0 min left

“Make America Great Again” Passenger Delays United Flight

Chicago, IL, USA - March 17, 2016: A United Airlines 747-400 landing on 28C at the Chicago O'hare Airport.

Flyer disrupts boarding process after request to upgrade to first class denied.

A passenger heading to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) may consider trading his “Make America Great Again” hat for a “Make Flying Great Again” hat, after he was asked to leave his United Airlines flight. New York NBC affiliate WNBC-TV reports United Flight 87 was delayed for three hours on Sunday, May 21, in order to deal with the situation.

According to passenger and United accounts, the unidentified passenger went on UA87 wearing the red had made famous during the 2016 presidential election. During the boarding process, he requested to be upgraded to first class, but was denied. In a form of protest, the passenger then took a seat at the back of the aircraft and prevented anyone from sitting in his row.

Crew members tried to get the passenger to move to his assigned seat, but he would not budge until his request was honored. To deal with the situation, other flyers were removed from the aircraft so local law enforcement could respond.

After some negotiation, the passenger ultimately left the aircraft “on his own accord.” A video from the situation shows other passengers yelling “lock him up” as he left the aircraft under escort – another reference to the 2016 political season.

After departing behind schedule, UA87 was required to make an unplanned stop at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to switch flight crews. Passengers ultimately landed at EWR at 2:22 a.m. Eastern Time Monday, eight hours behind their scheduled arrival time.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Comments are Closed.
4 Comments
H
hammie May 25, 2017

Yet another headline with an anti Trump message. Please, I don't come to FT for political commentary. What is the significance of his red MAGA hat? Suppose he wore an (insert political, environmental cause here) hat, would it make the headline? Cut the crap, play the game!

C
Cymbo May 24, 2017

One would need a few more details to process this situation!

J
Jigen666 May 24, 2017

This is just my opinion, but I kind of feel this guy was looking to be removed forcibly (David Dao Style) for a nice cash settlement with United. The MAGA hat was probably his excuse to say the ones who forced him off/abused him were anti-Trump, should the incident had exploded. I'm sorry the passengers were delayed, but glad to see nobody was harmed.

A
AirLinked May 23, 2017

Crazy! Almost unbelievable!