United Airlines Bans Passenger After Disturbing In-Flight Incident

A shocking incident unfolded on United Airlines Flight 189 from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Manila, Philippines, on December 27. Jerome Gutierrez, a business class passenger, was subjected to an unusual and distressing experience when another passenger urinated on him during the flight. The unsettling event occurred approximately four hours into the journey.

The unexpected disturbance began when a man rose from his seat and proceeded to urinate on Gutierrez, soaking him from his stomach down to his feet. Despite the severity of the situation, Gutierrez remained in his wet clothes for about eight hours until the plane landed. Flight attendants, concerned about potential violence, advised Gutierrez against approaching the man.

United Airlines took immediate action by reporting the incident to the police. They asked law enforcement to be present when the flight arrived in Manila to address the situation. Following this, the airline confirmed the passenger involved has been banned from flying with them.

“On December 28 we asked police to meet our flight when it arrived in Manila to address a passenger disturbance. We have banned this passenger,” – United Airlines spokesperson

Nicole Cornell, Gutierrez's stepdaughter, expressed her profound dissatisfaction with United Airlines' handling of the situation. She criticized the airline for not taking more decisive action during the flight.

“I am so disgusted and in shock with how United Airlines handled this!” – Nicole Cornell

Cornell further emphasized the health risks posed by such an incident, insisting that the plane should have turned back.

“That is a biohazard, and the plane should’ve turned around to address this issue.” – Nicole Cornell

The bizarre turn of events began when Gutierrez, who was asleep and buckled in, was unexpectedly awakened by the man's actions.

“He was asleep and buckled in and was surprised when he looked at the man and thought he was dreaming,” – Nicole Cornell

Gutierrez's realization of the situation occurred after noticing he was entirely soaked.

“Jerome realized he was soaked from his stomach down [to his feet] in that man’s urine.” – Nicole Cornell

In an unexpected twist, the man responsible for the incident reportedly asked Gutierrez "not to press charges." The incident highlights concerns about passenger behavior and airline responses to such disturbances.