Video showing the violent “re-accommodation” of Dr. David Dao has become a PR nightmare for United Airlines—and a goldmine for internet wits. Twitter users in particular are always quick to sharpen their knives for any company unlucky enough to make a misstep (or, as in United’s case, a compounding series of missteps), and the platform has been full of memes and jokes about the incident since the video emerged on April 10th.
Some of the most memorable jabs have been spins on classic film lines, under the #unitedmovielines tag. Harrison Ford, we’re reminded, has spent a lot of screen time throwing people off planes.
#UnitedMovieLines get off my plane pic.twitter.com/nMC2z69kyS
— Andrew Mayer (@Mandruw) April 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/PenelopeNykl/status/851818668128444419
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https://twitter.com/jonpalin/status/851531546339233793
No seatings, prepare for beatings. #UnitedAirlinespic.twitter.com/SLduG1e5dm
— 9GAG ❤️ Memeland (@9GAG) April 12, 2017
United 25:17 …And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my re-accommodation upon thee!" #UnitedMovieLines
— Sean Tuffnell (@TuffnellSean) April 10, 2017
Comedy, it seems, has mostly overtaken outrage at the incident. A few users have shared their own stories of mistreatment by United, though.
https://twitter.com/karriehiggins/status/851754726714744833
@davidzmorris I flew United last year, and have MS. United wheeled near gate, left me facing brick wall. Had to yell to be boarded.
— talgrl (@talgrl) April 15, 2017
But those stories, and more serious critique, have largely been overshadowed by memes and one-liners. That might actually be a good thing for United—being the butt of a joke is arguably preferable to being the target of fiery anger.
https://twitter.com/Corinofthenews/status/852157042072702977
On point! #unitedAIRLINES#NewUnitedAirlinesMottospic.twitter.com/hYaMhzmSWg
— Ananya Ukil (@ananyaukil) April 16, 2017
No idea who created this, but sharing anyway as quite frankly I think it's hilarious 😂 #UnitedAirlinespic.twitter.com/oiFlKvvn8B
— Mike Pattinson (@MikePattinson) April 11, 2017
Bad timing on this update by #UnitedAirlines. #Unitedhttps://t.co/93XRFpYuSgpic.twitter.com/ECZsx7HkBh
— SauceMonsters (@SauceMonsters) April 11, 2017
That time Captain Kirk flew #unitedAIRLINES…At least I'm fairly sure that's what happened. That's how I remember it anyway @WilliamShatnerpic.twitter.com/3vnt21vK5c
— Rich Piechowski (@Piech42) April 16, 2017
If recent online ‘movements’ like #deleteuber are any indication, all this social media manhandling may not have much lasting impact on United. The stock has taken a minor battering this week, but so did other airlines’—and so far there’s no clear evidence of declining ticket sales.
Of course, United’s competitors would love to see the brand more permanently tarnished. Some, including Turkish Airlines, have gone out of their way to contrast their ethos with United’s. Others, like Southwest, have been roped in unwillingly. A few totally unrelated brands have tried to hitch a ride, as well.
While #UnitedAirlines is busy dragging & dropping customers, @TurkishAirlines cabin crew helped a woman give birth at 42,000 ft #spreadlovepic.twitter.com/wNuEkbTzbE
— Chandramouli Dorai (@moulidorai) April 11, 2017
Etihad Airways turns plane around for elderly couple to visit dying grandson……Etihad in Arabic means UNITED. The irony!#respect !
— KUSHAL TANDON (@KushalT2803) April 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/MichaelOConnorI/status/852101772336398336
#Marnys Royal Jelly, have one before boarding#unitedairlines#united#flight#airplane#airline#planepic.twitter.com/Z5a2I6dYbr
— Marnys Arabia (@MarnysGCC) April 13, 2017
