Overview

• Melissa Sotomayor alleges United Airlines staff demanded she remove her son's ventilator and oxygen concentrator before takeoff, citing FAA guidelines, despite providing medical clearance documents.
• Sotomayor claims the flight crew suggested her son could be temporarily removed from the equipment, which she refused, stating it was essential to his survival.
• The incident delayed the flight by over an hour and left Sotomayor feeling humiliated, with other passengers reportedly supporting her during the ordeal.
• United Airlines has apologized but attributed the issue to a 'bulkhead seating problem,' a claim Sotomayor disputes and deems insincere.
• The incident, which gained widespread attention through a viral TikTok video, has sparked public criticism of United's treatment of disabled passengers, with Sotomayor now exploring legal options.