United Airlines Flight Turns Back After Pilot Forgets Passport

A Los Angeles to Shanghai flight was delayed by seven hours after a pilot's forgotten passport forced a mid-flight return to San Francisco.

United Airlines flight UA198 returned to San Francisco two hours after departure when a pilot realized they had forgotten their passport.
The incident caused a seven-hour delay as the airline had to replace the crew due to work-hour limitations.
Passengers were provided meal vouchers and the flight eventually resumed, reaching Shanghai successfully.
United Airlines confirmed the details and is facing scrutiny over procedural lapses in pre-departure checks for pilots.
The incident underscores broader concerns about operational reliability, passenger compensation, and regulatory compliance in international aviation.