United Airlines contacted me and shed more light on the situation. In their investigation of the incident, they learned that the flight attendant thought I said, “Is there a LEO on board.” LEO is an abbreviation for Law Enforcement Officer.  “I actually said, will you be serving a meal on board.” I asked all my friends and family if they knew what a LEO was and the only thing they would come up with is that it is an astrological sign.

Although “meal” and LEO could be mixed up, she further said that she then asked me to clarify my request. She did not. That was an absolute lie. And I’m willing to take a lie detector test to prove that she made her statement about security and then walked away. There was no clarification, no questions—nothing. I had also never heard the term LEO before in my life.

It was six o’clock in the morning and quite frankly, she seemed a little out of it. Maybe it was too early for her, maybe she didn’t sleep very good the night before but trust me and my version.

United said that they will take my testimony and continue the investigation and get back to me again. They have been very cooperative and let’s see if we can get this behind us.

I’ve gotten a lot of response to my incident with United and would like to answer some of the issues raised.

Some questioned why I didn’t ask the flight attendant to clarify herself as to why my questions was perceived to be a security issue. My response: “It seemed so bazaar that I dismissed it as being some strange rule that they recently had to follow.”

Another comment I got was, “Does your mileage usage relate in any way to your security. Even a frequent flyer could go off his rocker.” I will tend to agree with this statement so my status as a United 1K flyer was a minor factor in this case.

Somebody wrote that I should sue the airline for defamation of character. I’m sure we can settle on something to avoid any lawsuit.

I was surprised at how many people from different countries wrote me. And I’ve heard that this made radio and newspapers as well. That was not my intention but let’s see how United settles this case. Stay tuned and unless your name is Leo, don’t dare mention that name on an airplane.

I get to the airport, boarded my plane and I’m sitting in first class. The flight attendant was right in front of me and was curious if they were going to serve meals onboard. So I asked her, “Are you serving any meals during our flight?”

She looked at me kinda funny and said, “I can’t answer that for security reasons.”

A little puzzled, I wondered how it affected security but I let it pass as she went into the cockpit. About three minutes later, two armed Austin police officers boarded the plane, looked at me and said, “Sugarman, follow us.”

I jumped out of my seat leaving my carry-on and papers behind and followed the officers half way up the ramp. “What’s the problem?” I asked.

“Let me see your drivers license,” they responded. I showed them my drivers license and they asked me when I was born, where I lived and as they held on to my drivers license I asked again, “What’s going on? No answer.

Finally a United representative approached me with my bags and said “We are taking you off this flight for security reasons.”

“Why” I asked.

“You apparently asked the flight attendant if the Police were onboard,” said the United representative. We’re not taking any chances and the captain asked that you be removed.”

“But I only asked her if a meal was being served,” I said. Only to be told that it was her word against mine and the Captain was not going to take any chances based on what the flight attendant claims I said.

Thrown off the plane for asking if a meal was being served was ridiculous. And why would I care if there was a policeman onboard anyway?

As I stepped off the ramp into the boarding area still in shock over what happened, the customer service representative was there to book me on the next flight, which was two hours later. Instead of landing in Las Vegas at 10:30 as I had planned, I had to be re-routed through Chicago and arrived at 1:45pm.

Question? If I was too dangerous to fly on my original flight why did they book me on the next United flight. It didn’t make sense. But there’s more.

They left my suitcase in Chicago

I arrived in Las Vegas before my bag did. And although they have yet to deliver my bag to my home, I fully expect to receive it shortly.

Another thing that puzzles me is that I am what is called a 1K flyer on United flying over 100,000 miles a year at a minimum. I have flown 2.5 million miles on their airline through the years as well. Couldn’t they use common sense and realize that I didn’t suddenly go off my rocker after being such a good customer of theirs. And why did they believe the flight attendant over me when they let terrorists on board with bombs in their suitcase? Can you make sense of this?

Lessons learned: I guess my business now goes to American where I am also a million mile flyer. Maybe I’ll get a lot more respect. Stay tuned and look for the final outcome of all this on my next blog. And remember, next time you fly, don’t ask if they are serving a meal on board.

Joe

Joe

My singular goal in my life has always been “helping others.” Whether it be providing a great product, educating the public on some new technology, offering my assistance to worthwhile causes and inspiring others to reach their potential. And you will find this goal expressed on a regular basis on this blog.

I leave a place for comments so feel free to express yourself on anything I may write. I will include links to some of the other sites I’m involved with. But always know that my intention is to help you through these messages and to make your life as productive as possible.

One of the questions I get a lot is simply, “What are you doing now?” And I’ll be answering that question shortly. I’m still very active, learning lots of lessons and continuing my quest to help others. I hope you enjoy this blog and continue to follow my adventures.