Originally Posted by
Capot
Says who? An airline can do what it likes; it's the repercussions that should cause it to think twice.
It is in violation of United's contract with the ticketed passengers (CofC). To say that they "can do what it likes" is silly. They "can," as having the ability, but "may" they?" No. United contracted with Dr. Dao and all of the other passengers, and United's actions are in conflict with that contract.
Just because airlines have been pulling this bovine scatology for decades doesn't make it legal or right.