United Airlines Faces Backlash Over Handling of Child's Medical Equipment

Melissa Sotomayor says the airline humiliated her by repeatedly demanding the removal of her son’s life-saving devices despite FAA-approved documentation.

Melissa Sotomayor claims United Airlines staff insisted she remove her son's ventilator and oxygen concentrator before takeoff, despite providing medical clearance documents.
The flight's captain argued the equipment posed a safety risk, but Sotomayor maintained the devices were FAA-approved and essential for her son's survival.
The incident delayed the flight by over an hour, with some passengers supporting Sotomayor and criticizing the crew's actions as harassment.
United Airlines apologized to Sotomayor but has not provided a detailed explanation for the crew's behavior, which she described as humiliating and disrespectful.
The airline initially attributed the issue to a 'bulkhead seating problem,' a claim Sotomayor disputes, as it was not mentioned during the confrontation.