Pilots say United Airlines is paying to remove a gate that would help protect the cockpit on some of its newest planes.
United is getting Boeing's newest plane, the 787, later this year. Those planes were going to come with a folding metal gate that blocks the cockpit when the door is open. But according to a letter from the Air Line Pilots Association to the airline, United is paying extra to have the gates removed.
Federal rules do not require the gates, although United has them on its 777s. The airline would not discuss the barriers, other than to say they are one component of flight security.
United is part of United Continental Holdings Inc.
