Let's Use United's O'Hare Debacle to Demand Real Change

United Airlines and its still unfolding “reaccommodation” debacle remind me of the day I was denied boarding by Allegheny Airlines in April 1972 for a Washington, D.C. to Hartford, Conn. flight. Arriving at the ticket counter with a confirmed reservation, I was told that the 10:15 a.m. departing plane was full. Scheduled to address a large outdoor citizen action rally in downtown Hartford, I protested vigorously against what I thought was a flagrant breach of contract. At first my protests did little. The boarding supervisor came in and confirmed the clerk's decision. I wasn't going anywhere that day.