Summary

  • United Airlines sent Terrell Davis a travel ban notice after being inaccurately accused by a flight attendant.
  • Davis feels insulted by the carrier’s lack of empathy for his family.
  • The airline quickly rescinded the ban.

Chicago-based United Airlines banned National Football League (NFL) Hall of Famer Terrell Davis after a dispute with a crew member earlier this month led to him being handcuffed and removed from a flight in front of his family. According to Davis, he had “lightly tapped” a flight attendant’s arm to get their attention, but he was accused of hitting them, prompting law enforcement to get involved.

The incident occurred during a flight from Denver International Airport (DEN) to John Wayne Airport (SNA). When the flight arrived, Davis was arrested, but police subsequently released him after determining that the flight attendant was “inaccurate in his accusations.” United revoked the ban one day after implementing it.

Travel ban notice

In an Instagram post early Tuesday, Davis shared a letter from United’s Passenger Incident Review Committee (PIRC), which notified him of the travel ban.

“Based on the nature of the reported incident that occurred on UA1061 on July 13, 2024, this shall serve as a notice that you are not permitted to fly on United Airlines or any regional carrier operating as United Express until a review of this incident…”

Davis, however, did not disclose that the letter was sent to him on Sunday, July 14th, the day after the incident occurred. In a statement to Simple Flying on Tuesday, United said it had rescinded its travel ban notice and fired the flight attendant involved.

“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 Davis’ team that it had been rescinded.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.”

Wrongful accusations

Davis explained in his post that the move was still “adding insult to injury” since law enforcement found that he “did nothing wrong and was released.” He hired attorney Parker Stinar of Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley law firm, and has demanded a thorough and proper investigation. United confirmed that the ban was removed on July 15th and had communicated with Davis’ legal team again on July 16th about it being rescinded.

United Airlines Airbus A320 (N497UA) taking off from Denver International Airport.

Photo: Denver International Airport

As a result of the incident, the former NFL star says he has had to have difficult conversations with his children.

“This company not only wrongfully accused me of something I did not do and had me handcuffed and detained, but they have failed on so many levels to demonstrate any genuine empathy for my family’s experience and also at making the real changes to ensure this doesn’t happen to anyone else. I was banned on this airline even after they sent a media-issued statement with a boilerplate “apology.””

Reviewing the incident

The letter advised that “no single United employee” could change the ban. Only the PIRC could have revoked it after reviewing the incident, but Davis was required to provide a detailed account of his experience within four days of receiving the letter.

“The PIRC would like to consider your version of what occurred in this incident in making its determination,” the airline said. “In order to ensure this information is considered, a written report must be submitted within 96 hours of receiving this notice.”

Read More

United Airlines Flight Attendants Accuse Management Of Violating Contract With New Call-Sick Policy

Under the new rules, crewmembers could be terminated if they fail to provide a doctor’s note within 72 hours of calling sick.

United requested that Davis include his name, address, email, phone number(s), the flight number, date, and his seat assignment. Additionally, the 51-year-old was required to provide a summary of the incident and any names of witnesses.

A United Airlines Airbus A319 On the apron At Denver International Airport.

Photo: Denver International Airport

Although the ban has been rescinded, Davis appears to remain upset.

“They’ve somewhat admitted to wrongdoing but have done nothing to right this wrong,” he explained. “Really, United?”

Read Next

United Airlines Reduces Australia Frequencies From San Francisco, Los Angeles, & Houston

The carrier will offer several thousand fewer seats than initially planned.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *