KOREDE DAMIFOGO
A shocking incident aboard a United Airlines flight has led to the airline banning a business class passenger after he allegedly urinated on another customer during a long-haul flight.
Jerome Gutierrez, a fellow passenger, was asleep on the San Francisco to Manila flight when he woke up to an appalling surprise — his clothing soaked from his stomach down in another passenger’s urine. The incident occurred four hours into the 15-hour red-eye flight, forcing Gutierrez to endure the rest of the journey in damp, uncomfortable clothing.
According to reports, the man who urinated on him was a complete stranger. Instead of using the restroom, he reportedly stood up and relieved himself directly onto Gutierrez. Nicole Cornell, Gutierrez’s stepdaughter, spoke out about the horrifying incident, telling SFGATE: “He was asleep and buckled in, and was shocked when he realized the man had urinated on him.”
The airline reportedly advised Gutierrez not to confront the offending passenger, citing concerns about a potential confrontation turning violent. Cornell expressed outrage, calling the situation a “biohazard” and criticizing United Airlines for not addressing the issue more decisively. She added, “They put the needs of the airline before my stepdad’s health.”
United Airlines spokesperson Anoushah Rasta confirmed the incident, noting that the disruptive passenger has been banned from all future flights with the airline.
This unsettling event follows a series of incidents on international flights, including another disturbing story where a teenage passenger on an easyJet flight allegedly assaulted cabin crew, leading to an emergency landing.
The Gutierrez incident has sparked a wider conversation about the treatment of passengers during in-flight disturbances and the responsibility of airlines to ensure their customers’ safety and comfort.