According to Fox News Orlando, a family on a recent United Airlines flight from Denver to Baltimore caused the aircraft to be diverted when they expressed their concerns about the content of an inflight movie. The film, the PG-rated Alex Cross, contained content during its first few minutes that concerned the parents of two young boys, ages 4 and 8.
“Alarmed by the opening scenes, we asked two flight attendants if they could turn off the monitor; both claimed it was not possible,” the family said. “We asked if the captain has the authority to address this issue, but received no response. Throughout these interactions the atmosphere was collegial, no voices were raised and no threats, implicit or explicit, of any kind were made. The flight continued without incident, while my wife and I engaged our children to divert their attention from the horrific scenes on the movie screens.”
But shortly after that, the captain announced the flight was being diverted to a Chicago airport due to “security concerns.” When the plane landed, security officials met the family and removed them from the aircraft. After questioning, the family was placed on an alternative flight to Baltimore.
The family insists that the captain overreacted to the incident. They have written to United Airlines executives and customer service without a response as yet. “We understand that airline captains can and should have complete authority,” commented the family. “However, when this authority is used for senseless, vindictive acts, it must be addressed.”
