United Airlines changes staff policy following public outrage

United Airlines has changed its policy on giving staff last-minute seats on full flights, following outrage over how a passenger was forcibly removed from an overbooked flight.

Dr David Dao suffered a broken nose and lost two front teeth after he was dragged from the overbooked flight from Chicago to Kentucky last week so a member of staff could take his seat.

According to a leaked letter from United’s Chief Executive, Oscar Munoz, the flight crew had been trying to make room for four employees and asked passengers to volunteer to disembark the aircraft, offering $1,000 (£790) in compensation.

Dao refused to leave, claiming that he had patients to treat the next day, which led to him being forcibly dragged off by security. According to the 69-year-old’s lawyer, Dao will need reconstructive surgery and he has announced plans to sue the airline.