I hate to be repetitious repetitious, but sometimes these free market mavens need to be reminded that the Law of Supply and Demand needs to be enforced when violated by producers as well as consumers, otherwise its not a Law at all.

If none of the passengers are willing to take the airline's offer, then it can buy a ticket on one of their competitor's flights. Or they can charter a plane.

The only reason they get away with this shit is because planes are packed, its a seller's market, and like all merchants, they will charge whatever the market will bear and will abuse their customers if they get even the slightest chance.

By the time this little mellerdramma is over, United will have spent more money than if they had sent all their employees First Class on United Emirates. It really breaks my heart.