A United Airlines flight from Chicago to Louisville was overbooked, so the airline sought 4 passengers to voluntarily give up their seats in exchange for cash and a free night in a hotel.
When no one took the offer, the airline used a computer to choose “volunteers” at random. One man chosen refused, saying he was a doctor who had to see patients in the morning. That’s when police were called and the man was physically dragged down the aisle and off the plane.
United Airlines said they needed the seats for airline employees who had to be in Louisville on Monday for their jobs.
The airline originally offered $400 and a night in a hotel to anyone who gave up their seat. When no one took the offer, the cash was upped to $800. Failing to find any volunteers, the computer chose random passengers.