Buzz
Flying is a practical and economical way to get around. Airlines, along with their flight crew, strive to ensure passengers enjoy a smooth journey, regardless of their budget. However, mistakes can happen. From glaring typos on aircraft exteriors to overlooking critical pre-flight procedures, airlines have had their share of amusing blunders.
Naturally, passengers can also contribute to unusual in-flight scenarios. Whether it’s someone mistakenly pulling on the emergency exit door or a traveler bringing an “emotional support squirrel” on board, these incidents often result in unforgettable tales.
10. Flight Attendant Allegedly Steals $5,000
In June 2018, three brothers and their father were traveling business class on an Emirates flight from Thailand to Dubai. When their father fell ill during the flight, the brothers temporarily left their seats to attend to him. Upon returning, they discovered that around 18,500 dirhams (roughly $5,000) in various currencies had vanished from their belongings.
They promptly informed the cabin supervisor, who escorted them to the business class galley to photograph the remaining cash in their wallets. The sequential serial numbers on the banknotes could aid in tracking the missing funds. After landing, authorities collected the brothers' belongings to check for fingerprints. Surprisingly, prints on their wallets matched those of a 37-year-old flight attendant onboard. Despite the money never being found, he faced theft charges and entered a not-guilty plea in court.
9. Cabin Pressurization Overlooked
In September 2018, a Jet Airways flight from Mumbai to Jaipur had to return shortly after departure when over 30 passengers experienced severe headaches, nosebleeds, and ear bleeding. Flight attendants provided first aid to several passengers in distress. Investigators discovered that the pilots had failed to activate a crucial switch controlling cabin pressure. For 45 minutes, more than 160 passengers endured an unpressurized cabin.
After landing back at the airport, all passengers were safe, but five required hospital evaluation by an ENT specialist. They suffered barotrauma (decompression sickness) in their ears due to the sudden pressure change. The cockpit crew was suspended pending further investigation.
8. Emergency Landing Triggered by Unwanted 'Footsies' Incident
In October 2018, a Southwest Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Dallas was forced to divert after a passenger caused a disturbance. Justin Riley Brafford faced charges of interfering with a flight crew and misdemeanor assault. Reports indicate that Brafford made a woman uncomfortable by placing his arm on her leg during takeoff. Despite her attempts to ignore him, he persisted by moving closer and engaging in 'footsies.' After she asked him to stop, he tugged on her sweater and posed intrusive personal questions. The woman eventually requested a seat change from a flight attendant.
Later, the flight attendant noticed the woman's distress and inquired about the issue. Shortly after relocating, Brafford confronted her. When the flight attendant questioned Brafford, he responded aggressively, prompting the pilot to divert the flight to Albuquerque. Brafford was arrested upon landing.
During questioning, Brafford admitted to misinterpreting the situation, using methamphetamines the day before the flight, and overdosing on heroin two days prior. If convicted of interfering with the flight crew, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while the assault charge carries a potential one-year sentence and a $100,000 fine.
7. Cathay Pacific's Embarrassing Typo on Aircraft Exterior
In September 2018, Cathay Pacific, a Hong Kong-based airline, gained global attention after revealing a humiliating spelling mistake on social media. The typo, painted on the side of their Boeing 777-367 aircraft, omitted the letter “F,” resulting in the incorrect spelling “CATHAY PACIIC.”
It remained unclear whether the mistake stemmed from Cathay Pacific’s oversight or the maintenance company responsible for the paintwork. Regardless, the error was glaring and easily noticeable. This incident followed the airline’s launch of a new 13,123-kilometer (8,154 mi) route between Hong Kong and Washington, DC, now ranked among the world’s top 15 longest flights.
6. Flight Diverted Due to Aircraft Size Issue
In October 2018, passengers on a United Airlines flight from Chicago to Chattanooga were informed mid-flight of an unexpected delay. Upon returning to O’Hare International Airport, they learned the reason: their plane was too large for the intended destination. A last-minute aircraft swap due to mechanical issues had led to the problem.
This led to the selection of a larger plane, which the ground staff at Chattanooga airport were unaccustomed to managing. Upon returning to O’Hare, passengers were offered refreshments, and a new flight was arranged within an hour using a suitably sized aircraft. The delay caused passengers to arrive in Chattanooga three hours late. As compensation, United Airlines reimbursed the passengers and provided $300 in flight vouchers.
5. Pilot Treats 159 Passengers to Pizza
In September 2018, an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Dallas/Fort Worth was rerouted to Wichita Falls due to severe thunderstorms. The 159 passengers had to spend the night at the airport until conditions improved. Captain Jeff Raines, noticing the passengers' fatigue and frustration, decided to lift their spirits by ordering Papa John’s pizza for everyone.
A passenger captured a video of Raines carrying stacks of pizzas from a car and distributing them to the travelers. The video went viral on social media, with many praising the pilot’s kind gesture. An American Airlines spokesperson expressed pride in their crew for going above and beyond to care for their passengers.
4. Pilot Executes Sideways Landing
In October 2018, Captain Brenda Repsaame Wassink of a TUI Airways Boeing 757-200 demonstrated exceptional skill by landing the aircraft sideways at Bristol Airport during Storm Callum’s fierce winds. Using a technique known as “crabbing,” she angled the plane’s nose into the wind before touchdown. This method, essential for all licensed pilots, becomes increasingly challenging with higher wind speeds.
Onlookers reported seeing the plane’s wings flexing dramatically as it battled the storm’s gusts. TUI Airways praised Captain Wassink’s expertise and highlighted their pilots’ rigorous training. This daring landing reinforced Bristol Airport’s reputation for punctuality, having been recognized as the world’s best for on-time operations in 2015.
3. Aircraft Collides with Wall During Takeoff
In October 2018, an Air India flight from Trichy to Dubai collided with an airport wall during takeoff, causing damage. The aircraft, carrying 130 passengers and six crew members, continued its journey until airport officials noticed the wall damage and alerted the pilots. Despite the impact, the pilot confirmed that all systems were functioning normally. The Boeing 737 was rerouted to Mumbai for passenger safety and damage assessment.
The incident was reported to India’s aviation regulator, with Air India pledging full cooperation in the investigation. The pilots, who collectively had over 6,500 hours of flight experience, were suspended pending the inquiry. Air India, one of the country’s oldest airlines, has struggled financially since 2007. Despite government approval to privatize the carrier in 2017, no buyers emerged due to the airline’s $5 billion debt, which represents about half of its total liabilities.
2. Passenger Attempts to Open Plane Door Mistaking It for Restroom
A first-time flyer caused panic on a GoAir flight from Delhi to Patna in September 2018 by attempting to open the rear door, believing it led to the restroom. Fortunately, the door remained sealed due to the pressure difference. Cabin crew intervened, restraining the man until the plane landed.
Upon landing, the man was handed over to airport security. It remains unclear whether he was informed of his mistake or if he eventually reached the bathroom. Passengers reported that he repeatedly insisted on using the restroom and persisted in pulling the door despite being told it was incorrect.
1. Passenger Removed from Flight Over Unusual Support Animal
In early October 2018, a woman traveling from Orlando to Cleveland was escorted off a Frontier Airlines flight for attempting to bring an “emotional support squirrel” on board. Although she had informed the airline about her support animal, she neglected to specify it was a squirrel. Frontier Airlines prohibits rodents, including squirrels, on its flights. The woman’s refusal to disembark led the crew to contact authorities.
As police removed the woman and her squirrel, all passengers were required to deplane, causing significant inconvenience. The woman was escorted back into the airport, and the remaining travelers cheered as they finally resumed their journey.
