General Discussion

frazzled

(18,402 posts)

100. I just returned from a flight ...

Mon Apr 10, 2017, 10:05 AM

Apr 2017

where the plane was overbooked, and as my mate had been sent for random (additional) security check at the gate to another gate (they do this in Europe), I was sitting there alone when they announced the plane was overbooked. They offered a three-hour delayed rebooking to a plane that would fly to Warsaw and then on to our US destination, a voucher for free travel, plus 600 Euros. I thought the prospect of 1,200 Euro plus two trip vouchers was a pretty good deal, but I was not going to make that decision myself. Plus, we just wanted to get back home. When my husband returned, his eyes widened a bit when I told him, but we agreed we didn't want to fly to another airport in Warsaw and schlep around and get back late. It wasn't even necessary: they apparently got their volunteers very quickly, because the offer was not repeated and we boarded the plane shortly after. This was Austrian Airlines, where efficiency is everywhere evident.

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Physician removed forcibly from United flight after overbooking--UPDATED [View all] FDRsGhost Apr 2017 OP

Every now and then the privileged class lose their privilege dembotoz Apr 2017 #1

He's a doctor who needed to see patients FDRsGhost Apr 2017 #4

The patient would have gone to the ER HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #9

And if the patient was already hospitalized? FDRsGhost Apr 2017 #11

Then there should be many many doctors in that setting HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #15

True but as someone with a rare disease myself FDRsGhost Apr 2017 #31

Everything is so perfect and ordered in your world isn't it? former9thward Apr 2017 #41

Yes it is HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #46

Talk about privilege. JTFrog Apr 2017 #76

Yup janterry Apr 2017 #365

HoneyBadger deepcover Apr 2017 #166

I do not but would like links HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #197

Not all doctors are equally capable. thesquanderer Apr 2017 #103

We are not machines. Doctors are not interchangeable TXCritter Apr 2017 #159

I see doctors all the time HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #215

You're dead wrong... tallahasseedem Apr 2017 #234

Depends on the patient cab67 Apr 2017 #279

Because you have never needed to see a specific doctor, they are therefore all interchangable? uppityperson Apr 2017 #302

Wow. You are obviously extremely lucky with your health. Ms. Toad Apr 2017 #316

I am sympathetic to your family's rare circumstance and wish for the best outcome HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #336

It is an interesting juggling act. Ms. Toad Apr 2017 #373

This is ridiculous. Ignored. anneboleyn Apr 2017 #379

That seems factual HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #382

Lucky you. My father had to wait several weeks for a surgery even though he was told femmedem Apr 2017 #406

So were any white people knocked unconscious? DK504 Apr 2017 #150

Oh, for Fuck's sake....This sounds a lot more like an employee prefence whathehell Apr 2017 #320

Sounds racial to me and the guy is 69 yrs old - kicking seniors off planes - great womanofthehills Apr 2017 #427

Yeah, to some people everything does.. whathehell Apr 2017 #437

True that, they should pick younger people treestar Apr 2017 #448

Seriously? athena Apr 2017 #98

Given that we are all pushing for single payer HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #124

Are you also against having to yield for ambulances? athena Apr 2017 #179

Yes, yield to ambulances that are on their way to emergencies HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #207

I find this post relevant to top rated specialists HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #243

Why do you assume he works in a hospital? What if he was in private practice with no coverage? synergie Apr 2017 #184

Because Honey Badger knows all BannonsLiver Apr 2017 #217

It was stated by the OP somewhere in this thread, please delete your post HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #223

Passengers said he works in a hospital - and he's one yr short of 70 yrs old womanofthehills Apr 2017 #430

That's what people assume when they hear doctor and patient and older guys synergie Apr 2017 #439

Um that is bullshit Horse with no Name Apr 2017 #213

Are you saying that no other doctor could do what he does? HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #219

There are 2 others Horse with no Name Apr 2017 #280

How does one get worldwide health coverage? HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #381

I don't work with reimbursement so I am Horse with no Name Apr 2017 #410

Are you saying, senior citizens should be kicked off the plane first womanofthehills Apr 2017 #432

It did not have anything to do with age HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #444

Fuck Fascist United Airlines NewRedDawn Apr 2017 #402

Judging from more informative articles, it would not have been a single patient. synergie Apr 2017 #109

And what if those 4 employees were on their way to work flights that carried even more vital doctors HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #127

Even if the gentleman was retired and had no patients waiting for him, synergie Apr 2017 #182

Did United actually attack him? HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #209

That apparently acted on being involved by United. Yes? Lyricalinklines Apr 2017 #249

When you call the police, you are responsible for their actions? HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #254

I see we could be comparing apples and oranges here. Lyricalinklines Apr 2017 #267

Watch the video. United is responsible here, their own incompetence. synergie Apr 2017 #272

Why couldn't United offer cash instead of paltry vouchers? athena Apr 2017 #183

Two recent trips that I took Horse with no Name Apr 2017 #218

Wow. So all you get is a voucher, and beyond that you're on your own. athena Apr 2017 #228

And those vouchers Bettie Apr 2017 #246

Yes. Vouchers only. This was Southwest Horse with no Name Apr 2017 #282

I hear that's why I don't need insurance. Iggo Apr 2017 #231

You have got to be kidding me Sanity Claws Apr 2017 #263

PLEASE tell me that you forgot the sarcasm icon, and that you do not actually support UA's niyad Apr 2017 #344

Yeah, great thinking, honeybadger. Just go to the ER! They will be up on your condition and your anneboleyn Apr 2017 #380

Now the doctor will have to go to the ER - another video face covered with blood womanofthehills Apr 2017 #418

I agree with you on this. Also, asking for volunteers, and forceably removing people doesn't sound still_one Apr 2017 #73

Here's my quick analysis... Adrahil Apr 2017 #91

I am not sure if the lawsuit will fail. Besides the physical harm done to the physician, how did still_one Apr 2017 #101

It won't matter, I'm betting. Adrahil Apr 2017 #169

but physical injury KT2000 Apr 2017 #339

+1 dalton99a Apr 2017 #416

"Terms and conditions matter"...? regnaD kciN Apr 2017 #440

That's interesting. I hope you're right. NT Adrahil Apr 2017 #445

United does this ALL THE TIME! EVERY flight. Grins Apr 2017 #132

I'm sure they do. I'm sure every airline does this. Adrahil Apr 2017 #171

Not exactly correct Suburban Warrior Apr 2017 #180

We shall see. Adrahil Apr 2017 #190

If a crew member told you to jump off a moving plane, would you do it? gyroscope Apr 2017 #403

PLEASE UNDERSTAND!!!!!! Adrahil Apr 2017 #407

It's your third point that I dont' get. Ms. Toad Apr 2017 #321

I have only once.... Adrahil Apr 2017 #411

This is beyond odd.. Cha Apr 2017 #409

They seem to have clarified.... Adrahil Apr 2017 #412

oh jesus i. christ on a trampoline you don't think another doctor has his skills? snooper2 Apr 2017 #82

Yay united! BannonsLiver Apr 2017 #221

It depends. Often doctors work along, especially some specialties. uppityperson Apr 2017 #306

EVERYBODY has a job they need to get to... TheDebbieDee Apr 2017 #308

While I generally agree with your conclusion, it's unclear this is an example of it. CincyDem Apr 2017 #18

Another article states they were up to $800 exboyfil Apr 2017 #30

All kinds of things might be going on. cab67 Apr 2017 #52

They should have offered cash. athena Apr 2017 #53

I just returned from a flight ... frazzled Apr 2017 #100

That's my take. If it was so damn important to get these other 4 people on the plane THEY overbooked Warren DeMontague Apr 2017 #441

I think the word is "voluntold" :) FDRsGhost Apr 2017 #32

Boom - exactamundo. Great word. I'll have to remember that one. thanks. n/t CincyDem Apr 2017 #66

A physician is not "the privileged class". athena Apr 2017 #61

Also, the doctor in this instance is visibly of Asian origin and speaks Tanuki Apr 2017 #95

I believe that's how the "computer" chose him dalton99a Apr 2017 #125

United said that minors and "families" are permitted to stay. They chose an Asian man by himself anneboleyn Apr 2017 #378

Yeah, the blind authoritarianism and Big-Business-Is-Always-Right/blame-the-victim attitude is dalton99a Apr 2017 #394

Just because you're a passenger on a plane Duppers Apr 2017 #102

Are you effing kidding me? crim son Apr 2017 #153

he probably does not believe KT2000 Apr 2017 #431

Posts like this remind me why I leave this site tymorial Apr 2017 #212

Ugly isn't it? BannonsLiver Apr 2017 #237

Alleged is right. grossproffit Apr 2017 #245

I agree with you. That comment does take the cake. grossproffit Apr 2017 #242

I put the person on ignore as every comment lately is troll garbage. It has no place on DU anneboleyn Apr 2017 #383

HE was in economy BannonsLiver Apr 2017 #214

I was going to ignore this comment but just can't matt819 Apr 2017 #257

Doctors travelling (in economy) are now "privileged class"? taught_me_patience Apr 2017 #325

This is my thought, too. janterry Apr 2017 #363

So you have no problem with kicking off a 69 yr man and his wife - seniors I would say womanofthehills Apr 2017 #428

"refused to leave the aircraft voluntarily" tanyev Apr 2017 #2

He's also Asian. This won't bode well for United. FDRsGhost Apr 2017 #6

Bumped alanbudda Apr 2017 #3

lol right? FDRsGhost Apr 2017 #8

I take my work commitments seriously, but that's just me I guess. Lucky Luciano Apr 2017 #48

Wow, U R mad seriouz... ExciteBike66 Apr 2017 #62

why you posting at work? snooper2 Apr 2017 #85

Have to wait for my code to run. Lucky Luciano Apr 2017 #97

SURE snooper2 Apr 2017 #112

LOL - some truth to that! Lucky Luciano Apr 2017 #129

Nothing wrong with taking a mental health day. cwydro Apr 2017 #134

Totally ok. Lucky Luciano Apr 2017 #148

Go clean the lunch room counter top. Empty junk from fridge. Do it now. Hassin Bin Sober Apr 2017 #194

"empty junk from fridge." in most places that whistler162 Apr 2017 #413

A doctor or lawyer is no more important or less important than anyone else democratisphere Apr 2017 #5

A doctor most certainly is, sorry FDRsGhost Apr 2017 #7

"Most certainly?" Not necessarily. Orrex Apr 2017 #21

I've seen a few things on twitter FDRsGhost Apr 2017 #35

Give me a break. Life or death.. and the guy has to fly somewhere to be there tomorrow. pangaia Apr 2017 #33

I do. FDRsGhost Apr 2017 #40

Airlines generally seem to have a good deal of latitude... Orrex Apr 2017 #54

. jberryhill Apr 2017 #106

The hit to their image comes every time the skytrax ratings come out BannonsLiver Apr 2017 #255

All of that notwithstanding... Orrex Apr 2017 #261

My neighbour is having open heart surgery sometime on the weekend OnlinePoker Apr 2017 #63

What if the specialist was booked on the other flight which needed the crew? jberryhill Apr 2017 #110

THEN UNITED SHOULDNT OVERBOOK THE FUCKING PLANE. THAT IS THE ANSWER. FULL STOP. anneboleyn Apr 2017 #384

The flight was not overbooked jberryhill Apr 2017 #421

Well, you have a point. pangaia Apr 2017 #131

Even blood donations, banked blood, comes into play here. Ilsa Apr 2017 #392

A doctor and a lawyer are very different things for goodness sake Kentonio Apr 2017 #29

Yeah you'd want to be careful not to bump the lawyer, they'd be more likely to sue. n/t PoliticAverse Apr 2017 #276

Lawyers never sue for fees treestar Apr 2017 #451

Yeah, unless you're the one that HAS to see the doctor... LakeArenal Apr 2017 #34

How long have you been with United? BannonsLiver Apr 2017 #251

If a lawyer has a trial tomorrow treestar Apr 2017 #270

I never fly in the day before a court appearance jberryhill Apr 2017 #423

The dark-skinned male immigrant somehow drew the short straw BeyondGeography Apr 2017 #10

But he was randomly selected by computer dalton99a Apr 2017 #19

United already said they leave families and minors alone. That isn't "random" anymore. anneboleyn Apr 2017 #385

He was not alone - his wife was kicked off with him womanofthehills Apr 2017 #420

The airlines used to make it attractive to give up your seat Hokie Apr 2017 #12

They offered $400 at first and then $800 before randomly choosing passengers. n/t tammywammy Apr 2017 #24

Free Market which the airlines love using to their advantage rpannier Apr 2017 #43

Free market says that they should have kept increasing the amount lapfog_1 Apr 2017 #65

This is the correct answer. kcr Apr 2017 #165

The doctor is going to see big bucks on this one. mikeysnot Apr 2017 #195

Yes and no FBaggins Apr 2017 #374

That's what I think. Ilsa Apr 2017 #393

That's $400 or $800 in vouchers, not cash. athena Apr 2017 #67

Yeah vouchers vs cash makes a big difference Hokie Apr 2017 #79

Exactly. Fuck those puny vouchers. That hardly makes up for the cost of missing a flight. SunSeeker Apr 2017 #81

Why not a first class ticket to the destination of the person's choice? CrispyQ Apr 2017 #156

Of all the people to remove by force DFW Apr 2017 #13

Count me among the well traveled JustAnotherGen Apr 2017 #16

I live in Korea rpannier Apr 2017 #47

I fly united a lot... cab67 Apr 2017 #56

I don't fly anymore, but for a couple decades I did. ALWAYS a foreign airline. Loved Lufthansa! WinkyDink Apr 2017 #69

I live where their headquarters and hub are .I never take United despite thier discounted hub prices lunasun Apr 2017 #25

I have a "3 state rule" where if the distance I'm traveling is within lapfog_1 Apr 2017 #86

I'm with you. If I can reach my destination in 24 hours or less, I drive. Coventina Apr 2017 #116

13 or 14 hours of driving and it starts to be lapfog_1 Apr 2017 #137

I just read this post to my wife MurrayDelph Apr 2017 #202

I try never to drive. DFW Apr 2017 #343

I would love to take a train... lapfog_1 Apr 2017 #438

In Europe, it's really the only option for most. DFW Apr 2017 #446

This is crazy. Don't they resolve overbooking before boarding? They apologize for overbooking but Justice Apr 2017 #14

They dragged him off the plane, injured him, and put him back on. dalton99a Apr 2017 #20

Oh he was put back on? FDRsGhost Apr 2017 #36

Yes. dalton99a Apr 2017 #42

Wow I smell lawsuit FDRsGhost Apr 2017 #45

Reports say he ran back on - not was put back on - he is 69 yrs old & was with his wife womanofthehills Apr 2017 #426

Is he on the no fly list now? HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #17

Maybe he was bumped for wearing leggings. Orrex Apr 2017 #22

Wow. United is horrible!!! I hope they get sued. People should not be treated like this. AgadorSparticus Apr 2017 #23

OR, United jehop61 Apr 2017 #26

Exactly. athena Apr 2017 #70

If the flight was overbooked, no non-revs... 3catwoman3 Apr 2017 #84

"Why don't they "bump" one of their own employees" jberryhill Apr 2017 #92

understood... cab67 Apr 2017 #113

There was severe weather on Thursday, and schedule problems have a ripple effect jberryhill Apr 2017 #120

I'll bet the lawsuits will be more than sending their employees by private jet n/t n2doc Apr 2017 #347

EXACTLY. This incident disgusts me. And why the hell were the police involved? Beyond Orwell. anneboleyn Apr 2017 #386

I have to admit that overbooking is a big issue for some airlines.... Sancho Apr 2017 #27

That first article is an eye-opener. athena Apr 2017 #74

Delta's approach is a pretty sensible way of doing things. geek tragedy Apr 2017 #172

Delta has horrible customer service athena Apr 2017 #285

Delta isn't great, but it's better than United. geek tragedy Apr 2017 #289

those are really interesting--thanks! n/t renate Apr 2017 #284

one would think that a flight would want to keep a doctor on... Javaman Apr 2017 #28

Exactly! Duppers Apr 2017 #105

"Is there a Doctor in the house?" 90-percent Apr 2017 #128

But But.... they apologized..... LakeArenal Apr 2017 #37

Let United know how you feel about this bullshit Foamfollower Apr 2017 #38

When I was growing up we used to play musical chairs in grade school ToxMarz Apr 2017 #39

It wasn't even for paying passengers, it was for a flight crew for a flight the next day. tammywammy Apr 2017 #50

Really? That's just stupid Hokie Apr 2017 #64

If that flight was the next day, there is absolutely no excuse. They could have rented a car. Hassin Bin Sober Apr 2017 #205

I used to take voluntary bumps all the time. MineralMan Apr 2017 #44

Unless you're dragged off XD FDRsGhost Apr 2017 #49

yes people have to understand they are not handing you the $$ amount negotiated and comes with many lunasun Apr 2017 #247

It used to be a great deal. MineralMan Apr 2017 #269

You weren't working the system. This is what THEY wanted. AgadorSparticus Apr 2017 #424

Perhaps not, but it let me visit many places at a time when MineralMan Apr 2017 #449

If the plane was full - why did they have to remove anyone? jpak Apr 2017 #51

Usually, they do. cab67 Apr 2017 #57

Only fly United when I have to.. only fly at all when I have to. mountain grammy Apr 2017 #55

I gave up flying. BeekeeperInVermont Apr 2017 #68

The price I pay to visit grandkids. mountain grammy Apr 2017 #72

So much for their old jingle SCVDem Apr 2017 #58

the skies are friendly, but the runway is down right hostile nt geek tragedy Apr 2017 #163

Can someone explain the rationale behind doing this? cab67 Apr 2017 #59

Oversells and no-shows/cancels are intended to cancel each other out. geek tragedy Apr 2017 #227

For what it's worth, cab67 Apr 2017 #274

I'll take a voluntary bump if I don't have anywhere to be that day crazycatlady Apr 2017 #60

Really? athena Apr 2017 #273

They have computer system that tells how many seats are on that particular turbinetree Apr 2017 #71

This is fucking disgraceful. Sculpin Beauregard Apr 2017 #75

Indeed it is. I'm embarrassed for my country. SunSeeker Apr 2017 #89

Exactly eom LittleGirl Apr 2017 #123

If he's already on the plane, why pull him off? Victor_c3 Apr 2017 #77

Someone said it was to get another crew to Lousiville for another flight Hokie Apr 2017 #80

Just got finished checking my twitter... this has blown up bigly OKNancy Apr 2017 #78

Did they then give the seat to someone not yet boarded?!? HAB911 Apr 2017 #83

he was kicked off for United empolyees OKNancy Apr 2017 #88

WHO got the seat?! HAB911 Apr 2017 #87

An airline employee Victor_c3 Apr 2017 #90

United is now on my shitlist HAB911 Apr 2017 #93

Mine too. Duppers Apr 2017 #107

I think this is the best source to read ( so far) OKNancy Apr 2017 #94

Are you advocating the treatment a customer received based on practiced business action? Lyricalinklines Apr 2017 #140

This is horrifying. It is literally Nazi behavior. yardwork Apr 2017 #366

Hopefully he'll be able to retire after the lawsuit malaise Apr 2017 #96

I hope so HAB911 Apr 2017 #99

For real. Out of all the choices United had, they chose the worst and most degrading way suffragette Apr 2017 #250

We peons are treated worse than cattle malaise Apr 2017 #360

Yup, cash cows. They made him bleed rather than offer more financial incentive for volunteers suffragette Apr 2017 #388

He will either own a hospital or an airline after this. nikibatts Apr 2017 #104

They used to let the passengers deal with this on their own jberryhill Apr 2017 #108

With this PR, UA may never have to overbook again, hopefully HAB911 Apr 2017 #111

Pigs will be pigs nt lillypaddle Apr 2017 #114

Apparently he and his wife were bumped so United personnel could board the flight. SunSeeker Apr 2017 #115

WTF? Responders are focusing on the airlines and not the unjust overuse of physical force? Lyricalinklines Apr 2017 #117

+1 dalton99a Apr 2017 #119

There are posts responding to that aspect of it, but yes. That is the part of the story kcr Apr 2017 #135

Reward? Lyricalinklines Apr 2017 #145

I'm sorry, forgive me for using the wrong word. kcr Apr 2017 #158

Absolutely, the physical mistreatment was my point. Lyricalinklines Apr 2017 #181

What I don't understand about this story... brooklynite Apr 2017 #118

Flight crew needed at the other end jberryhill Apr 2017 #121

And that flight could have been carrying organs for transplant, many vital doctors, children in need HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #133

. jberryhill Apr 2017 #136

seriously? Lyricalinklines Apr 2017 #142

What a ridiculous statement jberryhill Apr 2017 #147

interesting to me Lyricalinklines Apr 2017 #151

Again what an absurd statement jberryhill Apr 2017 #164

I see you clarify in your second response ... Lyricalinklines Apr 2017 #200

Why couldn't the crew be driven by bus or limousine at United's expense? athena Apr 2017 #198

Because of FAA rest requirements jberryhill Apr 2017 #299

The crew that needed to be on this flight as passengers. Why couldn't they be driven by car vs plane uppityperson Apr 2017 #327

Is that really a serious question? jberryhill Apr 2017 #351

Yes, that was a serious question. Thank you for answering. Did this plane land and they get to bed uppityperson Apr 2017 #358

You don't seem to understand the answer jberryhill Apr 2017 #361

That's what I've seen on numerous occasions. dalton99a Apr 2017 #122

First come, first served Lyricalinklines Apr 2017 #126

Federal law states: (14 C.F.R. 91.11, 121.580, 135.120.) discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #130

here are united's rules OKNancy Apr 2017 #146

AFAIK the flight wasn't oversold discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #376

You've pointed out the federal law, but it's being misused too my thinking Lyricalinklines Apr 2017 #149

My understanding is that the flight was not oversold discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #173

Not being oversold would account for seated passengers... Lyricalinklines Apr 2017 #240

The video I saw of the removal included... discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #264

" I do hope this man is prosecuted. " geek tragedy Apr 2017 #157

?? puzzling response... discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #174

in my country, people are not conditioned to be obedient to incompetent geek tragedy Apr 2017 #177

re: "Maybe the jackboots in question thought this was a Trump rally." discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #256

the airline resorted to violence rather than boosting their anemic offer of $800 vouchers geek tragedy Apr 2017 #262

I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) the airline resorted to the police discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #271

$800 voucher to have to fly United again not such a value. geek tragedy Apr 2017 #278

I'm not trying to say you're wrong, I just understand the position of the aircraft and gate crew discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #296

was it their call to limit the offer to $800 vouchers instead of larger, cash offers? geek tragedy Apr 2017 #300

I could be wrong; it is my understanding that cash and checks are not available at the gate discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #310

it'll also be interesting to see exactly what force was applied to the passenger geek tragedy Apr 2017 #330

Agreed n/t discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #357

Why couldn't United get a rental car to transport its employees then? athena Apr 2017 #203

My understanding is that weather conditions... discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #291

You hope the doctor who just got the shit kicked out of him is prosecuted? Kentonio Apr 2017 #253

It's rather clear to me that, when I travel... discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #303

Yes, the police removed him from the plane Kentonio Apr 2017 #345

It wouldn't be the first time that... discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #356

And "interfere" seems to be interpreted rather loosely these days. n/t PoliticAverse Apr 2017 #297

Perhaps this is an under reviewed area of law discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #314

"Finally, the 300 mile trip is about 5 hours by car. Get a rental and drive." eShirl Apr 2017 #442

I suggest that the public tell this to United discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2017 #443

Hope someone sue United for all the compensation that they offer their CEO, and more question everything Apr 2017 #138

Some of you need to read the terms and agreements dagnuguy Apr 2017 #139

he was already on the flight OKNancy Apr 2017 #141

there is a reason why competent airlines don't board passengers until they have all geek tragedy Apr 2017 #161

Where does it say you will be forcibly dragged off BannonsLiver Apr 2017 #226

The same place it says if you are behaving erratically or threatening other passengers... randome Apr 2017 #287

Cool story, but I'm still waiting BannonsLiver Apr 2017 #288

Nope. As has already been pointed out, the man was not beaten. randome Apr 2017 #298

What's the protocol/etiquette for being forcibly dragged out of your seat BannonsLiver Apr 2017 #309

As was already pointed out by some, he threw a tantrum. randome Apr 2017 #318

But what's the protocol? BannonsLiver Apr 2017 #329

I would assume the police are authorized to use force... randome Apr 2017 #454

Was that "tantrum" before the concussion? Or the knocked out teeth? Or the broken nose? uppityperson Apr 2017 #452

I realize that listing all his injuries lends a certain evil intent to your position. randome Apr 2017 #453

there is no protocol for bora13 Apr 2017 #372

United didn't follow their own regulations OKNancy Apr 2017 #143

Where does it say that he was knocked unconscious? DesertRat Apr 2017 #144

I find this story highly suspicious. Airlines don't allow people onto the aircraft in advance of... George II Apr 2017 #152

that's how they're supposed to do things. United decided to do things a little different this time, geek tragedy Apr 2017 #162

I still find this suspicious. The flight was due to leave at 5:41 PM, there was another one.... George II Apr 2017 #176

United could have rented a van for its employees and driven them there. geek tragedy Apr 2017 #178

Not and comply with rest requirements jberryhill Apr 2017 #301

Pretty sure it's a good idea for doctors to get rest before treating patients too. geek tragedy Apr 2017 #304

What happened was utterly stupid jberryhill Apr 2017 #305

that entire planeload of people wasn't worth more than $3200 (in travel vouchers) geek tragedy Apr 2017 #315

There are no such requirements for doctors jberryhill Apr 2017 #362

++++++++++ uppityperson Apr 2017 #312

Here's an idea, seat people AFTER overbooking issues have been resolved. geek tragedy Apr 2017 #154

These are the people that I like being given preference on flights that I'm on NCjack Apr 2017 #155

why did he act like a 2year old DarleenMB Apr 2017 #160

If he stepped out of the plane, he already lost his seat - and most likely any right to redress. haele Apr 2017 #210

Tazed? It explains suddden screams and going limp mainer Apr 2017 #222

My aren't you a compassionate one BannonsLiver Apr 2017 #244

He did explain before the thugs came on to drag him off. uppityperson Apr 2017 #313

Flights were routinely overbooked in the mid-Seventies (forget why). maddiemom Apr 2017 #167

Guess I should have read further to get my answer. maddiemom Apr 2017 #185

What if Bayard Apr 2017 #168

What if there was a transplant doctor on the other plane that needed the crew? jberryhill Apr 2017 #170

Which is why (1) competent airlines resolve overbooking before boarding; (2) competent airlines geek tragedy Apr 2017 #175

You could even pose the question "What if he wasn't a doctor?" randome Apr 2017 #204

So let's assume, with zero evidence, that the guy is lying. athena Apr 2017 #208

'Ponder', I said. There is so much wrong with this thread. randome Apr 2017 #233

You seem very biased in favor of United. athena Apr 2017 #248

There was no 'immediate' about calling in the police. randome Apr 2017 #258

No United was not 'right' to remove people from a flight Kentonio Apr 2017 #260

We don't know much beyond the videos, which are pretty damning, no doubt about it. randome Apr 2017 #277

Setting aside for a moment the rights and wrongs of this particular situation.. Kentonio Apr 2017 #340

Agree, there were probably other avenues to use before resorting to force. randome Apr 2017 #349

Forget about the guy being a physician. What if it was you or your family member? dalton99a Apr 2017 #191

It sucks to get bumped but refusing to get off the plane is never going to work Alea Apr 2017 #186

his 'stupid prize' is going to involve a lawsuit against the airline geek tragedy Apr 2017 #241

Before we jump on the passenger, let's remember why airlines overbook CajunBlazer Apr 2017 #187

Bingo. dalton99a Apr 2017 #192

he may be able to sue them but he has no "right" to refuse Alea Apr 2017 #196

He had a right to not be beaten up. geek tragedy Apr 2017 #201

I watched the video and he wasn't beaten up Alea Apr 2017 #232

they chose to drag his ass off the flight instead of increasing the compensation geek tragedy Apr 2017 #239

Eh. Increasing the compensation means more would wait next time for a better deal. randome Apr 2017 #265

Delta has a much smarter way of doing things. They ask people at check in how much they'd take to be geek tragedy Apr 2017 #275

I need to know why the staff were in such a hurry. Maybe another crew suddenly took sick? randome Apr 2017 #283

My comment has been that United was both stupid and evil, but mostly stupid, in this. geek tragedy Apr 2017 #286

They have a P.R. nightmare on their hands now. randome Apr 2017 #290

As a lawyer, I can recognize that law is the law and airplanes are no place to disregard the law geek tragedy Apr 2017 #293

It's not a law that allows this CajunBlazer Apr 2017 #400

That explains your very small text... LanternWaste Apr 2017 #294

What's the last line you can read clearly? randome Apr 2017 #311

Let me ask you this ... CajunBlazer Apr 2017 #398

These things are rarely as simple as they seem. randome Apr 2017 #408

I have only one question? CajunBlazer Apr 2017 #414

The flight was not overbooked. randome Apr 2017 #447

How did his face get all bloody? uppityperson Apr 2017 #319

It looks like he hit the opposite row of seats once they pulled him into the aisle. randome Apr 2017 #323

I guess it depends on what the definition of "is" is. Or "beaten". uppityperson Apr 2017 #326

Bullshit CajunBlazer Apr 2017 #397

So far, they're digging in their heels. athena Apr 2017 #417

Yea, but it isn't a law that requires a passanger to disimbark on notification CajunBlazer Apr 2017 #396

involuntary bumping with a 2+ hour delay means paying 4 times the face value of a one-way ticket. geek tragedy Apr 2017 #199

They're not offering cash. athena Apr 2017 #216

That figure about failure to claim compensation is shocking but maybe geek tragedy Apr 2017 #224

I figure they saved a little money and lost millions in the process CajunBlazer Apr 2017 #401

It's mentality. geek tragedy Apr 2017 #404

Yep, and a mentality of greed sometimes costs companies a ton of money CajunBlazer Apr 2017 #415

Time to read the Contract of Carriage for the flight HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #371

Trump new Amerika at its best Kablooie Apr 2017 #188

The "computer" selected people who didn't look like well-dressed white lawyers dalton99a Apr 2017 #193

He was Chinese HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #391

My, times have changed. mwooldri Apr 2017 #189

Prediction: Lawsuit! ananda Apr 2017 #206

Airlines intentionally overbook for profit Bradical79 Apr 2017 #211

I agree with you. athena Apr 2017 #225

I hope the passenger sues United chia Apr 2017 #220

I do too. Nothing justifies this. Sculpin Beauregard Apr 2017 #236

Looks like we've got a few United employees spinning hard in this thread BannonsLiver Apr 2017 #229

Or Russian spies, perhaps? athena Apr 2017 #252

BOYCOTT! Friendly skies, my ass Auggie Apr 2017 #230

FUCK UNITED! This is not how you treat people! PERIOD! 50 Shades Of Blue Apr 2017 #235

Totally Trumpian C_U_L8R Apr 2017 #238

Fly United, because... Foamfollower Apr 2017 #259

lol (and I mean I literally did LOL at your post) renate Apr 2017 #292

PROTIP The Big Ragu Apr 2017 #266

A better idea Gymbo Apr 2017 #268

I hope you're suggesting that United drive its people to the destination, athena Apr 2017 #281

Looks like United bora13 Apr 2017 #295

I kind of doubt a physician would lead off with "I have people to see." randome Apr 2017 #307

Your shifting of blame from the corporation to the victim is noted ProfessorPlum Apr 2017 #324

They were police giving an order to a passenger. randome Apr 2017 #328

Jesus, what are you, United's PR person? ProfessorPlum Apr 2017 #331

+1 BannonsLiver Apr 2017 #334

Who's fighting? How should the police remove someone who refused their order? randome Apr 2017 #335

does the passenger appear conscious to you as he's being dragged from the plane? geek tragedy Apr 2017 #341

If they knocked him out, it was absolutely excessive force. randome Apr 2017 #342

that's something a jury will certainly be able to consider. geek tragedy Apr 2017 #353

Oh. Good question. You can bet that such 'niceties' as federal regulations won't last long... randome Apr 2017 #364

Indeed, the police just "do what they're told" by their corporate masters ProfessorPlum Apr 2017 #346

One set of passengers was going to lose, regardless jberryhill Apr 2017 #355

A Catch-22 situation. randome Apr 2017 #368

from the first video it looked like he hit his head on the armrest across the aisle 0rganism Apr 2017 #354

I won't withdraw any statement. I will admit to being wrong, though. randome Apr 2017 #367

The guy is a doctor, as is his wife. nt EleanorR Apr 2017 #450

K&R bdamomma Apr 2017 #317

Being knocked unconscious is no minor thing. It can cause long term problems. tblue37 Apr 2017 #322

No matter what way you look at it. duncang Apr 2017 #332

Aren't we missing the fact that McConnells wife is sec of transportation bronxiteforever Apr 2017 #333

Her response will be similar to the many pro authoritarian responses in this thread BannonsLiver Apr 2017 #338

Ok, I'm done with DU Idoru Apr 2017 #337

We'll try to struggle on without you. Orrex Apr 2017 #348

Good luck with that Idoru Apr 2017 #350

There are only a few doing that. Most are rightfully appalled uppityperson Apr 2017 #387

Don't leave. athena Apr 2017 #429

$400, $800 is not very much for tickets these days...that doesnt AgadorSparticus Apr 2017 #352

Clearly no one should be treated like that. But it's not like doctors don't overbook their office Hoyt Apr 2017 #359

Do they then randomly choose patients, tell them to leave, bloody their faces and drag them out if uppityperson Apr 2017 #389

No, but they do leave you sitting there sick for hours. Hoyt Apr 2017 #399

Supposedly not United metal HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #369

Prob nothing to do with Republican party HoneyBadger Apr 2017 #370

Some of the responses to this post represent the worst of DU. SaschaHM Apr 2017 #375

The racist bigoted vitriol toward the Asian doc in these threads is deplorable. dalton99a Apr 2017 #419

Ya. They out themselves every now and then. Been watching it for over thirteen years here. miyazaki Apr 2017 #425

It makes no difference who he was Heartstrings Apr 2017 #377

+++++++ uppityperson Apr 2017 #390

I hope this man ... flying-skeleton Apr 2017 #395

An ex United employee responds (from viewfromthewing website) Kablooie Apr 2017 #405

No, United is not normal. dalton99a Apr 2017 #422

I have a FB friend defending United caraher Apr 2017 #433

Yep. Be a good serf - obey our corporate overlords dalton99a Apr 2017 #434

First of all, athena Apr 2017 #435

Rules are a terrible thing to waste radical noodle Apr 2017 #436