I don't like the idea of assuming what was going thru the Dr.'s mind when he called his lawyer. It's also possible he was only asking him if the airline really has a right to boot him, or if it's only if he agrees to it. Not everyone knows, or knew, that airlines are all-powerful once you go thru the gate. I haven't flown a lot in my lifetime, and have to admit I would have had no clue as to what United did or did not have a right to do, if I had been the seated passenger they were asking to get out of my seat. I did read that normal procedure is only to ask for volunteers before the plane is loaded. And yet I do recall a flight we took several years ago where after pretty much all passengers were on board, they started announcing requests for a couple of volunteers to get back off. I know we were delayed departing a bit, but no one was dragged off the plane in the end. Don't recall the airline.
I understood that one. I see way too many girls, many way too young, wearing leggings so tight that they may as well have painted their bodies. I thought the trend was to wear a long overshirt so as not to 'display'. The doctor in question claimed that he shouldn't have agreed, at first, to give up his seat. Once he found he may not get back home in time to take care of the patients who had appointments the next day, he changed his mind. So that story goes.
I too understand that this guy wasn't a saint, but neither was Rodney King. His videotaped beating however lit a fire (first figuratively then literally) with a populace who vented their anger in a very damaging, dangerous manner. Was it the wrong response? Most definitely, but that question would have been moot had the people in power behaved professionally. I bet Reginald Denny agrees, as should United's board of directors. Patrick
Got to side 110% with the party in the seat. Fine print or not, your butt is 17A. You paid for it. You're in it. End of story unless it is safety of flight related... What if you rented a house and moved all your things in and the landlord says, "Hey, my brother in law needs a place and you're out". You refuse for WHATEVER reason and the landlord still has you thrown out by the "authorities"? That's not how we work in this country. You have rights as a renter and you should have them as a passenger as well. Kimmel's UAL commercial was a total hoot: United should have offered the maximum buy back under law (the number is $1,350, I understand) and if that didn't work made alternate arrangements for their crew members.
And there exactly is the problem. Kimmel's "commercial makes one think it was United Airline employees dragging them off the plane. WRONG!! That's the Chicago Airport police that made the decision to drag him off. They should have waited, as is their written protocol, until the Chicago PD showed up.. It's actually likely that a seasoned cop would have avoided the incident all together. The overzealous rent-a-cops screwed up. That's why all 3 of them are on leave now. But no, lets make sure the low information crowd demonizes the Airline. Why would we let the truth get in the way of a good Big bad corporation bash..
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39580113 An apology for past practice and a change in future direction is an acknowledgement that their policy was failed. Certainly if I were a seasoned cop I would have loved to have gone for donuts, but if the airline and their fine print says get him out and your sergeant tells you to do it I don't see where you'd have much choice. The beauty of our nation is that we hold the rights of an individual sacred, even when it might inconvenience the masses. It bothered me that only women on the plane showed outrage at what was unfolding. The smug look on the fat guy in the aisle in front of the doctor yanks my cord. He wouldn't have been smiling if his name was selected.
He's the one they really came to get off the plane. There just weren't enough of them to drag him between the seats.
Just flew from Gainesville to Phoenix on American Airlines. First leg was booked but AA made sure they were super congenial. Standby's were continually informed of their standing and one no show allowed one standby on. I actually wanted to tell the flight attendant's give it a rest it's becoming nauseating they were so sweet... Second leg from Charlotte to Phoenix was an Airbus 321. Half the plane was empty so I had all three seats on my bulkhead to myself. Eventually everyone had their own row. Ahhh, naptime.... Mikey
I've heard this from many people, and I must point this out. the policy was agreed to. when buying the tickets we all agree to their terms. of course no one reads the entire policy, but nevertheless we agree to walk off the plane if asked too, regardless of how inconvenient it is for us. it really is that simple. what is more stupid, the policy itself or someone agreeing to a stupid policy? If this guy was any where else this wouldn't be a news story. Go any where, literally, and refuse to leave when they ask you to. you'll leave in cuffs and might take some lumps on the way. Ever see some one get tossed out of a Bar?
The reality is that virtually nobody reads the full contract of carriage (or any other contract). Contracts are written in legalese that nobody but a lawyer can understand. The average American reads english at a ninth grade level. Not long ago CBS gave a credit card contract to an MIT law professor who said that he would need some time to study it before he could answer questions about it. Contracts are written solely to protect the person or corporation who wrote the contract. The customer has no choice except to agree to the contract. If you want to fly with United (or any other airline) you will agree to the contract.
You have no choice, if you want or need to fly... is what John is stating. I understand an airline needing to have the right to remove a passenger for specific legitimate reasons, this was not one of those times. Wasn't his wife flying with him too? WTH would UA choose him to remove when his wife is traveling with him?
Of course you can refuse to accept the contract - but then you are not going to fly. As a practical matter, you have no choice.
that's exactly my point. you agree to the terms. it's not out of line for them to exercise their options. I don't condone their methods by any means. In a post 9/11 world the airlines have a lot of power. you have to play by their rules. one could commit the time and read the terms and conditions of all the airlines and pick the one you like best. of course no one will ever do that.
