United Crew Members Will Be Booked 60 Minutes Before Departure Under New Policy

CHICAGO, IL — Following the incident on United flight 3411 when passenger Dr. David Dao was dragged off a flight by aviation security and left bloodied after he refused to give up his seat for a United crew member, the airline has implemented an updated policy to make sure crews traveling on United flights are booked at least 60 minuted prior to departure, an airline spokeswoman said in an emailed statement Friday.

"This ensures situations like flight 3411 never happen again," the statement said.

United said the updated policy is one of its initial steps in a review of its policies to "deliver the best customer experience."

On Thursday, Dao's lawyer held a press conference saying that following the incident, Dao, 69, suffered a "significant concussion," a broken nose that will require reconstructive surgery, two lost teeth and other injuries. He also said a civil lawsuit is likely.

Dao was one of four people randomly chosen to be bumped Sunday from the Chicago-to-Louisville flight so that airline employees could fly. Dao was forcibly dragged down the plane's aisle by the Chicago Aviation Police when he refused to give up his seat. Three officers have been placed on administrative leave as the Chicago Department of Aviation, which oversees the airport security force, reviews their roles in the incident.

The incident was captured on video and widely shared across social media. United's initial response to the incident has created a public relations nightmare for the company, caused its stock to dropped and has become the target of a boycott campaign by customers.

Joe Vince contributed to this report

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