United Airlines Flight Attendant Forces Woman To Pee In Cup: Reports

HOUSTON, TX — United Airlines is contending with yet another public relations nightmare. A woman who was on a United Airlines flight from Houston to Kansas City in April claims she was forced to urinate in a disposable cup after she said a flight attendant refused to allow her to use the restroom while in flight, according to media reports.

Nicole Harper was on her way home to Kansas City when she got up from her seat to use the restroom. Harper said the flight attendant told her over the intercom to immediately return to her seat while the fasten seat belt sign was on.

Harper said she told the flight attendant she suffers from an overactive bladder and needed to use the restroom but was told again she would have to return to her seat.

That’s when Harper said she told the flight attendant that she would either need to be allowed to use the restroom or would need a cup to relieve herself. (Want to get daily updates about news and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Houston Patch morning newsletter.)

According to a KPRC report, Harper said the flight attendant handed her a cup and then a second cup when she asked for another. Harper told the TV station she was forced to pee in two cups while still in her seat and while passengers watched.

Harper told KIAH the flight attendant escorted her to the restroom and allowed her to empty out the cups but that she was forced to hold onto the cups until the plane landed.

After the flight, Harper said the attendant told her the entire row of seats would require cleaning, even though Harper said no urine was spilled.

Harper said she has since filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation and United Airlines about the incident.

United Airlines released the following statement:

"Customer safety is always our first priority. Initial reports from our flight attendants indicate that Ms. Harper attempted to visit the lavatory on final descent and was instructed to remain seated with the seat belt fastened per FAA regulations. The situation as described by Ms. Harper and our employees is upsetting for all involved."

United Airlines officials said in their statement that they plan to reach out to Harper and airline personnel as part of their investigation.

Image: jlwelsh via Flickr

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