Late last night and early this morning, Americans of every ilk were absolutely appalled when videos were released showing police physically removing a man off a United Airlines flight that was overbooked.
It led to outrage, indignation, and memes.
Oh yes, much like United dragged that poor man, the internet dragged United right back.
Perhaps the most savage burn was from an NFL player. Cognizant of speaking up about public issues in the wake of Colin Kaepernick, this was just too ripe to pass up.
Dear #united, I had to “re-accommodate” someone once pic.twitter.com/MP3ZJDv85m
— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) April 10, 2017
Others took the tactic of revamping United’s website and seat offerings.
United Airlines is pleased to announce new seating on all domestic flights- in addition to United First and Economy Plus we introduce…. pic.twitter.com/KQjPClU2d2
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) April 10, 2017
Huh, never noticed these options on the United website until this morning pic.twitter.com/cP8LpIFEP1
— Jason O. Gilbert (@gilbertjasono) April 10, 2017
Or what about just giving the airline all new pilots and flight attendants?
UNITED AIRLINES INTRODUCES NEW PILOT #united #unitedAIRLINES pic.twitter.com/qUsVCS2u5j
— Being Libertarian (@beinlibertarian) April 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/Dave_Barabas/status/851516679595085824
Widespread mockery is really the only way to respond (well, save for using sympathy and restraint—but come on, lol, when has that ever happened? It’s much easier to do more memes.)
https://twitter.com/metsFanscotty/status/851515669061545984
.@United has just updated their website with helpful info for all passengers. pic.twitter.com/NlLCnTCaHC
— Perez (@ThePerezHilton) April 10, 2017
Getting ready for my United Airlines flight. pic.twitter.com/UX9j7lLPft
— Johnathan Randall (@MrJRan) April 10, 2017
We are also getting some pretty solid crossover meme action on this one.
https://twitter.com/GrimmKardashian/status/851511692739530752
https://twitter.com/msanborn/status/851511264295694336
@united “Fly the Friendly Skies” #united pic.twitter.com/ENxSZPiLEK
— Dark Night (@darknight2107) April 10, 2017
Now, that’s good (which relates to this morning’s other absurd police story.)
united’s list of special in-flight deals makes a lot more sense now pic.twitter.com/UvkRVFppKz
— Bob Vulfov (@bobvulfov) April 10, 2017
While the victim will surely recover from his wounds, United may not.