Disruptive passenger incident on AA 1561 ORD to SFO May 8 2011
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: Hilton Diamond, AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 16
Disruptive passenger incident on AA 1561 ORD to SFO May 8 2011
Anyone else on this flight tonight? 30 minutes outside of SFO a passenger from the back rushed the cockpit yelling "allah Ackbar"! several passengers chased him and tackled him in first as the flight attendant yelled for help. One of the first times I was glad I didnt get an upgrade. Scary time!
#2
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 3
I was on this flight in first class. I actually was supposed to be on the 8:45 pm flight out of ORD but since my connection landed early, I managed to get onto 1561.
The guy next to me who was an AA employee was the first person to go help the flight attendant...thank the soul...plus all the other passengers who helped. Surreal experience and apparently this was not the first one for the day. Supposedly someone tried to open a door on a flight from NM that got redirected to ORD.
The guy next to me who was an AA employee was the first person to go help the flight attendant...thank the soul...plus all the other passengers who helped. Surreal experience and apparently this was not the first one for the day. Supposedly someone tried to open a door on a flight from NM that got redirected to ORD.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: Hilton Diamond, AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 16
yeah I had my headphones on, was in 15f, and no clue what happened till after. have logged alot of miles this year and feel like I need a break after that. Guy was still screaming "allah ackbar"(sic) when strapped into the gurney outside. Travel is not glorious and miles sometimes dont seem very improtant!
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: Hilton Diamond, AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 16
nebie poster, posted a few years back but not new to FT. Did not tow to remote hanger. Was on SAN Francisco local news as late breaking, two hours after. Call BS but it wasnt...
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: Hilton Diamond, AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 16
What was the danger? A middle eastern man, with a Passport from Yemen(according to the cops outside the gate), running up the aisle yelling Allah Ackbar is not dangerous? Here he is on the stretcher outside the plane. Not sure why its not more of a news story yet was just checking in to let people know and see other accounts if any. Dont be so damn snarky, I have over 32000 miles on AA this year so not like I am a newbie to all this. In fact was hoping AA would compensate us for the scare by letting me get the double eqm promo for this flight even though I booked it a week and a half ago.
#9
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: AA 1MM
Posts: 3,182
Couldn't find it on any of the local news websites (those of network affiliates), but if it shows up I'll stand corrected. Also, just want to confirm you're talking about this flight, since there were two other diversions that made the news, one from IAH to ORD with a diversion to STL, the other from DTW to SAN with a diversion to ABQ.
Last edited by JumboD; May 9, 2011 at 1:15 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: Hilton Diamond, AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 16
I just actually called WGN in Chicago to report it. She was amazed it wasnt out there either but I gave name and phone number to them and they are contacting people at American. I hate to say it but you will stand corrected. Not sure why this isnt bigger news yet. Certainly is to me.
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: Hilton Diamond, AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 16
He did not appear to be injured but SFO news did say he was at the hospital. I would not pick my first post in eons to be a hoax or something stupid and alarmist. I think the lack of news on this is one reason I decided to post. no hard feelings on my side by the way.
#12
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: AA 1MM
Posts: 3,182
He did not appear to be injured but SFO news did say he was at the hospital. I would not pick my first post in eons to be a hoax or something stupid and alarmist. I think the lack of news on this is one reason I decided to post. no hard feelings on my side by the way.
#13
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 467
He did not appear to be injured but SFO news did say he was at the hospital. I would not pick my first post in eons to be a hoax or something stupid and alarmist. I think the lack of news on this is one reason I decided to post. no hard feelings on my side by the way.
Last edited by JDiver; May 9, 2011 at 7:19 am Reason: two ad hominems don't make a right
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: Hilton Diamond, AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 16
Thanks Eagles. Life is to short to worry about the petty crap, as I realized after this incident. Besides its probably why I dont post on her just like to read and keep up to date usually! Unfortunately now I cant sleep and wondering if my wife giving me hell for leaving for work travel on Mothers Day wasnt a sign! : )
#15
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: AA 1MM
Posts: 3,182
Are you at SFO? In touch with employees there in some other way? The frequent AA flyer in me (even more than the cynic) would really like to know what went down and what the official word is. I keep refreshing all the news sites and still can't find any information on it.