United Airlines flight forced to divert after pilot forgets passport mid-air

A United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai was forced to divert mid-air after the pilot realized they had forgotten their passport. The incident, which affected 257 passengers, occurred on March 22 and led to an unplanned landing at San Francisco International Airport.

The aircraft, United Flight 198, took off from Los Angeles International Airport at 2 PM local time. However, approximately two hours into the journey, the crew identified the issue and made the decision to return. The plane landed in San Francisco around 5 PM, where passengers were informed of the situation and provided with meal vouchers and compensation.

A spokesperson for United Airlines confirmed the incident, stating, “On Saturday, United flight 198 from Los Angeles to Shanghai landed at San Francisco International Airport as the pilot did not have their passport onboard. We arranged for a new crew to take our customers to their destination that evening. Customers were provided with meal vouchers and compensation.”

Passengers were notified about the diversion through an airline message, which described it as an “unexpected crew-related issue” requiring a new crew to be arranged. The airline assured travelers that they would be accommodated on a later flight to Shanghai, which departed at 9 PM and arrived in China around 1 AM local time, after a 12-hour journey.

The incident sparked discussions about airline protocols and the responsibilities of flight crews. While pilots are required to carry valid documentation, including passports for international flights, such lapses can lead to unexpected disruptions. Despite the setback, United Airlines swiftly arranged for a replacement crew to minimize inconvenience for passengers.

Passengers were provided with $15 meal vouchers upon arrival in San Francisco, though some expressed frustration over the delay. The airline, however, emphasized its commitment to customer service and apologized for the disruption.