Just Like Simone Biles, Shaun White Once Had a Bizarre Interaction With Airline Staff

Snowboarding legend Shaun White got his first brand endorsement at age seven. He was executing airs on the pipe just a year later, progressing at a pace much faster than his peers. Ever since he was a kid, he was someone to beat.

At age 9, he was friends with Tony Hawk, getting mentored and turning pro in skateboarding by 16. With a career in two sports, White was jetting all across the globe, participating in the X Games and making his Olympic debut in 2006. But his young age got him into some awkward interactions.

Shaun White got his frequent flier status revoked

In 2003, 16-year-old red-haired?Shaun White?in his scruffy teenage ensemble was already a Premier Executive 1K member of the United Airlines Red Carpet Club. Unfortunately, his very teenage-looking self couldn?t convince the staff of the fact.

According to the?Vault, the club is exclusive to the richest business executives, diplomats, and celebrities that fly over 100,000 miles a year on the airline. When the young snowboarder entered the VIP lounge and asked for a glass of milk, he was met with strict rejection.

“They told me I wasn’t supposed to be in the lounge,”?White said.?“They were like, ‘There’s no way you’re 1K. You’re using your dad’s card.'”?By then, White was already the youngest snowboarder to win the U.S. Open and was about to become the first athlete to participate in both the Summer and Winter X Games.

READ MORE:?Resurfaced Video of Tony Hawk Bullying Shaun White Goes Viral

Regardless, a customer rep took his 1K card and revoked his frequent flier status. Unhappy, White flipped off the employee, and, for his behavior, they pulled him off the flight.?“United sucks, man,”?White lamented.?“I’ve got like a million miles, and they never bump me to first class because they think I’m just a kid and give the seat to some schmoozy guy in a business suit.”

Simone Biles recently had a similar bizarre encounter

On July 7th,?Simone Biles, the gymnastics G.O.A.T., was at the White House, receiving her Presidential Medal of Freedom. In honor of her achievements on and off the gymnastics mat, they awarded her alongside 16 other diverse personalities.

Her family and fiance, NFL star Jonathan Owens, were there to cheer her on. But on the flight back from Washington, Biles had a hilarious interaction with the flight staff. She posted on her Instagram stories that the flight attendant offered her a coloring book.

Thanks to her fairly short stature of 4 feet 8 inches, the four-time Olympic champion was mistaken for a child. She?responded?with a dignified,??No, I’m good. I?m 25.??She also revealed that the staff asked for her ID before offering her a mimosa.

WATCH THIS STORY:?Simone Biles? Sister Adria Biles Appears on ?Claim to Fame? Alongside Other Celebrity Relatives