We’ve all seen the explosive video footage of United Airlines security members forcibly removing a Dr. David Dao, a passenger, from his seat. When asked to leave the flight he tried to explain he couldn’t miss this flight because he had patients to see the next day, undeterred by this United Airlines violently removed him from the flight.
The encounter injured Dr. Dao and left everyone watching the video instantly infuriated. After all, if it happened to him it could happen to anyone. As time passed and as the violent nature of the incident was revealed airline passengers began wondering if legislation is necessary to protect passengers from airlines.
In a recent post, actor and spokesperson Mike Rowe (made famous by the show Dirty Jobs) spoke about the situation. He outlined the terrible method United used to remove the passenger. However, he also made it very clear that in order to keep flights safe, passengers more or less give up their rights when they ride a plane. It is not mob rule. What the captain says goes.
When someone purchases a ticket for the flight they expect to depart on the flight. In the same instance, airlines do need to transport flight attendants to other destinations all the time, in order to prevent delays and other problems on different flights. When these two issues come to a head and there are no available seats, what should the airlines and passengers do? Is some sort of legislation needed?
While the United passenger situation took an ugly turn, it is not the norm. With United Airlines CEO scheduled to go in front of congress, what can you expect in ways of legislation? Watch the video to find out.
