The Flight Risk Report

Bad decisions at altitude.

Airline chaos, airport meltdowns, weird aviation stories, travel horror, and the small survival products that keep a trip from becoming a police report.

Latest dispatches

Fresh from the cabin fever desk

cabin fever

EasyJet Passengers Take Unplanned 1,200 Mile Detour to Who Knows Where

EasyJet passengers found themselves unexpectedly stranded after their flight to Turkey was diverted 1,200 miles away, leaving them wondering if they accidentally booked a tour of the world instead. (The Independent)

Verdict: Next time, just check if you've got your atlas before boarding!

flight risk

Delta Flight from LA to Boston Takes a Detour to Detroit

A Delta flight from Los Angeles to Boston had to make an unscheduled stop in Detroit due to a medical emergency, reminding us that sometimes, even your flight needs a pit stop. Source: Palm Beach Post.

Verdict: Always pack your snacks—this trip just got longer!

flight risk

United Airlines Flight Diverted for Emergency Landing in Vegas

In a plot twist more dramatic than a Vegas show, a United Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing in Las Vegas. Sources say passengers were thrilled—at least they got to stretch their legs, even if the circumstances were less than ideal. (Wide Open Co

Verdict: Always pack a spare pair of pants for unexpected detours!

cabin fever

Scotland to Chicago Flight Turns into 20-Hour Soak Fest Thanks to Weather

A passenger reported that a flight from Scotland to Chicago took a whopping 20 hours due to some serious weather disruptions. Talk about an unexpected layover in the skies! - The Independent

Verdict: Next time, check the weather before booking—unless you enjoy extended air naps!

cabin fever

United Airlines Stuck Passengers Outside 5 Hours as Crew Times Out Mid-Taxi

In a plot twist befitting a low-budget thriller, United Airlines left passengers on the tarmac for five hours after the crew timed out mid-taxi. We're told patience is a virtue, but this test was more like a punishment. - Simple Flying

Verdict: Always carry snacks; survival on a tarmac needs a backup plan!

cabin fever

United Airlines Passengers Face 20-Hour Travel Nightmare After Weather Diversion

A United Airlines passenger reports that their flight from Edinburgh to Chicago was diverted due to weather, resulting in a 20-hour travel ordeal. Weather: 1, Passengers: 0, according to ABC7 Chicago.

Verdict: When life gives you diversions, remember: patience is the best in-flight snack!

cabin fever

Laptop Sparks Chaos on American Airlines Flight, Passenger Injured

A laptop fire on an American Airlines flight led to an emergency landing, injuring at least one passenger, according to The New York Times. Apparently, the only thing hotter than the in-flight coffee was the tech in the overhead bin.

Verdict: Moral of the story: Keep your tech cool, or you might end up in a hot seat!

flight risk

Delta Flight Ditches in St. John's: A New Spin on 'Flight Delayed'

A Delta flight made an emergency landing in St. John’s Sunday night, leaving passengers with a story for the ages. CBC covers the unexpected detour that surely beat their in-flight movie selection.

Verdict: Remember folks, always have a backup plan... or at least a good book!

terminal condition

Airfield Intruder Grounds 24 Flights at Manchester Airport

Seven flights were diverted and at least 17 others held in the skies over Manchester Airport overnight after a man gained access to the airfield, according to facebook.com.

Verdict: Next time, try using a ticket instead of a stealth mission!

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