Pilot forgets passport: United flight forced to turn back mid-air

A recent United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai faced an unexpected delay when one of the pilots realized mid-flight that he had forgotten his passport.

This incident highlights the critical importance of travel documents, even for airline crew members.

Incident Details

On March 22, 2025, United Airlines Flight UA198 departed from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at approximately 2 p.m., carrying 257 passengers and 13 crew members. About two hours into the flight, while over the Pacific Ocean, the pilot discovered he did not have his passport, which is essential for entry into China. Consequently, the decision was made to divert the aircraft to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to address the issue. This is according to CNN.

Airline response

Upon landing at SFO around 5 p.m., United Airlines arranged for a new crew to take over the flight. Passengers were provided with meal vouchers and compensation for the inconvenience. The flight resumed its journey at approximately 9 p.m., ultimately arriving in Shanghai about six hours behind schedule.

Passenger reactions

The unexpected delay led to frustration among passengers. Some expressed their dissatisfaction on social media platforms, questioning how such an oversight could occur and seeking additional compensation for the disruption.

Expert opinions

Aviation industry experts have described the incident as embarrassing and indicative of a lapse in protocol. Shukor Yusof, founder of aviation advisory firm Endau Analytics, commented that such mistakes are «unacceptable» for a global airline and reflect a «lack of discipline.»

Broader implications

This event underscores the necessity for stringent pre-flight checks and adherence to protocols by airline personnel. Ensuring that all required documents are in order is vital to prevent such incidents, which can lead to significant delays and inconvenience for passengers.

For travelers, this serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying the possession of all necessary travel documents before departure. While passengers are often reminded of this responsibility, this incident illustrates that even experienced professionals can make such errors, emphasizing the need for diligence at all levels.

Estimated cost of a flight turnaround (like UA198)

A mid-air U-turn like this can be very expensive for the airline. While exact costs vary, here are some key reasons why it's such a costly mistake:

• Fuel wasted A Boeing 787 burns around 5,000–6,000 liters per hour. Two hours out and back could cost $30,000–$40,000 in fuel alone.

• Crew logistics A new crew had to be arranged at San Francisco, adding extra crew hours and repositioning costs.

• Airport charges Landing at an unexpected airport (like SFO) incurs additional landing and handling fees.

• Passenger compensation United likely issued meal vouchers, rebooking options, and possibly travel credits, depending on the policy.

• Delays and ripple effect The delay can disrupt aircraft schedules for the next 24–48 hours, affecting other flights and causing knock-on costs.

Total cost estimate

Industry experts suggest such diversions and delays could cost anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on timing, fuel prices, and how the schedule is adjusted.

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