In an unexpected turn of events, a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai had to make a dramatic U-turn over the Pacific Ocean and return to San Francisco—all because the pilot forgot their passport.

Flight UA198, carrying 270 passengers, had already covered a significant portion of its journey on Saturday when the realization struck that the pilot did not have the necessary travel documentation. As a result, the aircraft was forced to turn back to its last domestic departure point, causing an unforeseen delay.

United Airlines confirmed the incident, explaining that the passport issue made it impossible for the pilot to continue the international journey. The airline promptly arranged for a new crew and ensured that affected passengers received meal vouchers and compensation for the inconvenience. Eventually, the rescheduled flight departed and landed in Shanghai approximately six hours later than originally planned.

While flight diversions are not uncommon due to technical issues, medical emergencies, or weather conditions, a U-turn caused by a forgotten passport is certainly unusual. The incident highlights the importance of meticulous pre-flight checks, not just for the aircraft but also for the crew’s essential travel documents.

Despite the delay, United Airlines took swift action to mitigate passenger inconvenience. However, this incident will undoubtedly serve as a reminder of how even minor oversights can lead to major disruptions in air travel.