Overview

• On March 22, United flight UA198 was diverted to San Francisco mid-flight after the pilot realized they did not have their passport, delaying 257 passengers.
• Passengers on UA198 were delayed for over six hours and eventually continued to Shanghai with a replacement crew, receiving meal vouchers and compensation for the disruption.
• A similar incident occurred on March 14 with United flight UA857, which was delayed before departure from Los Angeles due to a pilot forgetting their passport.
• Both incidents highlight operational challenges for airlines in ensuring compliance with international travel protocols for flight crews.
• Flight diversions and delays due to crew errors are costly, involving expenses for fuel, replacement crews, and passenger compensation.