I’m sipping my coffee and trying to wrap my head around this one, folks. A passenger on a United Airlines flight tried to open the cabin door, because, you know, that’s exactly what you do when you’re 30,000 feet in the air. I mean, who needs a normal exit strategy, right? The plane was headed to Houston, but it ended up making an emergency landing in Indianapolis after just 15 minutes in the air. I guess that’s one way to get a quick layover.
The pilot of United Airlines Flight 3989, operated by Mesa Airlines, is heard on audio telling air traffic controllers, “We have a belligerent passenger trying to open the cabin door. We have passengers trying to get him secured in a seat right now.” I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure that’s not how you’re supposed to behave on a plane. The Embraer 175 regional jet landed safely, and the disruptive passenger was deplaned. I’m sure that was a fun conversation with the airport police.
The Indianapolis Airport Authority told CNN affiliate WISH that the passenger was detained, and I’m sure they’re having a great time explaining their actions. The plane eventually continued its flight to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, landing nearly two hours late. I feel bad for the passengers who just wanted to get to their destination without any drama.
It’s not like this is an isolated incident, either. The FAA said that more than 830 unruly passengers have been reported so far this year. There was a guy who tried to open an exit door on a Frontier Airlines plane and had to be restrained by a jiu-jitsu instructor. Because, of course, that’s exactly what you need on a plane – a little martial arts action. And last month, a United Airlines plane diverted to Madison, Wisconsin, after a passenger made “multiple attempts to try to breach the cockpit.” I’m starting to think that flying is just not what it used to be.
The FAA is warning that disruptive passengers can face criminal charges and civil penalties of over $43,000 per violation. Yeah, because that’s exactly what you want to deal with after a long flight – a hefty fine and a criminal record. I’m sure that’ll teach them to behave on a plane.
In conclusion, flying just got a whole lot more interesting, folks. With all these unruly passengers, it’s a wonder anyone gets to their destination without incident. But hey, at least it makes for some entertaining news stories. And to all the passengers out there, just remember: please don’t try to open the cabin door, and please don’t make a fuss on the plane. Unless, of course, you want to be the star of the next big news story.
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
