Plane Diverts After Unruly Passenger Attempts to Open Exit Door Midflight

Image: PHOTO: The boarding door of a plane. (photo via E+ / baranozdemir)
Image: PHOTO: The boarding door of a plane. (photo via E+ / baranozdemir)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:26 AM ET, Fri March 26, 2021

A Spirit Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after one of the passengers on board reportedly attempted to open an exit door midflight.

According to NBC Los Angeles, Spirit Airlines Flight 185 was en route to Los Angeles International Airport from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport when one of the passengers became unruly.

A Spirit spokesperson said a male onboard started acting suspicious and then attempted to open an exit door, which is impossible due to the immense pressure on the cabin during a flight.

Video of the incident shared on social media showed multiple crew members and other passengers attempting to restrain the alleged suspect:

Once the passenger was restrained, the pilot of the flight called for an emergency landing at Denver International Airport. The plane touched down safely and was met by airport and local police, who took the unruly passenger into custody.

"Safety is our number one priority at Spirit Airlines. Law enforcement met the aircraft in Denver and took the passenger into custody," a Spirit spokesperson said in a statement. "We thank the crew members and guests who assisted for handling this situation quickly prior to arrival."

Last week, an argument between two women over who got to exit the American Airlines plane first devolved into an all-out fistfight.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...
Upcoming Webinar
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 2Friday, October 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...
Upcoming Webinar
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 2Friday, October 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...