Competitor Airlines Troll United After Passenger Is Dragged Off

If Trump’s recent electronics ban has shown us anything, it’s that airlines can dish out their own sass in the face of controversy (here’s looking at you, Royal Jordanian). Following the recent brash removal of a passenger, competitor airlines have started to troll United Airlines.

United Airlines has found itself in the midst of a public relations nightmare after a video emerged showing the forced removal of a passenger. Apparently due to an overbooked flight, four randomly selected passengers were asked to leave a Chicago flight, bound for Kentucky. When one of the passengers, who we now know to be Dr. David Dao, refused to leave the aircraft, video caught three security officials dragging the man off the plane, bloodied and beaten.

The news of United Airlines’ faux pas, has taken the internet by storm. Travelers are expressing outrage at the disregard for passenger rights, while United Airlines’ protestors have taken to Yelp to flood the airline with negative reviews.

Like vultures descending on their prey, United Airlines’ competitors have begun to troll the brand for their recent media storm.

In the latest twist surrounding this bizarre story, USA Today reports that the plane may not have even been overbooked. United spokesman Jonathan Guerin told USA Today, “All 70 seats on United Express Flight 3411 were filled, but the plane was not overbooked as the airline previously reported. Instead, United and regional affiliate Republic Airlines, which operated the flight, selected four passengers to be removed to accommodate crew members needed in Louisville the next day.”

United Airlines CEO, Oscar Munoz, released a statement expressing his concern and apology over the unfolding situation: “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.”

As the United Airlines’ video continues to make its rounds on news outlets and social media, the internet has banded together in a mutual frustration of the many issues that plague air travel. Hell hath no fury like the internet scorned.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.