The recent involuntary and forceful de-boarding of a man on a United Airlines flight to Louisville, Kentucky has gone insanely and internationally viral.
The United Airlines flight leaving from Chicago O’Hare International Airport was overbooked, and to make room for crew members several airport security officers forcefully dragged a man off of the flight. He was left bloody and distressed, and it has caused quite the uproar.
This United Airlines PR nightmare provides a great opportunity to go over the ways to avoid being bumped off a plane, and while this was certainly a dramatic example that likely wouldn’t happen to you, the following three tips can help you avoid becoming a victim of over-booked flights!
Passengers With Disabilities Or Certain Accommodations
If you are traveling with a disability, as a minor, or with minor children, you will take priority when it comes to voluntary de-boarding. These passengers will be asked last to give up their seats.
Fliers Seated In First Class
If you are located in first class seating, you will be asked last to leave the plane when it comes to an overcrowded situation. Second to priority seating of those with children and disabilities, first class fliers usually are the last to worry about being forced off a plane before it takes off.
Travelers With A Complicated Itinerary
If the flight you are boarding is simply the first on your itinerary, you should feel secure when it comes to an overcrowded plane. Rescheduling an entire itinerary can become super messy, so airlines avoid this at all costs. If your day is jam packed with flights, you can rest assured that you won’t be the one asked to deboard.
It’s better to be safe than sorry. Always check your airline’s policies regarding overcrowding before you book a flight. You don’t want to be caught off guard if you’re asked to deboard, and you definitely don’t want to be the brunt of a future airline epic fail!