Passenger Required to Change T-Shirt Before United Airlines Flight

A New Jersey man, Sam Saadeh, reported that he was asked to change his anti-war T-shirt before boarding a United Airlines flight on June 4. The shirt, which read "Bombing kids is not self defense," was deemed offensive by a flight attendant. Saadeh stated that he was approached by a United supervisor after taking his seat, who informed him that he could either change his shirt or not board the flight. He ultimately changed his shirt to travel home. United Airlines confirmed that Saadeh flew after changing his shirt but did not provide further details on the incident. The airline's Contract of Carriage allows refusal of transportation for passengers wearing clothing that is considered lewd, obscene, or offensive. Saadeh, who is of Palestinian descent, expressed that the shirt was meant to advocate for children and oppose violence. He has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation and is consulting with attorneys regarding the incident. The organization behind the shirt, Wear the Peace, stated that the message was peaceful and intended to highlight the deaths of children in Gaza, disputing the claim that the word "bomb" was the reason for the concern.