I thought there was something about how none of this applies once you've taken your seat. If you're seated, you can refuse to give up your seat (unless you're being removed because of your own behavior).
Some argued the contract of carriage only allows the airline to deny boarding, not to remove you after boarding. But that is a pretty narrow interpretation of the language. Plus, the airline can throw you off the plane for any reason at all, even if doing so is a breach of contract.
There is no explicit law that says you can't be asked to leave a plane you already boarded.
Incorrect. United has a contract of carriage that explicitly enumerates the circumstances in which they can remove you from the aircraft.[1] Overbooking is not one of those reasons, and there is no "catch-all".
A. You make it sound as if a common carrier violating its own contract of carriage is no big deal. Depending on how widespread and severe the violations are, there could be considerable repercussions from the DOT/FAA, in addition to civil damages.
B. It's no simple thing to forcibly remove someone. This is not "being asked to leave a plane you already boarded." but dragging someone out violently. If the airline is the one breaching their contract, why would the police assist in that breach?
Typically breach of contract is no big deal. It happens all the time. Certainly, if airlines are being deceptive it starts becoming a consumer fraud issue and the government should step in.
The police wouldn't be assisting the breach, they'd be removing a trespasser. Once your invitation is revoked, you have no right to stay in a location. Having a claim for breach of contract gives you no right to try to physically force performance.
