Pilot’s Forgotten Passport Forces United Flight to Make U-Turn Over Pacific

A United Airlines flight from L.A. to Shanghai had to turn around over the Pacific on Saturday, because a pilot forgot his passport.

Shanghai-Bound Flight Makes Unexpected Stop in San Francisco

A United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai was forced to make an unexpected diversion over the Pacific Ocean for a reason that left passengers stunned... A pilot had forgotten their passport.

United Flight UA198, operated on a Boeing 787-9, departed from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on March 22, 2025, at 2:01 PM, bound for Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). However, just under two hours into the flight, the crew discovered a critical issue: one of the four pilots on board did not have the necessary travel documents. This realization forced the flight to make a U-turn, diverting to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) rather than continuing its 6,485-mile journey.

An Avoidable Error With Big Consequences

The aircraft landed in San Francisco at 4:54 PM, nearly three hours after initially departing LAX. Passengers were informed of the unexpected stop through an airline announcement citing a “crew-related issue requiring a new crew.” While United efficiently arranged for a replacement team, the flight ultimately departed again at 9:01 PM, resulting in a delay of over six hours.

This incident raises questions about procedural oversights within the airline. Many wonder why there wasn't a pre-flight check ensuring all necessary documentation was accounted for before departure. Given that pilots must meet strict international entry requirements, this situation seems highly preventable.

Passenger Impact and Airline Response

United Airlines attempted to ease passenger frustrations by providing $15 meal vouchers while arranging a new flight crew. However, the inconvenience extended beyond just the outbound flight—delays rippled through scheduling, affecting travelers on both ends of the journey.

Interestingly, some online reports suggest that the same flight was delayed for the same reason a day prior, though this remains unconfirmed. If true, it would be an almost unbelievable coincidence and a major operational lapse.

Financial and Operational Fallout

This blunder not only disrupted passengers but also had significant financial repercussions. The airline burned through extra fuel for the diversion and had to staff two separate flight crews. Additionally, regulatory and union policies likely played a role in why the flight couldn’t continue as planned. Without a passport, the pilot wouldn’t have been able to enter China, potentially violating international aviation regulations.

Whether the pilot faced internal consequences remains uncertain, but such an error is sure to prompt reviews of airline protocols to prevent future occurrences.