Quantcast

Bally Sports reporter alleges harassment and theft during United Airlines flights

Bally Sports reporter alleges harassment and theft during United Airlines flights
Research
Webp uefmsw7k0lt5f20uxuve40u9xjr0
Airbus A380 | Airbus

Bally Sports reporter Michaela Bennett has expressed frustration with United Airlines after discovering her jewelry was missing from her checked baggage. This incident marks the second consecutive problematic trip she has experienced with the airline.

"Gave @united another chance and now all my jewelry was stolen out of my checked bag," Bennett tweeted on August 20, 2024.

When passengers check a bag with an airline, the airline is responsible for it, although multiple parties may handle it. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) sometimes inspects bags, and if more than one airline is involved in the itinerary, the last airline before the destination bears responsibility for any issues.

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.

Bennett's case involves a more direct allegation against a United employee. According to her tweets, a customer service agent made inappropriate advances while assisting her with rebooking a flight.

"He goes 'oh you have a boyfriend in (city). Well I can be your side piece,'" Bennett tweeted on July 17, 2024. She added that when she declined his advances and moved to charge her phone, he persisted by asking for her number.

"I said 'no I'm going to stay right here.' He then sat down next to me and asked if he could have my number and I said no and walked to a different side of the terminal," Bennett recounted. A fellow passenger reportedly commented on the agent's behavior, calling him "a creeper."

Incidents involving lost or tampered items in checked luggage are not uncommon. Another United passenger reported finding their bottle of tequila opened and partially consumed upon retrieval at baggage claim.

"So an employee at @united went in my luggage, crack open my bottle, took a shot & put it back," tweeted Rich Mac on November 5, 2023.

Similarly, another passenger claimed their expensive whiskey arrived one-third empty after being checked. United Airlines responded by providing a $200 travel credit as compensation.

"Hey @united – bottle of expensive scotch in checked bag. Arrived opened and a third gone," read a tweet from March 28, 2023.

While United took responsibility for these incidents involving alcohol with tangible evidence like broken seals or opened bottles, proving theft of smaller items such as jewelry is more challenging. Passengers must file claims but often face difficulties demonstrating that the items were initially present and establishing their value.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced it will start a passenger flight service to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, beginning June 1, 2025.

Apr 8, 2025

ITA Airways has announced a series of changes for the 2025 summer season, including terminal adjustments in Munich and Frankfurt, new lounge access, and the launch of its Milan Linate–Munich route.

Apr 7, 2025

Airlines for America announced that it led a coalition of over 30 aviation stakeholders in supporting Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's call for a more modern air traffic control system.

Apr 7, 2025

Hainan Airlines has announced the successful launch of its new Haikou–Osaka route, which connects China and Japan.

Apr 7, 2025

Flying Food Group (FFG) has announced the retirement of Monica Wilsher, who served as General Manager at the company's Miami location for 26 years.

Apr 7, 2025