United Airlines Settles With Dr. David Dao After Dragging Him Off Plane

*United Airlines has settled with Dr. David Dao after he was dragged off a flight earlier this month.

The settlement amount was kept confidential, per terms of the deal.

Earlier Thursday, United unveiled new policy changes that aims to prevent a repeat of the public relations catastrophe that took place after Dao’s April 9th incident.

He was a passenger on an overbooked flight from Chicago to Louisville. He and other passengers were offered $800 to give up their seats for United crew members. Dao’s refusal to accept the offer led to his violent removal by force.

The airline said it will now offer up to $10,000 to customers who volunteer to give up their seats on an overbooked flight.

Among the other changes implemented: United will now limit use of law enforcement to safety and security issues. The airline also won’t require passengers to give up their seat involuntarily unless there is a security or safety risk.

While CEO Oscar Munoz initially said in an email to employees that Dao was “disruptive and belligerent,” he has since changed his tune and repeatedly apologized for how the airline handled the situation.

United should be applauded “for this acceptance of corporate accountability,” said Thomas Demetrio, one of Dao’s lawyers. “Dr. Dao has become the unintended champion for the adoption of changes which will certainly help improve the lives of literally millions of travelers. I sincerely hope that all other airlines make similar changes and follow United’s lead in helping to improve the passenger flying experience with an emphasis on empathy, patience, respect and dignity.”

Here is the full list of changes:

1. Limit use of law enforcement to safety and security issues only.

2. Not require customers seated on the plane to give up their seat involuntarily unless safety or security is at risk.

3. Increase customer compensation incentives for voluntary denied boarding up to $10,000.

4. Establish a customer solutions team to provide agents with creative solutions such as using nearby airports, other airlines or ground transportations to get customers to their final destination.

5. Ensure crews are booked onto a flight at least 60 minutes prior to departure.

6. Provide employees with additional annual training.

7. Create an automated system for soliciting volunteers to change travel plans.

8. Reduce the amount of overbooking.

9. Empower employees to resolve customer service issues in the moment.

10. Eliminate the red tape on permanently lost bags by adopting a “no questions asked” policy on lost luggage.

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