http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/man-kicked-out-of-first-class-united-110309
Man Denied First Class Seat on United
Best Buy exec told his outfit was too casual
Will
Thomas
By WILL THOMAS/myfoxdc
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.
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.
Man Denied First Class Seat on United
Best Buy exec told his outfit was too casual
Will
Thomas
By WILL THOMAS/myfoxdc
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.
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.