Three strikes and you’re out, United Airlines.
If you haven’t heard about the overbooked flights or the one-hit wonder “United Breaks Guitars” by Sons of Maxwell, we will now update you on why the vilified airline is facing even more heat.
Strike 1: In 2009, United Airlines lost $180 million (in stocks) by destroying passenger Dave Carroll’s Taylor guitar. The incident occurred at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport where United baggage handlers reportedly threw the guitar around, damaging it beyond repair. The 10 percent plummet cost the airline much more than just replacing Carroll’s guitar. The airline repeatedly refused to pay for his guitar so he wrote the now famous song, “United Breaks Guitars.”
Strike 2: Earlier this year, the airline had major flight delays due to technical problems. Though the computer problem did not cancel flights, it stalled O’Hare Airport for hours. This was the second computer problem within a two-month span, causing nearly three hours of delays. Chicago can’t catch a break.
Strike 3: If you haven’t heard or watched already, a man was recently dragged off an O’Hare United Airlines flight due to overbooking (other reports say the flight wasn’t overbooked, but seats were needed for the crew). The video, has gone viral and the airline is under scrutiny once again. The randomly chosen passenger refused to give up his seat on the flight, and was forcibly dragged off the plane.
To be expected, social media is blowing up with comments and videos about the recent nightmare.
You’re out! United Airlines, we don’t know how much this one will cost you, but we are sure it will be more than the price of a guitar.
Honorable mention (otherwise known as Strike 4): United Airlines banned two girls for wearing leggings and not following company policy on their flight. But since this incident did not happen at O’Hare, it only receives honorable mention on our list.
