Apr 10, 2017, 8:42 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
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Let’s have this discussion in a way that, when we look back on it, we can be proud of how we handled ourselves as a community.
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N.B. PLEASE do not alter the contents of this moderator note
CHICAGO, April 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- We are pleased to report that United and Dr. Dao have reached an amicable resolution of the unfortunate incident that occurred aboard flight 3411. We look forward to implementing the improvements we have announced, which will put our customers at the center of everything we do.
What facts do we know?
- UA3411, operated by Republic Airways, ORD-SDF on Sunday, April 9, 2017. UA3411 was the second to last flight to SDF for United. AA3509 and UA4771 were the two remaining departures for the day. Also, AA and DL had connecting options providing for same-day arrival in SDF.
- After the flight was fully boarded, United determined four seats were needed to accommodate crew to SDF for a flight on Monday.
- United solicited volunteers for VDB. (BUT stopped at $800 in UA$s, not cash). Chose not to go to the levels such as 1350 that airlines have been known to go even in case of weather impacted disruption)
- After receiving no volunteers for $800 vouchers, a passenger volunteered for $1,600 and was "laughed at" and refused, United determined four passengers to be removed from the flight.
- One passenger refused and Chicago Aviation Security Officers were called to forcibly remove the passenger.
- The passenger hit the armrest in the aisle and received a concussion, a broken nose, a bloodied lip, and the loss of two teeth.
- After being removed from the plane, the passenger re-boarded saying "I need to go home" repeatedly, before being removed again.
- United spokesman Jonathan Guerin said the flight was sold out — but not oversold. Instead, United and regional affiliate Republic Airlines – the unit that operated Flight 3411 – decided they had to remove four passengers from the flight to accommodate crewmembers who were needed in Louisville the next day for a “downline connection.”
United Express Flight 3411 Review and Action Report - released 27 April 2017
Videos
- Passenger one row behind and on the aisle footage BEFORE man was dragged off https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=655_1492004707
- Videos of man being removed https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=4b7_1491983214 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nAZEk6nsNE
- Video of man re-entering plane https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNEQDWpYbZA (link dead)
Internal Communication by Oscar Munoz
Oscar Munoz sent an internal communication to UA employees (sources: View From The Wing, Chicago Tribune):
Dear Team,
Like you, I was upset to see and hear about what happened last night aboard United Express Flight 3411 headed from Chicago to Louisville. While the facts and circumstances are still evolving, especially with respect to why this customer defied Chicago Aviation Security Officers the way he did, to give you a clearer picture of what transpired, I've included below a recap from the preliminary reports filed by our employees.
As you will read, this situation was unfortunately compounded when one of the passengers we politely asked to deplane refused and it became necessary to contact Chicago Aviation Security Officers to help. Our employees followed established procedures for dealing with situations like this. While I deeply regret this situation arose, I also emphatically stand behind all of you, and I want to commend you for continuing to go above and beyond to ensure we fly right.
I do, however, believe there are lessons we can learn from this experience, and we are taking a close look at the circumstances surrounding this incident. Treating our customers and each other with respect and dignity is at the core of who we are, and we must always remember this no matter how challenging the situation.
Oscar
Summary of Flight 3411
Like you, I was upset to see and hear about what happened last night aboard United Express Flight 3411 headed from Chicago to Louisville. While the facts and circumstances are still evolving, especially with respect to why this customer defied Chicago Aviation Security Officers the way he did, to give you a clearer picture of what transpired, I've included below a recap from the preliminary reports filed by our employees.
As you will read, this situation was unfortunately compounded when one of the passengers we politely asked to deplane refused and it became necessary to contact Chicago Aviation Security Officers to help. Our employees followed established procedures for dealing with situations like this. While I deeply regret this situation arose, I also emphatically stand behind all of you, and I want to commend you for continuing to go above and beyond to ensure we fly right.
I do, however, believe there are lessons we can learn from this experience, and we are taking a close look at the circumstances surrounding this incident. Treating our customers and each other with respect and dignity is at the core of who we are, and we must always remember this no matter how challenging the situation.
Oscar
Summary of Flight 3411
- On Sunday, April 9, after United Express Flight 3411 was fully boarded, United's gate agents were approached by crewmembers that were told they needed to board the flight.
- We sought volunteers and then followed our involuntary denial of boarding process (including offering up to $1,000 in compensation) and when we approached one of these passengers to explain apologetically that he was being denied boarding, he raised his voice and refused to comply with crew member instructions.
- He was approached a few more times after that in order to gain his compliance to come off the aircraft, and each time he refused and became more and more disruptive and belligerent.
- Our agents were left with no choice but to call Chicago Aviation Security Officers to assist in removing the customer from the flight. He repeatedly declined to leave.
- Chicago Aviation Security Officers were unable to gain his cooperation and physically removed him from the flight as he continued to resist - running back onto the aircraft in defiance of both our crew and security officials.
Dear Team,
The truly horrific event that occurred on this flight has elicited many responses from all of us: outrage, anger, disappointment. I share all of those sentiments, and one above all: my deepest apologies for what happened. Like you, I continue to be disturbed by what happened on this flight and I deeply apologize to the customer forcibly removed and to all the customers aboard. No one should ever be mistreated this way.
I want you to know that we take full responsibility and we will work to make it right.
It’s never too late to do the right thing. I have committed to our customers and our employees that we are going to fix what’s broken so this never happens again. This will include a thorough review of crew movement, our policies for incentivizing volunteers in these situations, how we handle oversold situations and an examination of how we partner with airport authorities and local law enforcement. We’ll communicate the results of our review by April 30th.
I promise you we will do better.
Sincerely,
Oscar
The truly horrific event that occurred on this flight has elicited many responses from all of us: outrage, anger, disappointment. I share all of those sentiments, and one above all: my deepest apologies for what happened. Like you, I continue to be disturbed by what happened on this flight and I deeply apologize to the customer forcibly removed and to all the customers aboard. No one should ever be mistreated this way.
I want you to know that we take full responsibility and we will work to make it right.
It’s never too late to do the right thing. I have committed to our customers and our employees that we are going to fix what’s broken so this never happens again. This will include a thorough review of crew movement, our policies for incentivizing volunteers in these situations, how we handle oversold situations and an examination of how we partner with airport authorities and local law enforcement. We’ll communicate the results of our review by April 30th.
I promise you we will do better.
Sincerely,
Oscar
Each flight you take with us represents an important promise we make to you, our customer. It's not simply that we make sure you reach your destination safely and on time, but also that you will be treated with the highest level of service and the deepest sense of dignity and respect.
Earlier this month, we broke that trust when a passenger was forcibly removed from one of our planes. We can never say we are sorry enough for what occurred, but we also know meaningful actions will speak louder than words.
For the past several weeks, we have been urgently working to answer two questions: How did this happen, and how can we do our best to ensure this never happens again?
It happened because our corporate policies were placed ahead of our shared values. Our procedures got in the way of our employees doing what they know is right.
Fixing that problem starts now with changing how we fly, serve and respect our customers. This is a turning point for all of us here at United – and as CEO, it's my responsibility to make sure that we learn from this experience and redouble our efforts to put our customers at the center of everything we do.
That’s why we announced that we will no longer ask law enforcement to remove customers from a flight and customers will not be required to give up their seat once on board – except in matters of safety or security.
We also know that despite our best efforts, when things don’t go the way they should, we need to be there for you to make things right. There are several new ways we’re going to do just that.
We will increase incentives for voluntary rebooking up to $10,000 and will be eliminating the red tape on permanently lost bags with a new "no-questions-asked" $1,500 reimbursement policy. We will also be rolling out a new app for our employees that will enable them to provide on-the-spot goodwill gestures in the form of miles, travel credit and other amenities when your experience with us misses the mark. You can learn more about these commitments and many other changes at hub.united.com.
While these actions are important, I have found myself reflecting more broadly on the role we play and the responsibilities we have to you and the communities we serve.
I believe we must go further in redefining what United's corporate citizenship looks like in our society. If our chief good as a company is only getting you to and from your destination, that would show a lack of moral imagination on our part. You can and ought to expect more from us, and we intend to live up to those higher expectations in the way we embody social responsibility and civic leadership everywhere we operate. I hope you will see that pledge express itself in our actions going forward, of which these initial, though important, changes are merely a first step.
Our goal should be nothing less than to make you truly proud to say, "I fly United."
Ultimately, the measure of our success is your satisfaction and the past several weeks have moved us to go further than ever before in elevating your experience with us. I know our 87,000 employees have taken this message to heart, and they are as energized as ever to fulfill our promise to serve you better with each flight and earn the trust you’ve given us.
We are working harder than ever for the privilege to serve you and I know we will be stronger, better and the customer-focused airline you expect and deserve.
With Great Gratitude,
Oscar Munoz
CEO
United Airlines
Earlier this month, we broke that trust when a passenger was forcibly removed from one of our planes. We can never say we are sorry enough for what occurred, but we also know meaningful actions will speak louder than words.
For the past several weeks, we have been urgently working to answer two questions: How did this happen, and how can we do our best to ensure this never happens again?
It happened because our corporate policies were placed ahead of our shared values. Our procedures got in the way of our employees doing what they know is right.
Fixing that problem starts now with changing how we fly, serve and respect our customers. This is a turning point for all of us here at United – and as CEO, it's my responsibility to make sure that we learn from this experience and redouble our efforts to put our customers at the center of everything we do.
That’s why we announced that we will no longer ask law enforcement to remove customers from a flight and customers will not be required to give up their seat once on board – except in matters of safety or security.
We also know that despite our best efforts, when things don’t go the way they should, we need to be there for you to make things right. There are several new ways we’re going to do just that.
We will increase incentives for voluntary rebooking up to $10,000 and will be eliminating the red tape on permanently lost bags with a new "no-questions-asked" $1,500 reimbursement policy. We will also be rolling out a new app for our employees that will enable them to provide on-the-spot goodwill gestures in the form of miles, travel credit and other amenities when your experience with us misses the mark. You can learn more about these commitments and many other changes at hub.united.com.
While these actions are important, I have found myself reflecting more broadly on the role we play and the responsibilities we have to you and the communities we serve.
I believe we must go further in redefining what United's corporate citizenship looks like in our society. If our chief good as a company is only getting you to and from your destination, that would show a lack of moral imagination on our part. You can and ought to expect more from us, and we intend to live up to those higher expectations in the way we embody social responsibility and civic leadership everywhere we operate. I hope you will see that pledge express itself in our actions going forward, of which these initial, though important, changes are merely a first step.
Our goal should be nothing less than to make you truly proud to say, "I fly United."
Ultimately, the measure of our success is your satisfaction and the past several weeks have moved us to go further than ever before in elevating your experience with us. I know our 87,000 employees have taken this message to heart, and they are as energized as ever to fulfill our promise to serve you better with each flight and earn the trust you’ve given us.
We are working harder than ever for the privilege to serve you and I know we will be stronger, better and the customer-focused airline you expect and deserve.
With Great Gratitude,
Oscar Munoz
CEO
United Airlines
- Chicago Aviation Department said on the Monday afternoon after the incident that the officer who had dragged the passenger off the plane had been placed on leave pending an investigation. Spokesperson Karen Pride said in an email that "The incident on United flight 3411 was not in accordance with our standard operating procedure and the actions of the aviation security officer are obviously not condoned by the Department."
- 4/12/17: Two more Chicago Aviation officers involved are suspended
- Muñoz does ABC interview, announcing United will no longer use law enforcement to remove passengers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90jSUe_vdhM
- United announces policy change that crews traveling on their aircraft must be booked at least 60 minutes prior to departure.
- United releases multiple changes in overbooking / denied boarding policies "We are making changes to ensure that we always put customers first" (http://newsroom.united.com/2017-04-2...mer-Experience) released 27 April 2017
- Statement from United Airlines Regarding Resolution with Dr. David Dao - released 27 April 2017
- Response to Senate Commerce Committee questions - 1 May 2017
- United Airlines PR Boss to Step Down
- James Long, one of several officers involved in removing David Dao from the April 9, 2017, flight to make room for airline employees, filed suit on Tuesday against United, Chicago’s Department of Aviation and its commissioner, Ginger Evans. The lawsuit, filed in the circuit court of Cook County, Illinois, alleges he was not properly trained on how to use force.
Poll: Your Opinion of United Airlines
Poll link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KP68GYG
Results link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/results...Q6B2B/instant/
Reference MaterialResults link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/results...Q6B2B/instant/
UA's Customer Commitment says:
Occasionally we may not be able to provide you with a seat on a specific flight, even if you hold a ticket, have checked in, are present to board on time, and comply with other requirements. This is called an oversale, and occurs when restrictions apply to operating a particular flight safely (such as aircraft weight limits); when we have to substitute a smaller aircraft in place of a larger aircraft that was originally scheduled; or if more customers have checked in and are prepared to board than we have available seats.
If your flight is in an oversale situation, you will not be denied a seat until we first ask for volunteers willing to give up their confirmed seats. If there are not enough volunteers, we will deny boarding to passengers in accordance with our written policy on boarding priority. If you are involuntarily denied boarding and have complied with our check-in and other applicable rules, we will give you a written statement that describes your rights and explains how we determine boarding priority for an oversold flight. You will generally be entitled to compensation and transportation on an alternate flight.
We make complete rules for the payment of compensation, as well as our policy about boarding priorities, available at airports we serve. We will follow these rules to ensure you are treated fairly. Please be aware that you may be denied boarding without compensation if you do not check in on time or do not meet certain other requirements, or if we offer you alternative transportation that is planned to arrive at your destination or first stopover no later than one hour after the planned arrival time of your original flight.
CoC is here: https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...-carriage.aspxIf your flight is in an oversale situation, you will not be denied a seat until we first ask for volunteers willing to give up their confirmed seats. If there are not enough volunteers, we will deny boarding to passengers in accordance with our written policy on boarding priority. If you are involuntarily denied boarding and have complied with our check-in and other applicable rules, we will give you a written statement that describes your rights and explains how we determine boarding priority for an oversold flight. You will generally be entitled to compensation and transportation on an alternate flight.
We make complete rules for the payment of compensation, as well as our policy about boarding priorities, available at airports we serve. We will follow these rules to ensure you are treated fairly. Please be aware that you may be denied boarding without compensation if you do not check in on time or do not meet certain other requirements, or if we offer you alternative transportation that is planned to arrive at your destination or first stopover no later than one hour after the planned arrival time of your original flight.
Man pulled off of overbooked flight UA3411 (ORD-SDF) 9 Apr 2017 {Settlement reached}
Apr 14, 2017, 6:04 am
#5386
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards (SE), Virgin America Elevate, Hyatt Gold Passport (Platinum), VIA Preference
Posts: 3,134
No need to get police onboard - she had a valid boarding pass for the flight.
GA can easily verify the passenger.
Point being - all the US airlines give s lot of discretion for ground staff to call minor incidents that common sense says are not threatening "threats" or law breaking that need law enforcement involved.
Because the Delta contract of carriage "refusal of transport" section says any "rule" not followed, is reason to deny transport.
Interestingly enough, Uniteds is more specific and has less latitude - confining it to contract of carriage violations and a list of specific situations.
But still enough for them to try to force people off for non threatening matters.
GA can easily verify the passenger.
Point being - all the US airlines give s lot of discretion for ground staff to call minor incidents that common sense says are not threatening "threats" or law breaking that need law enforcement involved.
Because the Delta contract of carriage "refusal of transport" section says any "rule" not followed, is reason to deny transport.
Interestingly enough, Uniteds is more specific and has less latitude - confining it to contract of carriage violations and a list of specific situations.
But still enough for them to try to force people off for non threatening matters.
Apr 14, 2017, 6:05 am
#5387
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: PARIS France
Programs: UA 1K 1,5MM
Posts: 25
Where was the captain during this crime ?
Dr Bernard C.
Dr Bernard C.
Apr 14, 2017, 6:07 am
#5388
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards (SE), Virgin America Elevate, Hyatt Gold Passport (Platinum), VIA Preference
Posts: 3,134
But the DOA security people weren't to know that. Nor did Dao claim it. He simple said he was a doctor (true) and he had patients to see (which we can take to be true).
But I agree it doesn't matter. Anyone who has a job whose supervisor (or customers) don't or aren't in a position to care that their provider was bumped by the airline would have been in the same position he was. He's thinking, my patients are all taking off work, or they are sick, and if I don't show up, their time will be wasted and we'll have to rebook a day's full of appointments--let someone who has more flexibility get bumped.
But I agree it doesn't matter. Anyone who has a job whose supervisor (or customers) don't or aren't in a position to care that their provider was bumped by the airline would have been in the same position he was. He's thinking, my patients are all taking off work, or they are sick, and if I don't show up, their time will be wasted and we'll have to rebook a day's full of appointments--let someone who has more flexibility get bumped.
Apr 14, 2017, 6:08 am
#5389
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,192
Pay someone $20-25 a hour or whatever and allow him/her to expend God knows how much getting to/from work.
This specific situation might not have been commuting, but a lot of flying is.
Apr 14, 2017, 6:08 am
#5390
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Nawthun Virginia
Programs: Air: UA (Gold), AA, WN, DL; Hotel: Hilton (Diamond), plus all the rest
Posts: 135
But the excuse that this was Republic doesn't wash. It seems to have been established that the gate agents were United employees at ORD, and the gate agent is the one who called in DOA security, the one who was "brusque and demanding", and the one who laughed at a large-but-not-unreasonably-so offer to deboard from another passenger that had demonstrated that VDB's were easily attainable.
But even if the GA was a Republic employee, United is sharing the risk when the slap their branding all over the flight, such that one has to read the fine print on the ticket to even know that Republic is the actual carrier. Even that doesn't matter, though, because it fits with United's poor reputation for customer service. If United had a large balance in the good-will account, it would not ring so hollow that this was an anomaly. Everyone who flies frequently with United has stories of their employees being "brusque and demanding" and inflexible.
What I want is reform.
Apr 14, 2017, 6:14 am
#5391
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards (SE), Virgin America Elevate, Hyatt Gold Passport (Platinum), VIA Preference
Posts: 3,134
That is something that is getting obliquely brought up...I think a United union made a reference to that yesterday. There's been a suggestion that the pilot hunkered down in the cockpit during Fight Club to avoid getting involved.
There are questions about the pilot's authority in this situation, both in theory and in practice. [1] In theory the pilot might have had the power to shut the situation down and kick the GA and the fake police off the plane. In practice, doing so might have put him in a world of hot water. To be fair, it's not like Republic has pilots lining up to replace him [2] but him in effect overruling a decision "from on high" about the manifest without a heck of a good reason might put him in jeopardy.
[1] Analogies to a train conductor come to mind: For example, an Amtrak conductor may have the power to put a drunk off at the next level crossing, but if in doing so he jams up a dozen freight trains for half an hour in single-track territory when there's a siding or off-line station a few miles up the line that he could have used, there's a good chance that the host railroad will be yelling at Amtrak and Amtrak will be having a word with him).
[2] One of the factors in Republic's bankruptcy is apparently a lack of qualified pilots.
There are questions about the pilot's authority in this situation, both in theory and in practice. [1] In theory the pilot might have had the power to shut the situation down and kick the GA and the fake police off the plane. In practice, doing so might have put him in a world of hot water. To be fair, it's not like Republic has pilots lining up to replace him [2] but him in effect overruling a decision "from on high" about the manifest without a heck of a good reason might put him in jeopardy.
[1] Analogies to a train conductor come to mind: For example, an Amtrak conductor may have the power to put a drunk off at the next level crossing, but if in doing so he jams up a dozen freight trains for half an hour in single-track territory when there's a siding or off-line station a few miles up the line that he could have used, there's a good chance that the host railroad will be yelling at Amtrak and Amtrak will be having a word with him).
[2] One of the factors in Republic's bankruptcy is apparently a lack of qualified pilots.
Apr 14, 2017, 6:19 am
#5392
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: AA Plat, DL DM
Posts: 32
The Transport Minister of the Canadian government has spoken out and stated that an incident like the beating of Dr. Dao would be "unacceptable" in Canada. I'm sure the Canadian government would not treat lightly elements of this case such as the lie written by the GA that Dr. Dao "struck an officer".
The lie by the GA was repeated by CEO Munoz in his second communication (the communication to employees) when he called Dr. Dao "belligerent".
Where has CEO Munoz been the last day or two? Is it possible CEO Munoz is consulting his own counsel? Is it possible CEO Munoz has been asked for his resignation? Just curious since the course of events here continues to escalate. Note the United Pilots official statement distancing themselves from this mess. Maybe Munoz will announce he is taking a "medical leave" as a way of hiding from this? My own guess is that if CEO Munoz does not do at least one Sunday morning talk show, odds on that he's gone by month end.
The lie by the GA was repeated by CEO Munoz in his second communication (the communication to employees) when he called Dr. Dao "belligerent".
Where has CEO Munoz been the last day or two? Is it possible CEO Munoz is consulting his own counsel? Is it possible CEO Munoz has been asked for his resignation? Just curious since the course of events here continues to escalate. Note the United Pilots official statement distancing themselves from this mess. Maybe Munoz will announce he is taking a "medical leave" as a way of hiding from this? My own guess is that if CEO Munoz does not do at least one Sunday morning talk show, odds on that he's gone by month end.
Apr 14, 2017, 6:22 am
#5393
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards (SE), Virgin America Elevate, Hyatt Gold Passport (Platinum), VIA Preference
Posts: 3,134
I certainly don't want United to go out of business, or I'll have to start over my trek to million-miler status yet again.
But the excuse that this was Republic doesn't wash. It seems to have been established that the gate agents were United employees at ORD, and the gate agent is the one who called in DOA security, the one who was "brusque and demanding", and the one who laughed at a large-but-not-unreasonably-so offer to deboard from another passenger that had demonstrated that VDB's were easily attainable.
But even if the GA was a Republic employee, United is sharing the risk when the slap their branding all over the flight, such that one has to read the fine print on the ticket to even know that Republic is the actual carrier. Even that doesn't matter, though, because it fits with United's poor reputation for customer service. If United had a large balance in the good-will account, it would not ring so hollow that this was an anomaly. Everyone who flies frequently with United has stories of their employees being "brusque and demanding" and inflexible.
What I want is reform.
But the excuse that this was Republic doesn't wash. It seems to have been established that the gate agents were United employees at ORD, and the gate agent is the one who called in DOA security, the one who was "brusque and demanding", and the one who laughed at a large-but-not-unreasonably-so offer to deboard from another passenger that had demonstrated that VDB's were easily attainable.
But even if the GA was a Republic employee, United is sharing the risk when the slap their branding all over the flight, such that one has to read the fine print on the ticket to even know that Republic is the actual carrier. Even that doesn't matter, though, because it fits with United's poor reputation for customer service. If United had a large balance in the good-will account, it would not ring so hollow that this was an anomaly. Everyone who flies frequently with United has stories of their employees being "brusque and demanding" and inflexible.
What I want is reform.
I do wonder...I've looked at this from the perspective of it being a Republic flight before, and United being embarassed by Republic. What if this boomeranged the other way? There are a few other regional carriers (Mesa, Trans States, and SkyWest are the main ones) but if they banded together and decided to have a "Come to Jesus" talk with United, how much leverage would they have?
Apr 14, 2017, 6:24 am
#5394
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
Luckily some people have the backbone to stand up to authority when it is unjust. Without this kind of "solution" we'd still be flying the Union Jack.
Apr 14, 2017, 6:26 am
#5395
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Nawthun Virginia
Programs: Air: UA (Gold), AA, WN, DL; Hotel: Hilton (Diamond), plus all the rest
Posts: 135
He or anyone else could equally be thinking "how much money am I going to lose by not being there."
Doctor is irrelevant here. Hardly the only critical profession where others are impacted and not immune to lost wages being a motivating factor. Which is perfectly fine. But not so unique.
Doctor is irrelevant here. Hardly the only critical profession where others are impacted and not immune to lost wages being a motivating factor. Which is perfectly fine. But not so unique.
Apr 14, 2017, 6:27 am
#5396
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
But the DOA security people weren't to know that. Nor did Dao claim it. He simple said he was a doctor (true) and he had patients to see (which we can take to be true).
But I agree it doesn't matter. Anyone who has a job whose supervisor (or customers) don't or aren't in a position to care that their provider was bumped by the airline would have been in the same position he was. He's thinking, my patients are all taking off work, or they are sick, and if I don't show up, their time will be wasted and we'll have to rebook a day's full of appointments--let someone who has more flexibility get bumped.
But I agree it doesn't matter. Anyone who has a job whose supervisor (or customers) don't or aren't in a position to care that their provider was bumped by the airline would have been in the same position he was. He's thinking, my patients are all taking off work, or they are sick, and if I don't show up, their time will be wasted and we'll have to rebook a day's full of appointments--let someone who has more flexibility get bumped.
Apr 14, 2017, 6:30 am
#5397
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
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Posts: 2,820
Apr 14, 2017, 6:31 am
#5398
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,434
Apr 14, 2017, 6:34 am
#5399
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Yeah... figures. I am going to unsubscribe from this witch-hunt thread once and for all, and focus on relevant topics of conversation that actually help the FF community. I cannot continue to be a sucker and try to argue against insanity in this thread.
Apr 14, 2017, 6:35 am
#5400
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 143
Force one member of a travel party into an IDB situation and the other member(s) of the travel party become more likely to "volunteer" to be offloaded.
When it comes to a travel party that was hitherto headed to the same physical address together, splitting up the travel party increases their costs/hassles and may be just the kind of dig that even an unwitting power-tripper may pursue "to make it hurt" more than it otherwise would if the person was traveling alone.
When it comes to a travel party that was hitherto headed to the same physical address together, splitting up the travel party increases their costs/hassles and may be just the kind of dig that even an unwitting power-tripper may pursue "to make it hurt" more than it otherwise would if the person was traveling alone.
I think we're going to find out that the GA walked down the aisle with the manifest looking for weak marks. And they misjudged.