High in the sky: pilot grounds flight after passenger smokes weed in toilet
A pilot refused to fly after a passenger was allegedly caught smoking marijuana resulting in flight delays for other passenger.
Image: Unsplash
A recent incident aboard a United Airlines flight has sparked conversation and caution among travellers, with netizens echoing a collective warning: “Don’t do drugs on planes”.
The saga unfolded when a passenger allegedly smoked marijuana in the flight's toilet, prompting a chain reaction that left many fellow travellers in limbo.
According to a post that gained traction on Reddit, the United Airlines flight was already experiencing delays due to technical issues when the flight crew discovered that someone had smoked weed in the front bathroom.
The situation escalated to the point where the pilot refused to fly under the circumstances, citing concerns about potential exposure to second-hand smoke.
His career, he declared, was too precious to jeopardise over a single irresponsible act.
“I have 30 years left of my career at United,” the pilot asserted.
“I’m not willing to risk getting drug tested when I get to Houston.”
This decision instigated significant delays: passengers remained on the plane for approximately 40 minutes while crew members deliberated on the next steps.
Ultimately, the crew chose to deplane the passengers as a precautionary measure, leaving many to await new crew members at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Initially, scheduled for an 8.50am departure, the flight's new estimated departure time was pushed back to 12.30pm.
In light of the inconvenience, passengers received a $15 (R263) meal voucher and were treated to a snack cart that rolled out at the gate.
The episode ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, with users expressing both disbelief and empathy for the flight crew's predicament.
One user suggested a lifetime ban for anyone engaging in such dangerous behaviour while flying: “Should be an automatic lifetime ban across all airlines. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes,” wrote user @bjdj94.
Others echoed similar sentiments, praising the pilot's refusal to compromise their safety for an irresponsible act.
@Super_Half7560 affirmed, “I’m not losing my job over y’all stupidity!!”
Another user, @Ok_Perception6436, shared a harrowing tale of a prior experience where a passenger overdosed on oxycodone mid-flight, urging fellow passengers to “please don’t do drugs on planes.”
Yet, amid the serious tone, some netizens found humour in the absurdity of the situation.
User @Expert_Stuff7224 remarked, “People are absolute morons … the idea that the flight crew were going to test positive due to second-hand exposure … is absolutely hilarious.”
This incident serves as a potent reminder of the potential ramifications when passengers disregard aviation protocols.
As the dialogue continues, the aviation community hopes for greater awareness among flyers that the cabin is no place for such reckless behaviour.