Dubai: Mideast carriers are having fun at United Airlines' expense.
Dubai-based Emirates released an ad after video went viral of a United passenger being forcefully removed that toyed with the Chicago-based carrier's longtime slogan. "Fly the friendly skies ... this time for real," it read.
Fly the friendly skies with a real airline. pic.twitter.com/wE5C5n6Lvn
— Emirates airline (@emirates) April 11, 2017
Royal Jordanian tweeted a no-smoking picture saying "drags on our flights are strictly prohibited by passengers and crew."
We are here to keep you #united Dragging is strictly prohibited 🚫 pic.twitter.com/CSjZD7fM4J
— Royal Jordanian (@RoyalJordanian) April 10, 2017
Now Qatar Airways is getting in on the gag too. An update Wednesday for its iPhone app says it "doesn't support drag and drop. We take care of customers as we unite them with their destinations."
We’re united in our goal to always accommodate our passengers, even with our app updates. pic.twitter.com/1K3q76qOp6
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) April 12, 2017
Emirates and Qatar have been criticized by U.S. carriers over their rapid U.S. expansion. All three airlines have been caught up in the U.S. ban on electronics onboard.
Turkish airlines subtly prodded United when it responded to a tweet from Arianna Huffington, the founder and former Editor-in-Chief at the Huffington Post.
Huffington first tweeted at the airline, writing: "Instead of involuntarily removing a passenger, Turkish Air assists in involuntary adding one," while sharing a story of a baby who was born during a Turkish Airlines flight.
The airline responded with a subtle jab to United:
Thank you @ariannahuff. We just do our best with ❤ for our guests' safety and comfort at all times. https://t.co/MjMaZlyfbW
— Turkish Airlines (@TurkishAirlines) April 11, 2017