United's staff memo makes the internet even angrier—yes, that's possible

CEO Oscar Munoz said the staff was "left with no choice."
 By 
Keith Wagstaff
 on 
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The CEO of United Airlines wants his employees to know the company made a huge mistake, and he's really sorry about it.

Lol, just kidding. In a staff memo, Oscar Munoz called the passenger seen being dragged off a plane in disturbing viral videos "disruptive and belligerent" after they "politely" asked him to "deplane." Ultimately, the crew was "left with no choice but to call Chicago Aviation Security Officers to assist in removing the customer from the flight."

That's funny, because it looked like a paying customer was removed against his will by several men who left him bloodied, as terrified passengers screamed at them to stop. The passenger was being removed because United overbooked the flight and no one would volunteer to get off to make room for employees who needed a ride.

"Our employees followed established procedures for dealing with situations like this," he wrote. "While I deeply regret this situation arose, I also emphatically stand behind all of you, and I want to commend you for continuing to go above and beyond to ensure we fly right."

The internet didn't react well to the tone-deaf letter from United's CEO, especially after his previous apology, where he talked about having to "re-accommodate" customers.

Well, all this should make you think hard about your next airport travel plans. Especially if you just bought some new leggings.

Video credit: Tyler Bridges via Storyful

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Keith Wagstaff

Keith Wagstaff is an assistant editor at Mashable and a terrible Settlers of Catan player. He has written for TIME, The Wall Street Journal Magazine, NBC News, The Village Voice, VICE, GQ and New York Magazine, among many other reputable and not-so-reputable publications. After nearly a decade in New York City, he now lives in his native Los Angeles.

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