United Airlines Pilot's Passport Oversight Delays Shanghai Flight by Six Hours

The flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai had to divert to San Francisco, sparking criticism of United Airlines' operational protocols and passenger compensation policies.

United Airlines flight UA198 turned back mid-flight to San Francisco after a pilot realized they had forgotten their passport, delaying the journey by six hours.
The incident affected 257 passengers and 13 crew members, with passengers receiving meal vouchers and compensation, though many deemed it insufficient.
This marks the second passport-related disruption on United Airlines' Shanghai-bound flights in March 2025, raising concerns about the airline's operational standards.
Experts have criticized the incident as an 'embarrassing' and 'unacceptable' lapse in protocol for a major international airline.
Passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the disruption's impact on their schedules and the airline's handling of the situation, including delayed responses to compensation claims.