Quantcast

United Airlines removes first-class passenger over racist texts during flight

United Airlines removes first-class passenger over racist texts during flight
Research
Webp p18pueyozwbyaegyt1fzg7i1qaau
View from the Wing | View from the Wing

A United Airlines passenger was removed from a flight after another passenger captured a photo of her texting racial slurs. The incident occurred on a flight from Charleston, South Carolina to Denver.

The black passenger, who had been upgraded to first class along with his family, reported that the woman had been rude to him from the start. "Before she sat down in her first class seat (I was upgraded before takeoff) she put her bag up, looked me dead in the face and flipped me off," he said.

The woman continued her behavior by sending text messages containing racial epithets. The man informed the flight attendants, leading the captain to decide against having her on the flight. Although the plane had already left the gate, it returned so that two gate agents could escort her off. Police were waiting at the gate.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The texts suggested an escalation of hostility, with the woman expressing hope that the man would throw "the first lunch," presumably meaning punch. This raised questions about whether such private communications should be grounds for ejection or if they posed a safety concern for the cabin crew.

This incident is reminiscent of a similar case last year involving Delta Air Lines, where a passenger's racist texts were exposed by their seatmate but did not result in any action beyond discomfort for the offender.

An online story dating back to at least the late 1990s tells of a racist passenger demanding to be moved away from someone they deemed undesirable and being met with an upgrade for their victim instead. This narrative was even turned into a public service advertisement in Portugal.

In this latest case, both parties were already seated in first class when the woman was removed due to her actions.

___

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Amazon has announced that its KSBD Air Hub in San Bernardino recognized its September High Flyers for their outstanding commitment to the company's 16 Leadership Principles.

Oct 28, 2025

Amazon announced that employees at its KSBD Air Hub in San Bernardino participated in the 2025 Pink on Parade for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Oct 28, 2025

The ShebaMiles loyalty program, operated by Ethiopian Airlines for over 26 years, has more than 5.38 million members and offers four membership tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Oct 28, 2025

Long Beach Airport has entered into a 30-year lease agreement with JetZero, Inc., a company focused on next-generation aircraft design.

Oct 28, 2025

Passengers planning summer travel for 2026 can now book flights with Lufthansa Group Airlines, which has released its schedule featuring new destinations and increased frequencies.

Oct 28, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced its Employees of the Month at its LAV facility.

Oct 28, 2025