United Changes Policy, Crew Can't Displace Seated Passengers
CHICAGO (AP) - United Airlines is changing a company policy and will no longer allow crew members to displace customers already onboard an airplane.
The change comes after a passenger, Dr. David Dao, was dragged from a fully-booked United Express flight in Chicago because he refused to give up his seat to make room for crew members. Cellphone video of the incident sparked widespread outrage and created a public-relations nightmare for United.
Under the change outlined in an internal April 14 email, a crew member must make must-ride bookings at least 60 minutes prior to departure. Crews could previously be booked until the time of departure.
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United spokeswoman Maggie Schmerin said in an email Sunday that the change is an initial step in a review of policies and it's meant to ensure that situations like Dao's never happen again.
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