UPDATE: United Airlines says the flight ban letter was automatically generated in error, does not apply, and has further apologized to Mr. Davis. It also says he received this letter weeks ago, calling into question why he would post it now as if it is a brand new development…

Per United:

“Mr. Davis received this letter the day after the incident. It was generated due to the report of the flight attendant – who is no longer employed by United. The day after the letter was sent, we discussed with Mr. Davis’ team that it had been rescinded. We have apologized to Mr. Davis for his experience and continue to review our handling of incidents like this to protect our highest priority – the safety of our customers and crew.”

So now the question is why is Davis posting this on Instagram and misleading many people, including me? If he’s trying to manipulate this situation for pecuniary gain, I am far less sympathetic to his cause. Shame on him and his legal team.

And also note that United now says it has not only suspended the flight attendant, but that the flight attendant is “no longer employed” by United.

a man standing in front of a jet

a close-up of a document

Terrell Davis has (at least temporarily) been banned from flying United Airlines as the carrier investigates a kerfuffle that happened onboard a Denver – Orange Country flight earlier this month.

Terrell Davis Says United Airlines Has Banned Him

Davis and his family were traveling from Denver (DEN) to Orange Country, California (SNA) on United Airlines on Saturday, July 13, 2024. According to Davis, during the beverage service, he asked a flight attendant for a cup of ice for his son.

The flight attendant did not respond, moving past their row.

Davis turned and purportedly tapped the flight attendant on his arm to try to get his attention.

But the flight attendant “snapped” and yelled out, “Don’t hit me!”

The flight attendant quickly bolted down the aisle toward the front of the plane. He later returned with the cup of ice, but disappeared for the rest of the light.

When the plane arrived at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, “The pilot asked all passengers to remain seated” and six law enforcement officials boarded the aircraft. Davis was immediately placed in handcuffs and led off the aircraft.

Shortly thereafter, Davis was “cleared of any wrongdoing,” noting “the agents profusely apologized” and offered “to support me and my family in any way possible.”

United also purportedly apologized and even suspended the flight attendant…

But now Davis has been suspended as well.

Sharing the image above, Davis, a former NFL star, took to Instagram to share:

Adding insult to injury, United not only had me removed from their flight in handcuffs, but placed me on their No Fly List after it was determined I did nothing wrong and was released. While my family and I continue to have difficult conversations with our children, I will continue to fight for what is right for all passengers of United.

Davis is suing United Airlines for the incident and demanding accountability for an incident he says has maligned his character and scarred his family.

He’s also added further reflections on his Instagram account:

What Is United’s Passenger Incident Review Committee?

United Airlines has a Passenger Incident Review Committee (PIRC) that investigates these types of incidents onboard.

According to the AFA-CWA union representing flight attendants, the PIRC was founded in 2007 to “closely investigate instances where flyers act or are accused of acting, out of line.” The group is defined as “a cross-divisional team that includes Director level Leadership from Inflight Services, Corporate Security, Corporate Legal, and Airport Operations. It also includes Investigators assigned to each division.”

For an incident to be referred to the PIRC, a “level two” incident must take place against a flight attendant. A level two incident must include “an actual physical assault.” This may include “pushing and shoving to inappropriate touching and sexual misconduct against an employee.”

Thus, even the assignment of this case to the PIRC suggests 1.) a very broad definition of assault (should tapping constitute assault?!) or 2.) there’s quite a bit more to the story.

CONCLUSION

Terrell Davis is now banned from United, at least temporarily, as the PIRC investigates what happened onboard.

I do suspect this latest turn of events is due to very different narratives from the flight attendant and Davis, with potential additional viewpoints from passengers who witnessed the incident onboard.

My personal opinion (and unsolicited legal advice to United) is that “when you’re in a hole, STOP DIGGING!” Unless Davis is outright lying, there is ZERO justification for cuffing him upon landing in Southern California or even temporarily banning him. Making this into an even bigger issue won’t end well for United.


image: @therealterrelldavis / Instagram

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