On December 27, 2024, a United Airlines business class passenger was permanently banned after an appalling incident during a long-haul flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Manila (MNL).
The man reportedly urinated on fellow passenger Jerome Gutierrez, leaving him soaked and forced to endure the remaining eight hours of the journey in soiled clothing.
The Incident
The shocking event occurred four hours into the 15-hour flight on United Airlines Flight UA 189. Jerome Gutierrez, who was asleep and buckled into his seat, woke up to discover a nearby passenger urinating on him. Initially thinking it was a dream, he soon realized the distressing reality.
Gutierrez’s stepdaughter, Nicole Cornell, later shared the ordeal with SFGATE, describing the emotional and physical discomfort her stepfather endured. According to her, United Airlines provided Gutierrez with replacement pajamas but failed to take immediate action regarding the biohazard posed by the incident.
Airline Response, Public Criticism
United Airlines confirmed the incident and banned the passenger responsible. A spokesperson for the airline stated, “We have banned this passenger,” emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety and comfort.
Flight attendants reportedly advised Gutierrez not to confront the man, fearing an escalation into violence. The offender apologized to Gutierrez and pleaded not to face legal charges.
The incident drew widespread criticism, particularly about United Airlines’ handling of the situation. Cornell accused the airline of prioritizing operational continuity over her stepfather’s health and well-being. She expressed frustration that the flight did not divert to address the issue, calling the response inadequate given the severity of the incident.
Similar Incidents
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred aboard a commercial flight. In 2023, an intoxicated passenger on an Air India flight from the United States to India urinated on a female co-passenger. The man, later identified as Shankar Mishra, faced criminal charges and was added to the airline’s no-fly list.
In-flight disturbances like these highlight the importance of strict policies and crew training to manage unexpected events. Passengers and industry experts alike have called for clearer protocols and more decisive actions to ensure passenger safety and comfort in extreme cases.
