Originally Posted by
radiowell
My concern exactly. Someone who purchased Basic Economy may decide to poach an F seat and when confronted he/she will just say "make me." GA/FA may be powerless to do anything about it.
These kind of "what ifs" have been festooned throughout these UA threads by those who believe flexibility instead of rigid insistence on following the letter of the law, while they may reduce delay and conflict, will lead to anarchy (and though they themselves would never do any of the things they hypothesize, other people absolutely will).
Each hypothetical scenario is easily dealt with using simple logic.
So, in this case, Basic Economy poaching a First seat is arrested and criminally charged with grand theft upon arrival (the cost difference between the ticket he bought and the service he stole - a walkup ticket in First Class - will no doubt be more than a petty theft charge). Displaced First passenger is given best seat available, refunded the entire cost of his ticket and given an upgrade coupon from whichever class of travel he is forced to endure to the class of travel which he purchased but was denied on any route of similar length.
Poacher is also charged in civil court for these direct costs, caused by their illegal actions.
The poacher is simply informed of the consequences of his action and told once the doors close, his decision about his future beyond this flight is irrevocable.