and everyone leaves happily?

Shouldn't be complicated.........

[Old fella]

Chicago officer involved was placed on administrative leave. Still nothing from United.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/04/10/ ... off-plane/

I'm sure its still this violent, threatening 69 year old Pax's fault.

Thank Christ for vid capability on smartphones, captures the actual situation and makes cops look quite stupid in some cases with takedowns. It is happening all the time now.

[GyvAir]

Time for a new version with some more serious lyrics?

[rookiepilot]

https://twitter.com/united/status/851471781827420160

United's response:

And this interview on CNBC from former CEO:

"Passenger was immature".

http://www.cnbc.com/2017/04/10/united-i ... -says.html

[rookiepilot]

More on this issue:

Ottawa to introduce legislation allowing flight crew to Taser arguing passengers -- Correction -- sorry -- to address overbooking by airlines:

http://www.bnn.ca/ottawa-to-introduce-l ... g-1.720850

Garneau said,
"We recognize that when a passenger books a ticket, they are entitled to certain rights".


Rick Seaney, CEO of U.S.-based FareCompare.com, said he's never seen something like what happened on board the United Airlines plane.
"You should never let somebody board that you're going to toss," he said from Dallas.

[av8ts]

While I agree this was a bad decision by United to forcibly remove the person, simple fact is that the plane is private property and if they tell you to get off then you get the f$@k off and deal with it at the gate. I have no sympathy for the passenger. I do feel sorry for United for making such a bad decision.

[rookiepilot]

https://twitter.com/UnitedOverBooks/sta ... 0564739074

http://bgr.com/2017/04/10/united-passen ... -reaction/

Personally I'm enjoying some of these tweets. Court of public opinion.

Must be a pleasure working there.

[Old fella]

2017 and the power of 'social media" for all and then some to see what went down. United is looking real stupid(https://twitter.com/UnitedOverBooks/sta ... 0564739074) on this and the pax will probably have the last laugh as he will no doubt win a fine settlement from United. This individual, his family and community will probably never step on a United flight again.

[ehbuddy]

I just spoke to a passenger on my last flight who is a lawyer and he stated the when an Airline sells a ticket to a customer and the money changes hands it becomes a contract between both parties. When the confirmed boarding pass was issued it sealed that contract and unless that passenger broke the contract by smoking, yelling, flight safety issue etc....... they cannot just walk up to him and point a finger and tell him to get off. Now this is one lawyers opinon so do not take this at any face value but it does raise an interesting thought. Lets see what the US courts say about this.

[rookiepilot]

CEO Blames passenger, calls him disruptive and belligerent.

Speechless. Talk about digging your hole deeper, sir.

http://fortune.com/2017/04/10/united-passenger-dragged/

http://www.cnbc.com/2017/04/10/united-c ... erent.html

[Cat Driver]

This story now has become international news.

And gaining strength.

The CEO of United has to be feeling the pressure and by his reactions he is making it worse.

They could have given the passenger a million dollars to give up his seat and they would have been way ahead of where they now are in the court that matters, the court of public opinion.

[rookiepilot]

?. simple fact is that the plane is private property and if they tell you to get off then you get the f$@k off .

Is that using the Taser or Batons first?

Sorry, I have compassion for all human beings, especially those degraded unfairly as this one appeared to be.

[GyvAir]

Despite how bad this looks today and the CEO seeming to have his head up his ass as far as what to say in public statements, this isn't going to have any measurable negative effect on United.

They will issue another statement or two of apology. Then perhaps roll out a sudden seat sale in the coming days. They’ll make extra sure their tickets are a buck lower than the competition on major routes for a month or so. Then back to business as usual. Ridership may even increase for them.

If the customer booking online sees an airline with a reputation for bad service offering ORD-SDF for $598 and the next one down the list with a neutral or good service reputation for $599, we all know who they’re clicking on.

[MrWings]

They made a mistake, just raise the offer a little more and 4 would have volunteered.

Exactly. That should be in the rules.

The airlines overbook to maximize profitability. When bumped, passengers shouldn't have to settle for the first offer.

No takers at $400? How about $500? How about $600? How about $700?

With a full plane, the airline is still making their maximum rev/aircraft minus a few hundred dollars.

[photofly]

It's a basic requirement that every passenger - every single one - obeys lawful instructions from the crew.

So if one passenger isn't compliant, you ask everyone else to get off. If anyone else demurs, the flight is cancelled, there and then. Passengers who comply and deplane on request get re-booked. Those that don't lose their fare.

When you're down to the last guy, you handcuff and arrest him. Or leave him to sit on a dark plane overnight. Whichever.

[rookiepilot]

One more thought for all you in the business.

I know it's hard for crew to understand, but there's actually people out there who are,

A) Anxious about flying period
B) Anxious about the trip they are on (maybe it's a funeral, medical appointment or something stressful)
C) anxious about their life or having other serious issues. Maybe a divorce. Who knows?

Now take those individuals -- maybe some don't fly very often - and put them through the fun and games of bag check, TSA security, Customs, line up at gate, get gate switched, the joy of boarding a packed flight, you think Maybe one or 2 may not be in the best mental / emotional condition to have something like this dropped on them? So....patience....

Just Try looking at it with a touch of compassion from a pax point of view when out there. And most of you do a fantastic job, BTW.

[Black_Tusk]

I've see United offer well over $1000 on a few occasions. I wonder what the problem was here.

This is a great way for a regional feeder to loose their contract. It was United Express, any idea who?

Remember, it wasn't the crew that did this. They called security because he was non compliant and it was security that went a too far. But this isn't the first time someone has been dragged off a plane, nor will it be the last. Listen to directions, even if it means get off. Especially in the USA unless you feel like being assaulted.

[rookiepilot]

It's a basic requirement that every passenger - every single one - obeys lawful instructions from the crew..

The Jury is out on if United'a procedures were even lawful, which makes the CEO's interview even more inappropriate blaming the Passenger.

This link indicates the DOT is investigating:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/201 ... ce=copyurl

[rookiepilot]

I've see United offer well over $1000 on a few occasions. I wonder what the problem was here.

This is a great way for a regional feeder to loose their contract. It was United Express, any idea who?

Remember, it wasn't the crew that did this. They called security because he was non compliant and it was security that went a too far. But this isn't the first time someone has been dragged off a plane, nor will it be the last. Listen to directions, even if it means get off. Especially in the USA unless you feel like being assaulted.

Whose in command of the aircraft?

[Black_Tusk]

Guy on the right.

[Cat Driver]

Remember, it wasn't the crew that did this. They called security because he was non compliant and it was security that went a too far. But this isn't the first time someone has been dragged off a plane, nor will it be the last. Listen to directions, even if it means get off. Especially in the USA unless you feel like being assaulted.

How come you do not hear of bus passengers being physically assaulted because the bus line wanted a seat for their employees?

Or cruise ships having their passengers beat up because they wanted space for their employees?

I can not think of a more degrading experience than what you have to go through to fly on an airline, it is just pure frustration at best.

[Black_Tusk]

Probably because bus lines and cruise ships don't have the TSA and airport police/security who can be some of the most difficult to deal with. You of all people should know that Cat.

[rookiepilot]

Guy on the right.

Got it.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Goj3RGld4mI

[Old fella]

It's a basic requirement that every passenger - every single one - obeys lawful instructions from the crew.

So if one passenger isn't compliant, you ask everyone else to get off. If anyone else demurs, the flight is cancelled, there and then. Passengers who comply and deplane on request get re-booked. Those that don't lose their fare.

When you're down to the last guy, you handcuff and arrest him. Or leave him to sit on a dark plane overnight. Whichever.

Moreover, while all of this is transpiring, out pops multitudes of iPhone 7 or Samsung Galaxy Edge those do HD video real good. Instantaneous posting on Twitter feeds etc.; media pick it up because somebody tipped them off. Meltdown at the gates, cops arrive, drag a few out, elderly frightened, kids crying, parents scared. All being recorded and disseminated real time, transiting passengers from other airlines take note of the gate and airline in question. I have not mentioned lawyers yet but that is for another post.

Yup, that certainly will be some airline executive’s Monday morning wet dream…………