United CEO Oscar Munoz recently gave up his first class seat for a senior citizen, a wonderful gesture of kindness.
Rebecca Kuchar Krutz witnessed the encounter and shared it on Facebook:
I’m a pretty loyal Delta Airlines customer. But tonight I was on a flight w the CEO of United. I was a bit surprised seeing him walk back into the economy section of the plane to take his seat. Seated in front of me on the plane was an elderly lady in her 80’s (maybe even early 90’s). She didn’t appear to be in great health and had a bit of a hard time with her speech. Prior to boarding, I’d seen Oscar (the CEO) make his way out of a crowd of people in order to go over and speak w/ her. I thought it was nice of him to take time to say hello to her when there was literally a crowd of people trying to speak w him.
After we landed, I overheard the elderly lady tell the man she was sitting next to how it’d been a very long time since she’d flown, that she had been very nervous, and how she couldn’t believe the kindness of Oscar, giving up his seat in first class just for her. That, ladies and gentleman, is how it should be done. Treat our elders with the respect and care they deserve. I may very well be a lifelong United customer after witnessing that act of selflessness by a man who likely has his own private plane, and yet was humble enough to give up his seat to an elderly lady he’d never met before, because he thought she’d be more comfortable there. United ✈️
I confirmed with United that this story is indeed true. It is acts of kindness like this that make me respect the United CEO so much as a person.
Too bad I have feeling Kirby is pushing him out….
Carlos Munoz is the best CEO we have had at United! I am entering my 24th year as a flight attendant. I met him during one of his personal meetings with employees at our ORD base last year. He is very liked.
I would hate to see him leave. I hope he gives us a few more years of his good stewardship at Continental Holdings.
I am not surprised that he put his heart where others put their ego. He is a prince.
24 years working for the company and yet call Oscar Muñoz, Carlos. I hope he doesnt read this.
Sounds like a press release. Nice try.
Can’t we just give the man some credit?
I agree with Matthew. We’re always so ready to jump on the US carriers for doing bad things, maybe just appreciate that this time they did a good thing.
United is consistently at the bottom for on-time arrivals, baggage handling and customer service. So, for once they don’t shit the bed and we’re suppose to be like “hum, they’re not so bad”?
Worst airline in the sky.
Not sure where you are getting your facts and I am not a United apologist, but operationally United has been near the top this year, far surpassing many competitors.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjEpfm3_v_eAhUQHDQIHRvDAdgQzPwBegQIARAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Ftravel%2Fflights%2Ftodayinthesky%2F2018%2F02%2F09%2Funited-leads-list-time-u-s-airlines%2F324746002%2F&psig=AOvVaw1WjJGCCzCDCopgPNSk7BNX&ust=1543800305865525
I just came from Houston to SJU and I had a flair with my ulcerative colitis ; for that reason I spoke with one of the assistant to change my seat for aisle. It’s very frustrating being in window seat because I have to visit the “bathroom “ continuesly. For me was very hard leave my seat jumping 2 seats to get there. It’s embarrassing. The assistance didn’t do anything It was not sensitive to my need
Knowing you have that condition, why wouldn’t you book an aisle seat originally?? That makes no sense.
United does not and should not be required to bend to your sensitivities.
**Exactly, Matthew**
I would think that the gate agent would be responsive to the passengers seating needs, not the flight crew. So sad that most passengers do not realize what the “real” job of the flight crew is- emergencies (medical and security).
Even if you book a aisle seat no guarantee. They can move you at any time.
Appears to be a PR stunt. If the flight was 6 or more hours then I would be impressed. As it is, not impressed with United management. It’s all about the bottom line and not the customer.
Oh, Samuel isn’t impressed? Wow, I bet Oscar is going to have a hard time sleeping… nobody does anything to impress you. It’s a nice gesture, that’s all.
And yeah buddy, it’s a for-profit corporation. It exists solely to make money. Management doing anything to hinder its ability to make money is literally illegal via duty to shareholders.
If you want something else, go fly a nonprofit airline…. you can find them all over the world in countries that subsidize the industry because they can’t compete with the US in any capacity.
Lol, this is such a “this is going to get us good PR” story. Very cheaply done, too.
About time they do something good.
Credit where credit is due. Most CEOs would not have given up their 1st class seat. Good for him!
Southwest airlines CEO always makes sure he boards last and always sits in a middle seat regardless. It does happen with other CEOs just not newsworty.
Perfectly said.
If only his employees acted with the same level of consistent courtesy!
It says a lot about the character of the man that he would do such a thing without trying to get PR mileage from it.
Yes, it is a deep showing of kindness. However, he should sit in economy more often to see how packed people are, knees banging into the seat in front, and how some planes literally don’t have enough overhead space due to poor design of the compartments.
I tend to agree.
Back in 2007 I’m flying IAH-ORD.
J was 1/3 full and Y was packed as usual. Once we hit cruise the pilot comes on and says that he noticed half a dozen uniformed military in the very back, and wanted the pax to realise that under his instruction he was having the FA’s bring them all up to J.
The plane erupted in a loud and raucous applause as each these guys were brought up front with their bags.
That was my UAL for life moment.
That’s great! Just make sure the gate agents don’t take a delay on the departure! The people who actually make the airline run.. are just that .. run right the F over.
I’m a United flight attendant and I worked this flight this past Monday from JAX to ORD :).
My wife was a flight attendant on that flight and came home and mentioned it to me. Definitely not a PR stunt. Just Mr. Munoz’ personality. Lots of respect for him. United has their issues like all airlines but they are under good leadership.
Nope, won’t fly on United until
…they start buying roomier planes, instead of the cattle cars they “invest” in;
…they stop finding all kinds of ways to dip into your pocketbook;
So will you drive everywhere instead?
What do you mean by “buying roomier planes”? Planes are only as roomy as they are outfitted by the airline.
Been Platinum on them all, I will stick with United. Go Oscar, keep up the good work. They are seeing many more Embrair 170 and 175’s and fewer and fewer RJ200’s AMEN. There are big advantages to the new 175’s with 12 first class seats and fewer passengers meaning your bags show up quicker. Employees seem truly happier. No thank you, I’m sticking with United.
Wow. This website has just lost all credibility by posting this propaganda for Oscar Munoz. Giving up a seat for elderly? Come on, at least try a little harder. That is something that everyone would/should do. It’s not even trashing the airline. It is the personal character of Munoz that should be attacked. Shameless person who refused to give up his position even after the Dao incident.