Summary

  • United Airlines allegedly removed a passenger for “mis-gendering” a flight attendant.
  • The airline claimed it was a hate crime and the passenger may be banned from flying United again.
  • United later issued a statement saying the passengers were not allowed to board due to too many carry-on items, and they took a later flight.

Yesterday in San Francisco, United Airlines allegedly removed a passenger from a flight for “misgendering” a flight attendant. Jenna Longoria took to social media to recount her experience.

Incident on the ground

Airline captains are responsible for the aircraft they fly and the safety of their crew and passengers. Additionally, captains have the authority to remove passengers from flights should they feel the need to. Supposedly, this is exactly what happened yesterday at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

According to The Bulkhead Seat, Jenna Longoria was a passenger on one of United Airlines’ flights from SFO to Austin Bergstrom International Airport yesterday. Longoria was allegedly removed from the aircraft after she used the incorrect pronoun to refer to one of the flight attendants. Longoria’s social media posts added that the airline was claiming it was a hate crime and she would potentially be banned from flying United again.

Longoria posted a video discussing the incident with one of the airport staff after she had been removed from the plane. In the video, the employee says she will not make any determinations about the incident and still has to speak with all the parties involved. She reiterated that because the captain made a decision to remove Longoria, her mother, and her son, his authority had to be respected. According to the video, the passengers deplaned without their carry-on luggage, which included medication for Longoria’s son, a 16-month-old.

United issued a statement saying,

“A party of three traveling out of San Francisco today was not allowed to board following a discussion about having too many carry-on items. The matter was resolved and the customers took a later United flight to finish their trip.”

There is likely much more to the story than has been shared, and there is a chance the whole story will never come to light.

Recent United Airlines news

Yesterday, United announced an update to its inflight offering, adding illy cold brew coffee to its flights. Starting next week, United will be the only major US airline serving cold brew on most of its flights. Before then, some redeye flights between Los Angeles/San Francisco to Newark will have the coffee available for passengers. In premium cabins, the cold brew will be complimentary, while passengers in economy can purchase it.

“As more people than ever take to the skies this summer, we are thrilled to offer fliers a new premium drink, and we’re proud to be the only major U.S. airline currently serving cold brew onboard most flights. We know fliers enjoy a pick-me-up during travel, and illy’s canned cold brew is the perfect beverage option for coffee lovers looking to stay energized and focused during their trip.” – Aaron McMillan, Managing Director, Hospitality Programs at United Airlines

illy was founded in 1933 in Trieste, Italy. Today, eight million cups of illy coffee are served in more than 140 countries worldwide. In addition to making its products available in stores, and now airlines, illy has its own locations in 30 countries and has launched courses that promote a culture of quality coffee all over the world through training, research, and innovation.

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