Man Denied First Class Seat on United

GAITHERSBURG, Md. - A corporate executive with electronic retail giant Best Buy says a United Airlines gate agent denied him a seat in the first class cabin because he was wearing a track suit.

In an exclusive interview with FOX 5's Will Thomas, Armando Alvarez recalled his experience Monday, October 26. He said he used his miles to upgrade to first class on a flight from Dulles to Connecticut.

CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE ON THIS STORY:
United Investigating After Man Denied First-Class Seat
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/offbeat/man-denied-first-class-seat-united-track-suit-110409

Alvarez said the gate agent called his name and when he walked up to the counter for his upgrade, the agent said he was dressed too casually for first class.

"I was humiliated and embarrassed," Alvarez said.

The Best Buy vice president who lives in Gaithersburg, sent e-mails to United Airlines Customer Service Department and the airline's board of directors. Alvarez said he hasn't received a response several days later.

FOX 5 contacted United's Media Relations Department in Chicago three times Tuesday. No one authorized to speak on behalf of the airline returned the calls.

Alvarez said he is not seeking compensation.

"If this happened to me and I'm a United Airlines Red Carpet Club member then I believe it's happening to other people and this must stop," Alvarez said.

Alvarez was allowed to fly to his destination aboard the flight, but he had to fly coach using his original ticket. 


On the web:
United Airlines, Inc. Updated: 2/12/2007
Contract of Carriage Reference Guide

http://www.united.com/ual/asset/COC12FEB07.pdf

REFUSAL TO TRANSPORT UA RULE: 0035

The only reference to clothing is one line:
B) PASSENGERS WHO ARE BAREFOOT.