Flying the "Unfriendly Skies": The Pilots Step Up

Several days ago, I published an article which told the story of how United Airlines' inexcusable cancellation of a family's reservations denied them the opportunity to visit their father and grandfather prior to his impending death. Since that time United has come up with excuse after excuse (all of which were fabrications) and never made any attempt at restitution to the family.

Yesterday, the pilots at United, through their union, the Airline Pilots Association, stepped up and presented the family with a check for $11,693 to reimburse them for the funds they forfeited as a result of United's actions and failure to accept responsibility.

The pilots' union at United issued the following statement along with their check to the family:

United’s treatment of this family not only is inexcusable; it is an embarrassment to the dedicated and professional pilots and other employees who take pride in this airline. United Airlines, even after the bumbling chain of events by management created such a devastating financial loss for this family, refused to accept responsibility and take any actions toward making them whole. The pilots of United Airlines, however, could not stand idly by and allow this to happen.

Gerry Braun, columnist for the Union Tribune in San Diego, wrote the original and follow on articles detailing United's despicable treatment of this family and the pilots' attempt to make things right. Check out the original article and Mr. Braun's follow-up article by clicking the links below.

Flying the "Unfriendly Skies": A Despicable Story
United Full of Excuses, But Family Gets Relief