TLDR: I was involuntarily denied boarding on both legs of my United trip. The first because United bumped me and incorrectly labeled me as a "no show". I reported the first incident that night and thought it was sorted out. Then, on my return date, I discovered the label carried over and my “no show” canceled my confirmed flight home. Documenting everything helped me challenge their account. Sharing what helped so others know what to save, what to ask for, and how to push back if this happens to them.

On July 17, my Seattle to Newark flight was scheduled to leave at 11 p.m., with boarding closing at 10:45. I arrived before that, and airport surveillance shows me at the gate before the cutoff.

The agent looked toward me and immediately closed the door. I suspected my seat had already gone to someone else. The flight was oversold, and my assigned seat had been given away.

The gate agent’s account was that I arrived after 10:45.…