Why United Was Legally Wrong to Deplane David Dao

newsweek ^ | 4/13/2017 | jens david ohlin

[Boomer]

Well, sport, I'm not the one being emotional here, you are, so why don't you take your own advice and get that help ASAP for your own sake.

[Boomer]

I understand you now and realize no amount of explanation would help you realize how wrong you are so goodbye and fare well.

[sport]

Whatever you say. You are the one that knows everything. When are you going to start locking everyone up. Will you get the jump on them and lock them up before they commit their crime?

[2nd amendment mama]

I’d bet I’m right. He’s a jack-booted, power-hungry cop thug who thinks everyone’s a criminal just waiting to happen.

[Boomer]

Sigh. You dress them, feed them, walk them to the bus stop, but you still can’t make them learn anything...

[sport]

I’m with you.

[Blue Jays]

One just has to overlook some people who see things in black and white with absolutely no capability to adjust to a given dynamic situation.
UAL could have resolved this within 60 seconds with customer service skills I mastered as a 16 y.o. cashier at the local grocery decades ago.

• announce that four seats are urgently needed and honestly tell why
• advise volunteers will be provided guaranteed seats the next day
• tell passengers all lodging and meals will be provided at top-quality hotel
• make announcement first four passengers will also receive $1000.00 in crisp new bills in appreciation
• flight crew then determines which four (of the dozen volunteers) raised hand first
• thank them profusely and maybe even credit their FF accounts without saying anything, as further thanks
  

Maybe even crack a few jokes, laugh with the passengers, have some fun, and get everyone set.
From there it is an upbeat and fun trip back to Louisville.
This nightmare will instead be in college management textbooks in the "What Not To Do" chapter for the next fifty years.

[Blue Jays]

As a side note to UAL and other domestic airlines:
Everyone is totally wise to the whole "travel voucher" scam.
Treat people with honesty, decency, and sincerity...and then you will build brand loyalty.

[Chgogal]

I agree with you and the way you would have handled the situation. The situation was so simple to resolve. Remember, the next flight to Louisville was one day later. So those going home and back to work Monday morning would be truly inconvenienced. These UAL supporters are freaking me out. : ) Didn't they ever learn that the customer is always right?

The latest from Chicago: “Big news for passengers tonight, as airlines scramble to respond to the uproar over a passenger getting dragged off a jet. United has now changed its policy for crew members booking flights and Delta will now offer passengers up to $10,000 to give up seats on overbooked flights.” Source: ABC Chicago news.

Yeah, airlines are scrambling because what United did to Dr. Dao is so very acceptable. "United will now demand that employees book at least one hour ahead of a flight to avoid what happened to Dr. Doa." No $hit Sherlock!

[Chgogal]

Completely agree.
Count me as another FReeper surprised by the number of holster-sniffing bootlickers so eager to seek to defend the indefensible.

When I purchase airline tickets days (or weeks) in advance, check-in 24 hours prior, obtain boarding passes, arrive to airport 3-4 hours before departure, bring correctly-sized luggage, clear security with my Global Entry (which required yet another interview at airport) credentials, and quietly board the jetliner...I'll be damned if I am going to unexpectedly deplane just because UAL flunkies cannot manage their logistics and staffing.

Most of my airline travel is for WORK without luxury of flexible outbound travel times. The people here so vocal about “just taking it” would be the first ones having a tantrum if the newsstand clerk accidentally shortchanged them while buying coffee and a newspaper. On my return journeys UAL might have luck if they are courteous, humble, and offer me meaningful CASH for my assistance. That is how professionals peacefully negotiate.

Amen Brother!