Regardless of how we may wish to split hairs about this United Airlines is going to wish they hadn’t done this and Congress might be compelled to pass legislation prohibiting overbooking.
It wasn’t overbooking, it was poor planning.
“...and Congress might be compelled to pass legislation prohibiting overbooking.”
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They already HAVE laws regarding overbooking. Too many in fact. They would first need to get rid of laws allowing flight crews to fly so as to meet safety and maintenance schedules.
Which is a bad idea.
They would need laws that require pilots and flight crews to work excessive hours.
Which is a bad idea.
They would need laws that require compensation of passengers that are bumped due to overbooking.
Which they already have.
You want Congress to pass MORE laws? To do what exactly?