Ridiculous? So is giving stupid people unchecked power to act capriciously.
It appears that the flight was NOT overbooked. The "guests" were booted (and beaten) to accommodate airline employees. Poor planning on United's part will cost them dearly, and a rent-a-jackboot, or three, their job(s). Rightfully so.
It appears that the flight was NOT overbooked. The "guests" were booted (and beaten) to accommodate airline employees. Poor planning on United's part will cost them dearly, and a rent-a-jackboot, or three, their job(s). Rightfully so.
The Captain of the flight has been given authority over the flight in order to safely operate it. At some point in flying, you have to put your faith in the abilities of the Captain. And as an airline captain, if a passenger demonstrates he is unwilling to comply with crew member instructions, I have very few options except to have him removed from the flight. Passengers that are unwilling to comply endanger themselves, other passengers, crew members, and others. E.g. if its necessary to evacuate the airplane, there just isn't enough time to discuss whether or not you can grab your crap out of the overhead before exiting.
United did not have a choice about who to call to remove the passenger. Security at the airport is a combination of the Airport Authority, TSA, and local law enforcement. The Company doesn't even have the authority to overrule the Captain. If the Captain deems the passenger unsafe to fly, FAA says he can't go.