United passenger says crew ordered him to change controversial T-shirt before he could travel

Key Points:

• A New Jersey man, Sam Saadeh, was asked by United Airlines to change an anti-war T-shirt stating "Bombing kids is not self defense" before boarding a flight, as a flight attendant found the message offensive.
• Saadeh complied to avoid missing his flight but described the incident as humiliating, noting airline staff could not clearly explain why the shirt violated company policy.
• United Airlines cited their policy allowing refusal of transportation for passengers wearing clothing deemed "lewd, obscene or offensive," but declined to provide further details on the decision.
• Saadeh, of Palestinian descent, emphasized the shirt's peaceful intent opposing violence, has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation, and is consulting attorneys.
• The organization behind the shirt, Wear the Peace, criticized the airline's rationale, highlighting inconsistent policy enforcement and clarifying the message was non-threatening and aimed at raising awareness about children affected by conflict.