CHICAGO- A United Airlines (UA) flight bound for Denver (DEN) was delayed for nearly five hours due to an intoxicated passenger. The situation escalated until another traveler intervened, prompting the disruptive individual to deplane finally.
Flight UA2731 was preparing for departure from Newark (EWR) to Denver when a visibly drunk passenger caused significant disruption, refusing to cooperate with airline staff. His behavior nearly forced the removal of all passengers from the aircraft.
Photo: SMBC AviationUnited Airlines Flight Delayed
The incident occurred aboard a United Airlines (UA) Airbus A321neo during a lengthy delay at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Scheduled to fly to Denver International Airport (DEN), Flight UA2731 was already behind schedule by 4 hours and 43 minutes when the situation unfolded.
According to passengers, a male traveler was “clearly intoxicated,” slurring his speech and failing to respond appropriately to a supervisor’s repeated attempts to secure a simple verbal agreement: that he would behave during the flight.
Despite being treated with patience and respect by the airline staff, the passenger would not comply.
After the supervisor made one final attempt to reason with the man, warning that the entire plane would be forced to deplane, tension among the travelers rose.
Reported by View From the Wing, it was at this point that another passenger intervened, managing to convince the intoxicated man to leave the plane voluntarily.
Photo: XFWSpotterAirline Response
United Airlines (UA) has taken a more measured approach to in-flight disruptions in recent years. After the infamous 2017 David Dao incident, the airline implemented extensive de-escalation training for flight crews.
As a result, United typically addresses disruptive behavior post-flight through incident reports and possible bans, rather than mid-air diversions.
This particular case reflects a broader, ongoing issue within the airline industry. Passenger misbehavior surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, with mask mandates and social tensions creating more frequent flashpoints.
Although travel volumes were lower during that period, incidents of unruly behavior reached record levels.
While those numbers have since declined, they remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic statistics. Industry observers suggest that reduced gate staffing and fewer business travelers have contributed to the persistence of such events.
Without attentive staff to identify potential issues before boarding, disruptive passengers are more likely to make it onto planes.
Photo: Clément AlloingPassenger Management
This incident underscores the importance of early intervention and crew training in managing in-flight behavior. It also highlights the valuable role fellow travelers can occasionally play in de-escalating difficult situations.
Despite the delay and disruption, the situation was ultimately resolved without law enforcement intervention or mass deplaning, thanks in part to calm, professional airline staff and a helpful passenger.
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