A passenger says a United Airlines pilot forcibly removed him from lavatory while he was experiencing constipation

A lawsuit has been filed concerning an incident on a United Airlines flight on January 28, 2025. During the flight from Mexico to Texas, a passenger spent an extended time in the restroom, prompting a flight attendant to wake the pilot to check on him. When the pilot confronted the passenger, who was still inside, the passenger explained he would be out soon. However, the pilot forcefully opened the bathroom door and removed the passenger, exposing him in front of others on the flight. Upon landing in Houston, the passenger was escorted off the plane by Customs and Border Protection officers. This incident raises important questions about the protocols that airlines should have in place regarding passenger privacy and emergency situations. From a transportation expert’s perspective, videos and personal accounts shared during flights need to be handled sensitively, particularly in cases involving possible health issues. The actions taken by the pilot could be viewed as an overreach, and there might need to be more clearly defined guidelines on when crew members can intervene in such situations to avoid compromising passenger dignity while also ensuring safety.