A United Airlines flight was summarily diverted after a passenger complained about the food selection. The flight to Amsterdam took off from Houston on Sunday at around 4:20 p.m. In the air, the Business Class passenger is said to have been upset that the meal he wanted was no longer available. Apparently the situation then escalated to such an extent that the pilot decided to make an unscheduled landing.
As the “Guardian” reports, the flight was diverted to Chicago about two hours after takeoff. Aviation nerds apparently posted internal messages on Twitter that reported a “disturbing passenger”.
As seen in another tweet from flight tracking website Flightradar24, the plane made several laps over O’Hare Airport to shed fuel, otherwise it would have been too heavy to land.
In a statement to the Guardian, United said: “United Flight 20 from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Amsterdam was diverted to O’Hare International Airport after a passenger disruption and landed safely.” The law enforcement authorities would have escorted the passenger off the plane before the machine continued its journey to Amsterdam.
Despite the unplanned stopover, the plane landed in Amsterdam at around 12:30 p.m. local time, just over three hours after the scheduled arrival.
While it’s unclear exactly what meal the passenger was upset about, typically United business class travelers are offered a full three-course meal, in addition to other in-flight meals. According to the Live and Let’s Fly website, business class passengers on the Newark to Amsterdam flight can choose between roast beef, roast salmon or ricotta salata.
It is quite possible that the freak out will cost him dearly: The Federal Aviation Administration can fine passengers for improper behavior of up to $37,000 per violation. In addition, passengers can also be prosecuted.
Watch the video: Charlotte, USA: This plane has a problem. The front landing gear cannot be extended. The aircraft will hit the ground hard with its fuselage. A passenger films the emergency landing.
Quellen:”The Guardian”, Live and Let’s Fly