CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) is implementing a new “huddle process” starting May 1, 2025, to address intoxicated passengers before takeoff. This protocol enhances safety and coordination at airports like Chicago O’Hare (ORD) by ensuring collaborative decision-making.
The process requires flight attendants to identify “red light” behaviors, triggering a mandatory meeting with in-flight, flight operations, and airport operations teams to remove disruptive passengers discreetly. This initiative reflects United’s commitment to federal regulations and passenger safety.
Photo: Clément AlloingUnited Airlines’ Protocol for Intoxicated Pax
United Airlines (UA) has introduced a structured “huddle process” to manage intoxicated passengers who board flights, particularly at busy hubs like Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX).
Effective May 1, 2025, the protocol mandates that if two flight attendants independently observe a passenger displaying “red light” behaviors, such as slurred speech, stumbling, or irrational statements, Live and Let’s Fly reported.
A coordinated response is initiated. The process involves a mandatory meeting, or “huddle,” between the inflight crew, flight operations, and airport operations to assess and remove the passenger before departure.
The “huddle process” is designed to address situations where intoxication may not be evident during initial boarding checks.
By requiring multiple observations and cross-departmental collaboration, United ensures consistency and fairness in enforcement.
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR §121.575) prohibit boarding visibly intoxicated passengers, and non-compliance can lead to regulatory penalties. This system aligns with those rules while minimizing the risk of inflight disturbances, which can escalate at 30,000 feet.
The protocol also incorporates United’s “Traffic Light System” to categorize passenger behavior:
- Green Light: Normal or sociable behavior, posing no concern.
- Yellow Light: Signs of alcohol influence, such as loud talking or impaired judgment, warrant monitoring.
- Red Light: Clear intoxication, including glassy eyes, slow movements, or inability to sit upright, requiring immediate action.
This structured approach ensures that “red light” passengers are identified and removed efficiently, protecting the safety and comfort of others onboard.
Photo: Cado PhotoHuddle Process
The “huddle process” addresses several operational and social challenges. First, it prevents unilateral decisions by individual flight attendants, reducing the risk of misjudgment or perceived overreach.
For instance, a single employee might misinterpret behavior or escalate a situation unnecessarily, potentially leading to public backlash in an era where incidents are often recorded and shared online.
By requiring agreement between at least two flight attendants and coordination with ground staff, United fosters accountability and fairness.
Second, the process enhances passenger safety. Intoxicated individuals can become unpredictable, posing risks to crew and passengers during flight.
Removing such passengers before takeoff is far safer than managing disruptions midair. The huddle, conducted discreetly on the aircraft to maintain flight attendant minimums, ensures operational efficiency while keeping discussions out of passengers’ earshot.
Finally, the protocol reflects lessons from past airline incidents. For example, in 2024, American Airlines faced criticism after removing multiple passengers based on a single complaint, highlighting the need for collaborative decision-making.
United’s system mitigates similar risks by emphasizing teamwork and clear guidelines, ensuring actions are defensible and aligned with federal regulations.
Photo: JFK SpottingFuture Outlook
United’s initiative is part of a broader trend among airlines to refine passenger management protocols.
As air travel demand grows, carriers face increased scrutiny over how they handle disruptive behavior.
The “huddle process” sets a precedent for other airlines to adopt similar collaborative systems, potentially standardizing how intoxicated passengers are managed industry-wide.
Looking ahead, United may refine the protocol based on employee feedback and real-world application.
The process’s success will depend on effective training and communication across departments. By proactively addressing intoxication, United reinforces its commitment to safety, compliance, and a positive travel experience.
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