Do you feel unsafe or as though your safety is vulnerable on a United flight?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 334
Do you feel unsafe or as though your safety is vulnerable on a United flight?
To me, whether one likes or dislikes United Airlines is not the issue, my question is do you feel unsafe, or as though your safety is vulnerable on United Airlines?
Taking all other variables away (hijacking, adverse weather, equipment failure), etc.), I'm curious if anyone else feels uneasy about getting on a United Airlines aircraft, for fear that their safety is compromised, and that they may be in harm's way? I'll be entirely honest, I do (I do not believe that United Airlines, as an organization, has the analytical infrastructure, capacity, and culture to make decisions that are in their passenger's best interests). The extent of the systemic defects that have surfaced in the United Airlines organization, since Dr. Dao Dao was hauled off of UA #3411 like a subhuman sack of mail, have me wondering how vulnerable the traveling public is on United Airlines, who's next, and if the response of United's CEO was what it was, and his subordinates are likely to follow the leader, what's next? I don't know what it would take the US Government to shut an airline down, on the basis that it is a threat to the public's safety, ? limited to FAR's, but it strikes me that when the US Government put Air Marshals on planes, they put Air Marshals on planes to ward off or paralyze hostile acts against the United States; I wonder, does the job description of the Air Marshal Service need to be broadened now to include warding off and paralyzing hostile acts by an airline to its passengers? 9-11 was a game changer; was April 9, 2017 another game changer in aviation safety in the United States?
When it comes to American Airlines, for example, I DO HAVE that comfort level, and do not feel unsafe or vulnerable.
Taking all other variables away (hijacking, adverse weather, equipment failure), etc.), I'm curious if anyone else feels uneasy about getting on a United Airlines aircraft, for fear that their safety is compromised, and that they may be in harm's way? I'll be entirely honest, I do (I do not believe that United Airlines, as an organization, has the analytical infrastructure, capacity, and culture to make decisions that are in their passenger's best interests). The extent of the systemic defects that have surfaced in the United Airlines organization, since Dr. Dao Dao was hauled off of UA #3411 like a subhuman sack of mail, have me wondering how vulnerable the traveling public is on United Airlines, who's next, and if the response of United's CEO was what it was, and his subordinates are likely to follow the leader, what's next? I don't know what it would take the US Government to shut an airline down, on the basis that it is a threat to the public's safety, ? limited to FAR's, but it strikes me that when the US Government put Air Marshals on planes, they put Air Marshals on planes to ward off or paralyze hostile acts against the United States; I wonder, does the job description of the Air Marshal Service need to be broadened now to include warding off and paralyzing hostile acts by an airline to its passengers? 9-11 was a game changer; was April 9, 2017 another game changer in aviation safety in the United States?
When it comes to American Airlines, for example, I DO HAVE that comfort level, and do not feel unsafe or vulnerable.
#3
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 4,613
I feel equally as safe on AA, DL, UA, etc. 99% of airline employees are professional and safety conscious. I try to act professionally so I am extremely unlikely to have altercations with the police. If I was the type of person that likes to make a scene where police would get called, I still feel no different on UA versus any airline but it certainly creates a less safe environment for everyone in the vicinity.
I'll say I feel a less safe on non-mainline flights as those planes feel less safe and the crew is typically not as experienced.
I'll say I feel a less safe on non-mainline flights as those planes feel less safe and the crew is typically not as experienced.
#4
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: FL
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, IC Plat Amb, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,296
I feel safe but I dont feel like I can complain when it is necessary. I needed to get to my destination for my sister's wedding on time and the flight delayed 12 hours until it was finally cancelled a lot of people went to the desk and started complaining (they were not fighting or anything, they just wanted their due compensation). How did AA responded? Call airport Riot police... Yep. I was so upset and needed to get to my destination that I didnt even care, I went to another airline and bought a ticket and I was on my way. I never received compensation or anything from that flight... Who would want to protest or demand compensation if they throw the police at you??
#6
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: FL
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, IC Plat Amb, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,296
the same thing happened recently with another flight on AA, The flight was 8 hours late and people were complaining, what do the front desk agents said? : Dont complain because if the company wants to screw you they can! They can put you all in the no fly list and this is the only airline with this route!
Excellent customer service
Excellent customer service

#7
Join Date: Nov 2014
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 1,533
You will remain safe on all airlines unless you are refusing an order of the crew and police on the aircraft. If you feel like you should be treated like a God because you spent $150 for a flight then you should increase your travel budget and fly private.
This thread is total click bait and if you don't feel 'safe' on an airplane then don't fly United. Every airline in the past year has forceably removed a passenger from a flight (and I would argue a few of these are not the right thing to do but they did it) so I guess you should just take Greyhound to avoid having the chance of being removed from a flight:
-Southwest: http://www.wowt.com/content/news/Unruly-passenger-forces-unscheduled-Omaha-stop-for-Southwest-flight-416562003.html
-Delta: http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2016/12/13/detroit-delta-flight-san-diego/95366536/
-American: 2 Muslim American Women Ordered Off American Airlines Flight https://nyti.ms/2aUzoy6
JetBlue: http://abc7ny.com/news/passenger-removed-after-verbally-harassing-ivanka-trump/1668529/
-Alaska: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2016/10/12/rowdy-passenger-reportedly-removed-from-alaska-flight-for-harassing-attendant.html
This thread is total click bait and if you don't feel 'safe' on an airplane then don't fly United. Every airline in the past year has forceably removed a passenger from a flight (and I would argue a few of these are not the right thing to do but they did it) so I guess you should just take Greyhound to avoid having the chance of being removed from a flight:
-Southwest: http://www.wowt.com/content/news/Unruly-passenger-forces-unscheduled-Omaha-stop-for-Southwest-flight-416562003.html
-Delta: http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2016/12/13/detroit-delta-flight-san-diego/95366536/
-American: 2 Muslim American Women Ordered Off American Airlines Flight https://nyti.ms/2aUzoy6
JetBlue: http://abc7ny.com/news/passenger-removed-after-verbally-harassing-ivanka-trump/1668529/
-Alaska: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2016/10/12/rowdy-passenger-reportedly-removed-from-alaska-flight-for-harassing-attendant.html
#8
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Rowley, MA / Edgartown, MA / Christiansted, St. Croix (USVI)
Programs: UA LT GS/4.96MM, Marriott LT Titanium, IHG Platinum, Global Entry, TSA Pre✓, Korea SeS, APEC
Posts: 578
To me, whether one likes or dislikes United Airlines is not the issue, my question is do you feel unsafe, or as though your safety is vulnerable on United Airlines?
Taking all other variables away (hijacking, adverse weather, equipment failure), etc.), I'm curious if anyone else feels uneasy about getting on a United Airlines aircraft, for fear that their safety is compromised, and that they may be in harm's way? I'll be entirely honest, I do (I do not believe that United Airlines, as an organization, has the analytical infrastructure, capacity, and culture to make decisions that are in their passenger's best interests). The extent of the systemic defects that have surfaced in the United Airlines organization, since Dr. Dao Dao was hauled off of UA #3411 like a subhuman sack of mail, have me wondering how vulnerable the traveling public is on United Airlines, who's next, and if the response of United's CEO was what it was, and his subordinates are likely to follow the leader, what's next? I don't know what it would take the US Government to shut an airline down, on the basis that it is a threat to the public's safety, ? limited to FAR's, but it strikes me that when the US Government put Air Marshals on planes, they put Air Marshals on planes to ward off or paralyze hostile acts against the United States; I wonder, does the job description of the Air Marshal Service need to be broadened now to include warding off and paralyzing hostile acts by an airline to its passengers? 9-11 was a game changer; was April 9, 2017 another game changer in aviation safety in the United States?
When it comes to American Airlines, for example, I DO HAVE that comfort level, and do not feel unsafe or vulnerable.
Taking all other variables away (hijacking, adverse weather, equipment failure), etc.), I'm curious if anyone else feels uneasy about getting on a United Airlines aircraft, for fear that their safety is compromised, and that they may be in harm's way? I'll be entirely honest, I do (I do not believe that United Airlines, as an organization, has the analytical infrastructure, capacity, and culture to make decisions that are in their passenger's best interests). The extent of the systemic defects that have surfaced in the United Airlines organization, since Dr. Dao Dao was hauled off of UA #3411 like a subhuman sack of mail, have me wondering how vulnerable the traveling public is on United Airlines, who's next, and if the response of United's CEO was what it was, and his subordinates are likely to follow the leader, what's next? I don't know what it would take the US Government to shut an airline down, on the basis that it is a threat to the public's safety, ? limited to FAR's, but it strikes me that when the US Government put Air Marshals on planes, they put Air Marshals on planes to ward off or paralyze hostile acts against the United States; I wonder, does the job description of the Air Marshal Service need to be broadened now to include warding off and paralyzing hostile acts by an airline to its passengers? 9-11 was a game changer; was April 9, 2017 another game changer in aviation safety in the United States?
When it comes to American Airlines, for example, I DO HAVE that comfort level, and do not feel unsafe or vulnerable.
As a consumer you are completely within your rights to select any airline you wish but to say that United is unsafe is unjustified and inaccurate.
#9
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,516
Maybe there's another story I missed, but no UA employee harmed a customer. The Chicago Aviation Police did. Do you feel safe walking through ORD or MDW? They're all over the place there.
A person has MUCH more to fear from their fellow passengers than from a UA employee.
The OP needs to get his story straight before writing about "paralyzing and hostile acts by an airline to its customers"...at least cite some evidence of such an incident.
#10
Join Date: Nov 2014
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 1,533
Thank you for injecting some sanity here.
Maybe there's another story I missed, but no UA employee harmed a customer. The Chicago Aviation Police did. Do you feel safe walking through ORD or MDW? They're all over the place there.
A person has MUCH more to fear from their fellow passengers than from a UA employee.
The OP needs to get his story straight before writing about "paralyzing and hostile acts by an airline to its customers"...at least cite some evidence of such an incident.
Maybe there's another story I missed, but no UA employee harmed a customer. The Chicago Aviation Police did. Do you feel safe walking through ORD or MDW? They're all over the place there.
A person has MUCH more to fear from their fellow passengers than from a UA employee.
The OP needs to get his story straight before writing about "paralyzing and hostile acts by an airline to its customers"...at least cite some evidence of such an incident.
Also- having police presence at an airport makes me feel safe because in a metal tube at 35,000 ft there is no way to remove a pax who is being unruly when I am sitting 1ft from him, unfortunately you give up some rights to fly, if you don't want to fly you can drive..
#11
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,319
I do feel more vulnerable on US carriers. I treat their crews like one would treat a drunk hooligan - minimize communication, avoid unnecessary contact, stay polite and cheerful when must communicate, keep calm, stay humble and above all do not provoke them and try to defuse any potential conflict. These people are unhappy and on a power trip, with "extra rights" that they are happy to exercise (as experience had shown time and again)
On the other hand, no such feeling on foreign carriers - in particular in Asia, and clearly it's not just me. Anecdotally, it goes to an opposite extreme occasionally. On a recent flight on a Japan based low cost carrier, Chinese passenger in the emergency exit row refused to stow her bag or lift her seat back. Crew asked her somewhat meekly a few times and let her be. Is that good? - no. Perhaps too much, but given the choice of that and flying any of US big 3 "CON Air" - I choose the former.
IMHO, YMMV
On the other hand, no such feeling on foreign carriers - in particular in Asia, and clearly it's not just me. Anecdotally, it goes to an opposite extreme occasionally. On a recent flight on a Japan based low cost carrier, Chinese passenger in the emergency exit row refused to stow her bag or lift her seat back. Crew asked her somewhat meekly a few times and let her be. Is that good? - no. Perhaps too much, but given the choice of that and flying any of US big 3 "CON Air" - I choose the former.
IMHO, YMMV
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: BA/AA/AS/B6/WN/ UA/HH/MR and more like 'em but most felicitously & importantly MUCCI
Posts: 19,196
No, I don't fear for my physical safety aboard UA. But I do think I am at greater risk of confrontation, sanctions, etc. for saying the wrong thing. So I say nothing. As a rule I want no unnecessary interactions with United employees until I can tell how aggressive they are.
#13
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: wandering expat
Posts: 48,139
#14
Join Date: Nov 2014
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 1,533
I do feel more vulnerable on US carriers. I treat their crews like one would treat a drunk hooligan - minimize communication, avoid unnecessary contact, stay polite and cheerful when must communicate, keep calm, stay humble and above all do not provoke them and try to defuse any potential conflict. These people are unhappy and on a power trip, with "extra rights" that they are happy to exercise (as experience had shown time and again)
On the other hand, no such feeling on foreign carriers - in particular in Asia, and clearly it's not just me. Anecdotally, it goes to an opposite extreme occasionally. On a recent flight on a Japan based low cost carrier, Chinese passenger in the emergency exit row refused to stow her bag or lift her seat back. Crew asked her somewhat meekly a few times and let her be. Is that good? - no. Perhaps too much, but given the choice of that and flying any of US big 3 "CON Air" - I choose the former.
IMHO, YMMV
On the other hand, no such feeling on foreign carriers - in particular in Asia, and clearly it's not just me. Anecdotally, it goes to an opposite extreme occasionally. On a recent flight on a Japan based low cost carrier, Chinese passenger in the emergency exit row refused to stow her bag or lift her seat back. Crew asked her somewhat meekly a few times and let her be. Is that good? - no. Perhaps too much, but given the choice of that and flying any of US big 3 "CON Air" - I choose the former.
IMHO, YMMV
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 13, 17 at 3:26 pm Reason: removed quote of deleted post
#15
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Rowley, MA / Edgartown, MA / Christiansted, St. Croix (USVI)
Programs: UA LT GS/4.96MM, Marriott LT Titanium, IHG Platinum, Global Entry, TSA Pre✓, Korea SeS, APEC
Posts: 578
I do feel more vulnerable on US carriers. I treat their crews like one would treat a drunk hooligan - minimize communication, avoid unnecessary contact, stay polite and cheerful when must communicate, keep calm, stay humble and above all do not provoke them and try to defuse any potential conflict. These people are unhappy and on a power trip, with "extra rights" that they are happy to exercise (as experience had shown time and again)
On the other hand, no such feeling on foreign carriers - in particular in Asia, and clearly it's not just me. Anecdotally, it goes to an opposite extreme occasionally. On a recent flight on a Japan based low cost carrier, Chinese passenger in the emergency exit row refused to stow her bag or lift her seat back. Crew asked her somewhat meekly a few times and let her be. Is that good? - no. Perhaps too much, but given the choice of that and flying any of US big 3 "CON Air" - I choose the former.
IMHO, YMMV
On the other hand, no such feeling on foreign carriers - in particular in Asia, and clearly it's not just me. Anecdotally, it goes to an opposite extreme occasionally. On a recent flight on a Japan based low cost carrier, Chinese passenger in the emergency exit row refused to stow her bag or lift her seat back. Crew asked her somewhat meekly a few times and let her be. Is that good? - no. Perhaps too much, but given the choice of that and flying any of US big 3 "CON Air" - I choose the former.
IMHO, YMMV
In Asia, everyone follows the rules, the FA's are very polite and demur but break the rules and everything changes. I speak from vast experience.