A Texas woman claimed on social media Thursday that United Airlines blocked her family from boarding a flight due to a misunderstanding about a flight attendant's gender.
in video Jenna Longoria posted on social media about an incident in which she and her family were prevented from boarding a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Austin after they misused a flight attendant's pronouns upon boarding, which she claims led to suspicions of a hate crime and possible banning from the airline.
“So they denied me, my 16-month-old son and my mom boarding. I had carry-on luggage on the plane that contained my thyroid medication and I would be ill without it,” she said in a video posted to X (formerly Twitter). “I was speaking to one of the flight attendants and I got the pronouns wrong and the other flight attendant didn't like that.”
Woman claims flight attendant kicked her off plane after mistaking her for gender, but airline says different reason https://t.co/BZTNeSpnjc
— People (@people) June 27, 2024
When contacted about the incident, United Airlines said it wasn't a case of misgendering, but that Longoria had been carrying too much carry-on luggage. The airline said the family was eventually allowed to board a subsequent flight and complete their trip. But Longoria disputes this, arguing that her carry-on luggage complied with United's policy and was the same as what she had on her outbound flight to San Francisco. (RELATED: 'Woke' Doctor Who episode sparks backlash over 'misgendering' scene featuring transgender teenager)
“A group of three departing from San Francisco today were not allowed to board following a dispute over having too many carry-on bags,” United Airlines said in a statement. according to “The issue was resolved and the passengers were able to board a subsequent United Airlines flight to complete their journey,” he told Fox News.
My 16 month old and I were denied entry. @United My flight to Austin was canceled because an attendant used the wrong pronoun. I'm now stranded in San Francisco with no luggage or anything. What are my rights? Elon Musk translator pic.twitter.com/2b1rC14wg4
— The Period Guru ® (@JennaLongoria) June 26, 2024
According to Fox News, Longoria denied these allegations and claimed she had the same amount of luggage on her flight to and from San Francisco. She also explained that United Airlines staff denied her priority boarding with her 16-month-old son, but later allowed him in. Longoria said she thanked the staff, saying “thank you,” and claimed the staff member appeared upset and was “shaking.”
“I said, 'I don't know, I'm not familiar with he, she, they, pronouns, so can you help me take care of my son?' And he said, 'Ma'am, please get off the plane,'” Longoria said, according to Fox News. “He made me stand at the front of the plane and said help was on the way.”
Longoria eventually managed to get another flight and spent a few more hours at the airport before flying home, according to Fox News.
