This is what happens when you get into a physical altercation on an airplane--you get banned.
United Airlines decided to ban two men who got into a fist fight and forced an emergency landing.
The flight was originally going from London to Newark Airport in New Jersey, but had to be diverted to Bangor, Maine.
“United flight 883 landed in Bangor after two passengers, who appeared intoxicated, became disruptive,” a spokesperson said. “… The customers will be banned from future United flights while we review this matter.”
The security threat level was classified as a Level 2, which indicates "heightened risks to safety." The incident happened last week. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and Customs and Border Patrol are investigating.
This is at least the third incident within the last month in which unruly passengers have disrupted a flight. An American Airlines passenger on a flight to Chicago was restrained by fellow passengers after he tried to open an emergency door. Earlier last month, a JetBlue passenger was held down by fellow passengers after he began acting aggressively toward crew members. The man appeared to be inebriated, witnesses said.
The FAA said there was a 492 percent increase in unruly passenger incidents between 2020 and 2021, when 5,973 were reported. Some of that, however, had to do with noncompliance with the federal mask mandate during COVID.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
