Key Takeaways
• 57 Jewish passengers sued United Airlines for alleged religious discrimination on April 22, 2023, flight to Tel Aviv.
• United faces lawsuits over forced bathroom removal and Aviate Academy training delays, seeking up to $500,000 damages.
• United’s cancellation policy allows fee waivers and rebooking changes for Newark flights disrupted between May 6-23, 2025.
A series of recent lawsuits and operational challenges have put United Airlines under the spotlight, raising important questions about passenger rights, airline responsibilities, and the legal options available to travelers. These cases, many of which have unfolded in New York courts, highlight the complex relationship between airlines and their customers—especially when flight cancellations or alleged discrimination come into play. While there is no direct record of a NYC lawyer suing United Airlines specifically for misinformation after a flight cancellation, the broader legal landscape offers valuable lessons for anyone affected by airline disruptions or seeking justice after a negative travel experience.
United Airlines Faces Multiple Lawsuits: What Happened?
In the past year, United Airlines has been named in several high-profile lawsuits. These cases involve claims of discrimination, alleged mistreatment of passengers, and disputes over flight training promises. Each lawsuit brings to light different aspects of airline operations and the legal protections available to passengers.
Discrimination Lawsuit Involving Jewish Passengers
On May 5, 2025, a group of 57 Jewish passengers filed a civil lawsuit against United Airlines in Manhattan Court. The incident at the heart of the case took place on April 22, 2023, during a flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Tel Aviv. According to the lawsuit, the trouble began when a Jewish passenger sat in an empty flight attendant seat while waiting to use the bathroom about three hours into the flight. A flight attendant reported this as a “security threat,” prompting the captain to return the plane to Newark.
After landing, the lawsuit claims that United Airlines staff refused to let all visibly Jewish passengers reboard the flight. The passengers say they were not offered timely alternative flights, accommodations, or other travel options. When one passenger asked for an explanation, a flight attendant allegedly replied, “Go ask your own kind.” The group, represented by attorney Yoram Nachimovsky, is suing United Airlines for:
- Unlawful discrimination based on religion and ethnicity under New York State Human Rights Law
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Negligent hiring and retention of staff
- Punitive damages for alleged willful misconduct
United Airlines has denied the allegations, calling them “meritless.” The airline says the flight was returned to Newark because one passenger was considered a safety and security risk. United maintains that its crew acted professionally and put safety first, and the company plans to “vigorously defend against these false allegations.”
Lawsuit Over Bathroom Removal
In another case from March 2025, an Orthodox Jewish passenger sued United Airlines in Manhattan federal court. The passenger claims he was forcibly removed from an airplane bathroom by a United pilot after spending about 20 minutes inside during a two-hour flight. The lawsuit alleges that antisemitism played a role in the incident. While the passenger’s extended time in the bathroom may have contributed to the situation, legal experts note that this alone would not justify forcible removal without proper cause.
United Aviate Academy Lawsuit
United Airlines is also facing legal action related to its flight training program. On May 22, 2025, former student Carrie Lynne Thompson filed a lawsuit against United Aviate Academy, claiming fraud and significant delays in her training. Thompson enrolled in October 2022 after being told she could complete the program in 12 months. However, it took her nine months just to get her private pilot license—a process that was supposed to take only two months.
Thompson is seeking $500,000 in damages, citing lost income, academy fees, and relocation expenses. She claims that “no student who began with [zero] flight hours from my class finished in fewer than 18 months,” despite the academy’s advertised 12-month timeline. A separate lawsuit filed in March includes similar complaints from other former students.
United Airlines’ Flight Cancellation Policy: What Passengers Need to Know
Flight cancellations can disrupt travel plans and cause significant stress, especially when passengers are unsure of their rights or the airline’s responsibilities. United Airlines’ current cancellation policy, as of May 2025, outlines several important points:
- Passengers can cancel their flight booking at any time before departure.
- Cancellation fees may apply, depending on the fare type. These fees typically range from $200 to $400 per passenger.
- 24-hour cancellation rule: Passengers can cancel within 24 hours of booking without any cancellation charges, as long as the flight was booked at least seven days before departure.
- Cancellation methods: Flights can be canceled through United’s official website, customer service, mobile app, or at the airport.
- Third-party bookings: If tickets were purchased through a travel agent or third-party website, passengers must contact that agent to cancel.
- Refund eligibility depends on the fare type and the reason for cancellation.
- Flights booked with travel vouchers or gift cards will receive credit vouchers as refunds, not cash.
For the most up-to-date information on airline passenger rights and refund policies, travelers can visit the official U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) website.
Recent Operational Issues at Newark Liberty International Airport
United Airlines has also faced operational challenges at Newark Liberty International Airport, one of its major hubs. In May 2025, the airline extended its travel waiver policy due to ongoing disruptions:
- Passengers with itineraries to or from Newark between May 6 and May 23, 2025, can change their flights without fees or fare differences.
- The waiver applies to tickets booked on or before May 4, 2025.
- Complimentary flight modifications are limited to new flights within the same class, departing or arriving within days of the original travel dates.
- This is United’s third waiver announcement related to Newark disruptions.
The disruptions have been caused by equipment failures, including a radar outage on May 9, 2025, and ongoing air traffic control staff shortages. As of May 3, 2025, United reduced its Newark flight schedule by about 35 daily flights to help manage the situation.
Legal Resources for Aviation-Related Claims
When passengers feel their rights have been violated—whether due to flight cancellations, discrimination, or other issues—they may consider seeking legal help. Specialized law firms, such as Motley Rice, offer representation in various types of aviation lawsuits, including:
- Airline lawsuits involving commercial aviation, major carriers, and regional airlines
- Aviation terrorism cases for victims of terrorist attacks involving commercial airlines
- Air traffic control-related incidents involving communication errors
- General aviation cases involving personal or on-demand flights
These firms handle personal injury, class action, wrongful death, and product liability lawsuits related to aviation incidents. If you believe you have a claim against an airline, consulting a qualified NYC lawyer with experience in aviation law can help you understand your options.
The Role of Misinformation in Flight Cancellations
While the source material does not detail a specific lawsuit involving a NYC lawyer suing United Airlines for misinformation after a flight cancellation, the issue of misinformation is a common complaint among travelers. Misinformation can include:
- Incorrect or unclear reasons for flight cancellations
- Failure to inform passengers about their rights to refunds or alternative flights
- Confusing or inconsistent communication from airline staff
When passengers receive misleading or incomplete information, it can make an already stressful situation worse. In some cases, this may lead to legal action if the misinformation results in financial loss or emotional distress.
How Can Passengers Protect Themselves?
Travelers can take several steps to protect their rights and minimize the impact of flight cancellations or other airline problems:
- Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with the airline’s cancellation policy and the DOT’s rules on refunds and compensation.
- Keep records: Save all emails, receipts, and communication with the airline. This documentation can be important if you need to file a complaint or lawsuit.
- Act quickly: If your flight is canceled, contact the airline as soon as possible to request a refund or rebooking.
- Seek legal advice: If you believe you have been treated unfairly or suffered losses due to airline actions, consult a NYC lawyer who specializes in aviation or consumer law.
- File a complaint: You can submit a complaint to the airline and, if necessary, to the DOT using their official complaint form.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Passengers
The recent lawsuits and operational issues at United Airlines highlight the importance of knowing your rights and being prepared for unexpected disruptions. Passengers should:
- Understand refund and rebooking policies
- Be aware of potential discrimination or mistreatment
- Document any incidents or communication with airline staff
For Airlines
Airlines like United must balance safety, security, and customer service. These lawsuits serve as a reminder that:
- Clear communication and fair treatment are essential
- Staff training on discrimination and customer service is critical
- Transparency about delays, cancellations, and passenger rights can help build trust
For Legal Professionals
NYC lawyers and other legal professionals play a key role in holding airlines accountable and helping passengers seek justice. They must:
- Stay informed about changing airline policies and regulations
- Advise clients on the best course of action based on the facts of each case
- Work with advocacy groups to improve passenger protections
What to Do If Your United Airlines Flight Is Canceled
If you experience a United Airlines flight cancellation, follow these steps:
- Check your email and United’s website for updates
- Review your fare type and the airline’s cancellation policy
- Request a refund or rebooking as soon as possible
- If you booked through a third party, contact them directly
- If you feel you were misinformed or treated unfairly, document everything and consider seeking legal help
As reported by VisaVerge.com, passengers who understand their rights and act quickly are more likely to receive fair treatment and compensation after a flight cancellation.
Conclusion: Staying Informed and Prepared
The recent legal actions against United Airlines, along with ongoing operational challenges, show how important it is for travelers to stay informed and prepared. Whether you are dealing with a flight cancellation, possible discrimination, or unclear communication from an airline, knowing your rights and seeking help when needed can make a big difference.
For more information on your rights as an airline passenger, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection page. If you believe you have a legal claim, consult a qualified NYC lawyer with experience in aviation law.
By staying proactive and informed, passengers can better handle disruptions and protect themselves from unfair treatment—ensuring that their travel experiences are as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Learn Today
Discrimination → Unfair treatment based on religion, ethnicity, or other personal characteristics affecting airline passengers.
Flight Cancellation → The airline’s decision to cancel a scheduled flight due to various operational or security reasons.
Punitive Damages → Monetary compensation awarded to punish intentional wrongful conduct by a company like an airline.
Travel Waiver → A policy allowing passengers to change flights without fees during disruptions or emergencies.
Aviation Law → Legal field governing airline operations, passenger rights, and related disputes in commercial aviation.
This Article in a Nutshell
United Airlines faces multiple lawsuits involving discrimination and training delays, alongside operational disruptions at Newark, revealing issues in passenger rights, airline responsibilities, and legal protections for travelers today.
— By VisaVerge.com
