According to Phil Orlandella, director of media relations for Logan International Airport, Delta officials have told him that Averell "came late, and a verbal altercation ensued at the check-in gate."

"[Averell] proceeded to jump over the railing, boarded the aircraft and hid in the bathroom," Orlandella said. "After he was discovered by a passenger, the captain went in and apprehended him."

But Cronan maintained yesterday that Delta Airlines acted inappropriately.

"The actions were contrary to Delta's stated policy of not giving away a seat on an overbooked flight without asking if there are passengers willing to give up the seat," Cronan said. "It is also contrary to the policy that if you arrive 20 minutes early, with a ticket, you will get your seat."

Cronan said he suspects that the airline felt comfortable treating Averell unjustly because of his age.

"If it were me, a 40 year old lawyer in a suit, I would not have been bumped off the airplane," he said.

Averell yesterday declined to comment on the incident, referring questions to Cronan.