On Sunday, April 9, a United flight was set to depart from the Chicago airport; however, prior to departure the passengers of flight 3411 were told that four United employees needed seats on the overbooked plane.

Initially, the United employee asked for any volunteers to take a later flight. David Dao, a passenger on the flight, volunteered to give up his seat, but upon being informed that the next available flight wasn’t until the next afternoon, Dao communicated to the crew of the flight that he was a physician who had patients to see the next day.

Dao sat back in his seat until he was asked again and again to exit the plane. Dao refused, so United employees called law enforcement to the scene. Dao was forcefully removed from his seat and dragged down the center aisle. Shocked at the horrific events taking place, passengers aboard the flight began taking videos. “They used unnecessary and excessive force. I am extremely disappointed in United airlines for allowing this to happen,” said Greenwood sophomore Hattie Byrd after viewing the videos.

Overbooking is a common practice among airlines due to expected no-shows. In fact, overbooking and removing passengers from flights is completely legal. Upon purchasing a seat on any flight you agree to these terms and conditions; however, no agreement to any terms or conditions permits such violence. “People are spending their hard earned american money on flights they have the potential to be booted off of, that isn’t cool; you don’t do that to a brother,” said sophomore Sierra Earnhart.  

Dao was taken to a Chicago hospital where he received medical attention for a serious concussion and a broken nose with significant damage to his sinuses. He also lost his two front teeth. Dao’s lawyer strongly implied that there will be a lawsuit. “Good for him, the airline should have handled the situation better. I hope that man gets all of their money,” said senior Lindsey Greene.

United released a statement apologizing for the events that took place; however, the CEO’s statement was widely criticized as insincere when he said United had to “re-accommodate” the passenger. Since the occurrence United has taken a significant hit financially.

The company has lost approximately 800 million dollars, and the company’s value continues to decrease. Many United costumers are destroying their United frequent flyer card in protest. Three Chicago aviation officers were put on paid leave following the occurrence.

Dao was mistreated and the media has not failed to spread word of this. People all over the world are disgusted and disturbed by the brutality. Now we all wait for time to tell if Dao will get the justice he deserves.