Landon Donovan slams United Airlines over cancelled flight

Soccer legend Landon Donovan publicly criticized United Airlines this week after a chaotic travel ordeal he described as the worst of his life. The incident involved a United flight from Houston to Newark that was canceled after pushing back for takeoff, leaving passengers stranded overnight.

Donovan, a former U.S. Men's National Team star and current Fox Sports World Cup analyst, detailed the experience on social media. He said passengers endured hours of delays and poor communication before the flight, having already boarded and taxied to the runway, was forced to return to the gate. Donovan stated the pilot was one minute past his federally mandated work limit, leading to the cancellation in the early morning hours. He criticized the airline for a lack of transparency and respect for passengers, many of whom were left without hotel accommodations.

His complaint gained traction after veteran soccer commentator Ian Darke, who was also traveling for World Cup coverage, posted about a similar disruption on the same route. Darke described a series of delays, a diversion, and reboarding procedures before the eventual cancellation.

United Airlines responded publicly on social media,...