A man says he was banned from United Airlines flights after he wore a red thong in lieu of a face mask while boarding a flight in protest of rules requiring face coverings.
Adam Jenne, from Cape Coral, Florida, said in an interview with NBC 2 that decision to wear a thong on his face on Wednesday morning at Fort Lauderdale Airport got him kicked off a flight headed to Washington, DC.
"I think the best way to illustrate absurdity is with absurdity," Jenne told the outlet.
He added: "Everything else that has sparked change in this country has started from everyday people. Rosa Parks wasn’t famous. She changed the course of history."
This certainly isn't the first time he has attempted boarding a flight with the red underwear as a face covering.
"Every single flight has been met with different reactions from the flight crew," said Jenne. "Some with a wild appreciation, others confrontational."
And on this particular United Airlines flight, his antics were far from appreciated by staff.
"Eventually, they called TSA and airport security," said Jenne. "I ended up staying at the gate for about 45 minutes."
United Airlines has since released the following statement: "The customer clearly wasn’t in compliance with the federal mask mandate and we appreciate that our team addressed the issue on the ground prior to takeoff, avoiding any potential disruptions on the air."
"It’s all nonsense. COVID doesn’t know that we’re at cruising altitude. It’s stupid. The whole thing is theater," said Jenne, who was refunded for his flight and intends to fly again on Thursday.
"Hopefully, Spirit Airlines has a better sense of humor tomorrow," he said.
This comes after a couple earlier this month were asked to leave an American Airlines flight following an altercation with staff, despite traveling with their seven-week-old infant.
Sharing footage of the incident on Instagram, the baby's father wrote: "Your staff is absolutely disrespectful!!!! Kicked a new mother and our 7 week old baby off the plane for absolutely nothing!!!!
"We are coming for them this is absolutely unacceptable!!!!! Please share!!!!! We need answers!!!!!! I need answers asap!!!!!!"
