The shocking images of a passenger on a United Airlines being dragged screaming off an airplane have spurred Congress into action including a piece of legislation that would keep airlines from kicking passengers off a plane once they've been seated.
The April 9 incident, in which Chicago Air Police forcibly removed David Dao from a flight from Chicago to Louisville, Ky., in order to find space for four United employees, upset many lawmakers. Video from the plane showed Dao, a doctor in Louisville, arguing with police about leaving the plane. He had been randomly selected to give up his seat so that United employees could get to Louisville for an April 10 flight, but wouldn't go because he had to get home in order to serve patients.
Police eventually grabbed Dao and pulled him from his middle seat. In the process, Dao was forced into the aisle of the plane and smashed his head against an armrest and an airplane seat. According to his attorney, he suffered a concussion, lost two teeth and needs reconstructive surgery.
Among the angry lawmakers is Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., who signed a letter with 20 other Democratic senators demanding answers from United on the incident.
Van Hollen is also taking the lead in finding a legislative way to ensure passengers on full flights can't be forcibly removed from the plane once they're on the aircraft.
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04.28.2024