The newest United Airlines public relations disaster, which involves the brutally violent ejection of 69-year-old Chinese doctor David Dau from a flight, continues to wreak havoc upon the airline’s reputation. The Chicago Aviation Police Department actually conducted the horrifying removal (and stated that the passenger “fell”), but United’s handling of the “overbooking” situation has drawn plenty of criticism. Jimmy Kimmel provided the late-night mocking while United’s CEO dug his hole by praising employees and apologizing to every passenger on board, it seems, except for Dau.
Few people feel sympathy for United’s place in this situation. Rather, they feel for the doctor, whose own reputation is being dragged through the unfriendly skies, and the Internet is ready to vote with their wallets. A growing general boycott movement (which we’ll talk about below) exists on social media. More specifically, one in China (as Buzzfeed News reports) has filled the Weibo platform with outrage from those who feel the doctor was discriminated against. Comedian Joe Wong also tweeted about the situation while posting a screencap of the doctor’s bloodied face after his forcible removal.
"I'm selected because I'm Chinese" I'd like to thank this doctor for speaking up. Too few Asians are willing to talk about discrimination. pic.twitter.com/SagRWp5ZEB
— Joe Wong (@JoeWongComedy) April 11, 2017
Also on Twitter, this graphic has been absolutely everywhere and suggests that United’s coach section is akin to Fight Club.
United Airlines is pleased to announce new seating on all domestic flights- in addition to United First and Economy Plus we introduce…. pic.twitter.com/KQjPClU2d2
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) April 10, 2017
Meanwhile, calls for a boycott have grown even more ferocious than recent examples like those faced by Uber and Ivanka Trump. Indeed, the combination of already-existing travel angst and the sight of a literally battered man could signal a lethal PR combination. People are switching their scheduled flights to other airlines, and while there’s some gallows humor here, the fury is real.
Then this totally makes sense. We can politely ask you to give up your money/seat, then beat you for saying no. #BoycottUnitedAirlines
— cizixs wu (@cizixs) April 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/thmiley/status/851799661962706944
Just cancelled my @united flight for tomorrow and re-booked @VirginAmerica. In fact, may never fly them again.
— Steve Cheney (@stevecheney) April 10, 2017
Boycott @united! Show investors we care & won't tolerate this type of business practice. What happened to that passanger is deplorable !
— Paul Butcher (@ThePaulButcher) April 10, 2017
So not only did @united hurt a passenger, then they mock him and say this…. #BoycottUnitedAirlines
HOW HORRIFIC pic.twitter.com/4mZoWrX557— WeThePeople🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@PrincessBravato) April 11, 2017
Dear @united, Maya Angelou said, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." #BoycottUnitedAirlines
— JusticeForAll (@Thinknotfearnot) April 11, 2017
Nicely done @united and airport police ..all because you overbooked?!?..yep this is one boycott that's worth doing #BoycottUnitedAirlines
— Patrick Gallagher (official) (@PatrickGman) April 10, 2017
Should I ever decide to fly again, it WILL NOT be with United. Their behavior has been completely reprehensible. 😠 #BoycottUnitedAirlines
— Stefanie McDermott (@SteffieMcD) April 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/cai_rong/status/851642667524128769
#NewUnitedAirlinesMottos "Get off the plane, or the bunny gets it." #ConAir #United #Flight3411 #BoycottUnitedAirlines #OscarMunoz pic.twitter.com/EU0hvrA6Ri
— TruthIsLikeTheSun (@LostInAmerica77) April 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/keysarmstrong/status/851815149216428033
https://twitter.com/joseph_proietta/status/851647623522127872
#BoycottUnitedAirlines most disgusting airline ever🖕🏼 pic.twitter.com/Jq8Q4pdT4o
— Winnie The Pooh (@michelin0205) April 11, 2017
Where does the situation go from here, after it’s already grown so volatile? United may hope that the anger will burn itself out, but there are plenty of people who will steer clear next time they fly. At the very least, this boycott could force airlines to reexamine their own policies and do everything possible to avoid a repeat. That’s likely the best we can hope for.