Have you ever worried about forgetting your passport just before an international flight? Now imagine it’s your pilot who makes this oversight.
On March 22, 2025, passengers aboard United Airlines flight UA198 experienced just that. Departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and heading to Shanghai, the flight turned back approximately two hours into its journey after the pilot realized he’d left his passport behind.
This unusual mid-air U-turn of the Boeing 787, carrying 257 passengers, ended safely with an unplanned landing at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at around 5:05 PM. United Airlines quickly arranged a replacement crew, and passengers were back en route to Shanghai after about a six-hour delay, complete with meal vouchers and compensation for the inconvenience.
This real-life incident serves as an important reminder of the necessity for pilots and airline crews to double-check their documentation before departure.
Stay informed, travel smart, and always remember your passport!