A passenger on a United Airlines flight has claimed that an employee of the airline’s third-party catering company stole her AirPods after handing her a meal. Haley Mellin filed a report with the airline as it was the caterer’s employee who handed out the meal on-board the Wilmington to Chicago flight the previous day. The use of third-party catering companies by airlines has led to similar allegations in the past, with staff accused of taking passengers’ belongings from the cabins.
The incident occurred when Mellin noticed her AirPods missing after arriving at her destination. After returning home, Mellin checked the “Find My” app and noticed her AirPods had a suspicious “last location” at O’Hare International Airport, where she had boarded her United flight. This led her to believe that the airline catering employee had taken them. Mellin said that United Airlines offered her a $50 voucher and requested that she contact local law enforcement. Additionally, after the incident was reported, United Airlines said it would “immediately remove this vendor from service until further notice.”
Mellin took to social media to share her experience, with the post quickly going viral. Many users expressed their disappointment with United Airlines, questioning how Mellin’s AirPods could be taken without any apparent repercussions. The incident has once again brought consumers’ attention to the risks associated with using third-party contractors.
United Airlines has not released an official statement regarding the incident, but it is not uncommon for airlines to use third-party contractors for catering services. The use of third-party contractors often saves airlines money, as it allows them to outsource certain services rather than hiring and training their own staff. However, this efficient cost-cutting measure can often lead to safety and customer service issues, as these third-party employees may not feel as vested in the airline’s success.
Theft on-board a flight is not uncommon, with passengers’ belongings regularly stolen from overhead bins and flight cabins. In 2019, a survey conducted by the UK’s Airline Passenger Experience Association found that 37% of passengers had experienced theft or loss of belongings on-board a flight. For passengers, it’s essential to keep track of their belongings and report any loss or theft immediately. Passengers should always report any missing items to local law enforcement or the airline company as soon as possible.
The incident highlights the need for airlines to reconsider the way they use third-party contractors. Passengers expect a high level of safety and customer service from the airline, and using catering personnel employed by third-party vendors could expose the airline to safety and security issues. This situation has raised a significant concern, and it remains to be seen if United Airlines will make any significant changes to its contractor policies following this alleged theft.
In conclusion, the incident has brought to light the potential dangers of using third-party contractors, and airlines must evaluate how they use these services to ensure passenger safety and security. It’s equally important that passengers remain vigilant, keep track of their belongings, and report any theft or loss immediately. Airlines should respond to passenger complaints and ensure that third-party contractors uphold their company values when serving customers.