Originally Posted by
West Coast
Then you should know as a retired airline captain that anyone can be removed. If the pax refused to leave, then he would be removed.
Full disclosure: I didn't say "airline," I said "air carrier," i.e. not 121. The removal has to be lawful. The cabin crew and/or gate agent have to be honest with the police.
Bottom line: just because it is legal, doesn't make it right. UAL doesn't get it.