United responds to overbooking row with new customer policies

United Airlines is to raise the compensation to $10,000 for passengers who give up seats on overbooked flights.

The move is one of ten “substantial changes” being made following the dragging of a 69-year-old Dr David Dao off a US domestic flight earlier this month.

“The changes are the result of United’s thorough examination of its policies and procedures, and commitment to take action, in the wake of the forced removal of a customer aboard United Express Flight 3411 on April 9,” the airline said.

The carrier said it was committed to increasing customer compensation incentives for voluntary denied boarding from a limit of $1,350 up to $10,000 – although it is unclear whether any passenger would be paid that much.

United will also:

• Limit use of law enforcement to safety and security issues only. • Not require customers seated on the plane to give up their seat involuntarily unless safety or security is at risk. • Establish a customer solutions team to provide agents with creative solutions such as using nearby airports, other airlines or ground transportation to get customers to their final destination. • Ensure crews are booked onto a flight at least 60 minutes prior to departure. • Provide employees with additional annual training. • Create an automated system for soliciting volunteers to change travel plans. • Reduce the amount of overbooking. • Empower employees to resolve customer service issues in the moment. • Eliminate the red tape on permanently lost bags by adopting a “no questions asked” policy on lost luggage.

“While several of these policies are effective immediately, others will be rolled out through the remainder of the year,” the airline said.

The changes came as United released details of what happened on Flight 3411 in Chicago

Chief executive, Oscar Munoz, said: “Every customer deserves to be treated with the highest levels of service and the deepest sense of dignity and respect.

“Two weeks ago, we failed to meet that standard and we profoundly apologise. However, actions speak louder than words. Today, we are taking concrete, meaningful action to make things right and ensure nothing like this ever happens again.

“Our review shows that many things went wrong that day, but the headline is clear: our policies got in the way of our values and procedures interfered in doing what’s right.

“This is a turning point for all of us at United and it signals a culture shift toward becoming a better, more customer-focused airline.

“Our customers should be at the centre of everything we do and these changes are just the beginning of how we will earn back their trust.”