UA 949 August 09 2018 (Phone threat about plane, nothing found)
Aug 11, 2018, 5:46 am
#31
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I was on that flight. Here is what I just wrote on my Facebook; copying it here.
Our arrival in San Francisco airport yesterday on UA949 from London was the most bizarre and unwelcoming thing I've ever experienced in the US. Sharing it here for your information. Sorry if it looks somewhat lengthy.
After we landed, the plane got stuck on the tarmac. At that time there were regular, clear updates from the captain, something to the effect of "due to the smoke from wildfires, some flights out of SF are grounded/delayed, so no gate is currently available..." etc. Finally, after more than an hour-long wait, the plane started to move again, and finally stopped at the gate. Some passengers jumped on their feet, but there was an immediate "please remain seated" announcement, so people sat down. Another 5-10 minutes passed in silence, and then there was a single short, barely audible announcement from one of the female flight attendants. I could only hear something like "please raise your hands". I had no idea what this was for, and watched in surprise as people around me raised their hands. Many looked at each other, confused. The only idea that I had is that maybe the crew wanted to entertain us somehow after such a long wait. After a few minutes I realized that nothing was going on, so I put down my hands and resumed reading a journal. Some people did the same; most kept their hands up, though it still seemed like nobody knew what was going on.
However, in another 10 minutes or so I started to hear some male voices far away, in the front end of the plane. They were apparently shouting something in a rather aggressive, almost hysterical tone. It took me a few more minutes to figure out that this was "Hands up!" and occasionally "This is not a drill!" I finally began to understand that something unusual, possibly dangerous, was going on. But still there was no explanation whatsoever - no PA announcements, nothing. Passengers looked at each other in surprise. To everybody's credit, there was no panic, at least I didn't see anything around me. We just kept waiting, now everyone with hands up.
Finally I saw several men wearing black protective vests, armed with automatic rifles, approaching via the isles from the front of the plane. They were periodically shouting "Hands up!" and apparently demanding the passengers to leave the plane, row after row, leaving all their belongings behind. The officers, with "Customs and Border Protection, Federal Officer" on their vests, looked rather unfriendly. I was surprised that they wore vests but not helmets. Also I doubt very much that a rifle is the best/safest weapon in the narrow passages of the crowded airplane, but maybe that's just an uneducated guess. Anyway, when they finally got to my row, I left the airplane, leaving behind my bag with my laptop and passport. At the exit, passengers were asked to leave their cell phones as well - but apparently, this was not said to everyone or enforced. So I left my phone, but some/many people didn't.
Next thing, everyone was searched (hand-patted). My wife, who sat in another row and got out before me, told me later that she was searched very thoroughly. I personally think I was searched rather lightly. An officer then asked me for my ID - I told him I left it behind in my bag, so he just asked for my name. Still no explanation at all; all the officers were stone-faced, unfriendly and completely silent.
All the passengers were eventually getting into the corridor just by the gate exit and had to wait there, standing in a crowd. There was no easy access to restrooms, and nobody had any idea how much more time we will need to wait. I personally spent another hour or so waiting, until the last passenger left the plane. Then, finally, it was announced that we can get back into the airplane to collect our hand luggage. This too took quite a lot of time - there were likely 300-400 people on board, but they were let in in small batches.
Finally I got back into the plane, took my bag which was apparently not searched or even touched, and left. I asked a flight attendant and airport staff what happened, but apparently they all knew very little. All that they could say was that there had been a “criminal threat”.
In summary, I think the actions of the police were quite unprofessional, at least in terms of handling the passengers. They never used the airplane PA system to clearly announce what was going on and what their requirements were. The loud, aggressive shouting of the officers on the plane and the dead silence of those outside definitely didn't calm the atmosphere. There was inconsistent handling of cell phones - some people left them, some didn’t. And finally, after more than a three hour delay, we were left with no explanation or apology for the inconvenience.
Our arrival in San Francisco airport yesterday on UA949 from London was the most bizarre and unwelcoming thing I've ever experienced in the US. Sharing it here for your information. Sorry if it looks somewhat lengthy.
After we landed, the plane got stuck on the tarmac. At that time there were regular, clear updates from the captain, something to the effect of "due to the smoke from wildfires, some flights out of SF are grounded/delayed, so no gate is currently available..." etc. Finally, after more than an hour-long wait, the plane started to move again, and finally stopped at the gate. Some passengers jumped on their feet, but there was an immediate "please remain seated" announcement, so people sat down. Another 5-10 minutes passed in silence, and then there was a single short, barely audible announcement from one of the female flight attendants. I could only hear something like "please raise your hands". I had no idea what this was for, and watched in surprise as people around me raised their hands. Many looked at each other, confused. The only idea that I had is that maybe the crew wanted to entertain us somehow after such a long wait. After a few minutes I realized that nothing was going on, so I put down my hands and resumed reading a journal. Some people did the same; most kept their hands up, though it still seemed like nobody knew what was going on.
However, in another 10 minutes or so I started to hear some male voices far away, in the front end of the plane. They were apparently shouting something in a rather aggressive, almost hysterical tone. It took me a few more minutes to figure out that this was "Hands up!" and occasionally "This is not a drill!" I finally began to understand that something unusual, possibly dangerous, was going on. But still there was no explanation whatsoever - no PA announcements, nothing. Passengers looked at each other in surprise. To everybody's credit, there was no panic, at least I didn't see anything around me. We just kept waiting, now everyone with hands up.
Finally I saw several men wearing black protective vests, armed with automatic rifles, approaching via the isles from the front of the plane. They were periodically shouting "Hands up!" and apparently demanding the passengers to leave the plane, row after row, leaving all their belongings behind. The officers, with "Customs and Border Protection, Federal Officer" on their vests, looked rather unfriendly. I was surprised that they wore vests but not helmets. Also I doubt very much that a rifle is the best/safest weapon in the narrow passages of the crowded airplane, but maybe that's just an uneducated guess. Anyway, when they finally got to my row, I left the airplane, leaving behind my bag with my laptop and passport. At the exit, passengers were asked to leave their cell phones as well - but apparently, this was not said to everyone or enforced. So I left my phone, but some/many people didn't.
Next thing, everyone was searched (hand-patted). My wife, who sat in another row and got out before me, told me later that she was searched very thoroughly. I personally think I was searched rather lightly. An officer then asked me for my ID - I told him I left it behind in my bag, so he just asked for my name. Still no explanation at all; all the officers were stone-faced, unfriendly and completely silent.
All the passengers were eventually getting into the corridor just by the gate exit and had to wait there, standing in a crowd. There was no easy access to restrooms, and nobody had any idea how much more time we will need to wait. I personally spent another hour or so waiting, until the last passenger left the plane. Then, finally, it was announced that we can get back into the airplane to collect our hand luggage. This too took quite a lot of time - there were likely 300-400 people on board, but they were let in in small batches.
Finally I got back into the plane, took my bag which was apparently not searched or even touched, and left. I asked a flight attendant and airport staff what happened, but apparently they all knew very little. All that they could say was that there had been a “criminal threat”.
In summary, I think the actions of the police were quite unprofessional, at least in terms of handling the passengers. They never used the airplane PA system to clearly announce what was going on and what their requirements were. The loud, aggressive shouting of the officers on the plane and the dead silence of those outside definitely didn't calm the atmosphere. There was inconsistent handling of cell phones - some people left them, some didn’t. And finally, after more than a three hour delay, we were left with no explanation or apology for the inconvenience.
Interesting to read through your details. The lack of search for hand baggage seems off to me. If they were concerned that there was a weapon on board...at least enough to search everyone's person...pretty unusual to then let everyone back on board to have unfettered access to hand baggage afterward.
Also very unusual for commands of "raise your hands" to be followed by 5-10 minutes of non-activity. If there was a threat on board, not wise to let them know of LEO interest in the flight without keeping under watch.
Bizarre all around....
Aug 11, 2018, 10:56 am
#32
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From what I know, the crew were given instructions without explanation. And hands on the wall being searched as well. They were several law enforcements including SWAT. It was confusing and no one was told what was happening. I can understand why they wouldn’t announce it. They didn’t want to cause a panic situation in a confined area, or alert the real perpetrators, should there be a real threat.
Aug 11, 2018, 11:09 am
#33
Join Date: Nov 2012
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I was on that flight. Here is what I just wrote on my Facebook; copying it here.
Our arrival in San Francisco airport yesterday on UA949 from London was the most bizarre and unwelcoming thing I've ever experienced in the US. Sharing it here for your information. Sorry if it looks somewhat lengthy.
After we landed, the plane got stuck on the tarmac. At that time there were regular, clear updates from the captain, something to the effect of "due to the smoke from wildfires, some flights out of SF are grounded/delayed, so no gate is currently available..." etc. Finally, after more than an hour-long wait, the plane started to move again, and finally stopped at the gate. Some passengers jumped on their feet, but there was an immediate "please remain seated" announcement, so people sat down. Another 5-10 minutes passed in silence, and then there was a single short, barely audible announcement from one of the female flight attendants. I could only hear something like "please raise your hands". I had no idea what this was for, and watched in surprise as people around me raised their hands. Many looked at each other, confused. The only idea that I had is that maybe the crew wanted to entertain us somehow after such a long wait. After a few minutes I realized that nothing was going on, so I put down my hands and resumed reading a journal. Some people did the same; most kept their hands up, though it still seemed like nobody knew what was going on.
However, in another 10 minutes or so I started to hear some male voices far away, in the front end of the plane. They were apparently shouting something in a rather aggressive, almost hysterical tone. It took me a few more minutes to figure out that this was "Hands up!" and occasionally "This is not a drill!" I finally began to understand that something unusual, possibly dangerous, was going on. But still there was no explanation whatsoever - no PA announcements, nothing. Passengers looked at each other in surprise. To everybody's credit, there was no panic, at least I didn't see anything around me. We just kept waiting, now everyone with hands up.
Finally I saw several men wearing black protective vests, armed with automatic rifles, approaching via the isles from the front of the plane. They were periodically shouting "Hands up!" and apparently demanding the passengers to leave the plane, row after row, leaving all their belongings behind. The officers, with "Customs and Border Protection, Federal Officer" on their vests, looked rather unfriendly. I was surprised that they wore vests but not helmets. Also I doubt very much that a rifle is the best/safest weapon in the narrow passages of the crowded airplane, but maybe that's just an uneducated guess. Anyway, when they finally got to my row, I left the airplane, leaving behind my bag with my laptop and passport. At the exit, passengers were asked to leave their cell phones as well - but apparently, this was not said to everyone or enforced. So I left my phone, but some/many people didn't.
Next thing, everyone was searched (hand-patted). My wife, who sat in another row and got out before me, told me later that she was searched very thoroughly. I personally think I was searched rather lightly. An officer then asked me for my ID - I told him I left it behind in my bag, so he just asked for my name. Still no explanation at all; all the officers were stone-faced, unfriendly and completely silent.
All the passengers were eventually getting into the corridor just by the gate exit and had to wait there, standing in a crowd. There was no easy access to restrooms, and nobody had any idea how much more time we will need to wait. I personally spent another hour or so waiting, until the last passenger left the plane. Then, finally, it was announced that we can get back into the airplane to collect our hand luggage. This too took quite a lot of time - there were likely 300-400 people on board, but they were let in in small batches.
Finally I got back into the plane, took my bag which was apparently not searched or even touched, and left. I asked a flight attendant and airport staff what happened, but apparently they all knew very little. All that they could say was that there had been a “criminal threat”.
In summary, I think the actions of the police were quite unprofessional, at least in terms of handling the passengers. They never used the airplane PA system to clearly announce what was going on and what their requirements were. The loud, aggressive shouting of the officers on the plane and the dead silence of those outside definitely didn't calm the atmosphere. There was inconsistent handling of cell phones - some people left them, some didn’t. And finally, after more than a three hour delay, we were left with no explanation or apology for the inconvenience.
Our arrival in San Francisco airport yesterday on UA949 from London was the most bizarre and unwelcoming thing I've ever experienced in the US. Sharing it here for your information. Sorry if it looks somewhat lengthy.
After we landed, the plane got stuck on the tarmac. At that time there were regular, clear updates from the captain, something to the effect of "due to the smoke from wildfires, some flights out of SF are grounded/delayed, so no gate is currently available..." etc. Finally, after more than an hour-long wait, the plane started to move again, and finally stopped at the gate. Some passengers jumped on their feet, but there was an immediate "please remain seated" announcement, so people sat down. Another 5-10 minutes passed in silence, and then there was a single short, barely audible announcement from one of the female flight attendants. I could only hear something like "please raise your hands". I had no idea what this was for, and watched in surprise as people around me raised their hands. Many looked at each other, confused. The only idea that I had is that maybe the crew wanted to entertain us somehow after such a long wait. After a few minutes I realized that nothing was going on, so I put down my hands and resumed reading a journal. Some people did the same; most kept their hands up, though it still seemed like nobody knew what was going on.
However, in another 10 minutes or so I started to hear some male voices far away, in the front end of the plane. They were apparently shouting something in a rather aggressive, almost hysterical tone. It took me a few more minutes to figure out that this was "Hands up!" and occasionally "This is not a drill!" I finally began to understand that something unusual, possibly dangerous, was going on. But still there was no explanation whatsoever - no PA announcements, nothing. Passengers looked at each other in surprise. To everybody's credit, there was no panic, at least I didn't see anything around me. We just kept waiting, now everyone with hands up.
Finally I saw several men wearing black protective vests, armed with automatic rifles, approaching via the isles from the front of the plane. They were periodically shouting "Hands up!" and apparently demanding the passengers to leave the plane, row after row, leaving all their belongings behind. The officers, with "Customs and Border Protection, Federal Officer" on their vests, looked rather unfriendly. I was surprised that they wore vests but not helmets. Also I doubt very much that a rifle is the best/safest weapon in the narrow passages of the crowded airplane, but maybe that's just an uneducated guess. Anyway, when they finally got to my row, I left the airplane, leaving behind my bag with my laptop and passport. At the exit, passengers were asked to leave their cell phones as well - but apparently, this was not said to everyone or enforced. So I left my phone, but some/many people didn't.
Next thing, everyone was searched (hand-patted). My wife, who sat in another row and got out before me, told me later that she was searched very thoroughly. I personally think I was searched rather lightly. An officer then asked me for my ID - I told him I left it behind in my bag, so he just asked for my name. Still no explanation at all; all the officers were stone-faced, unfriendly and completely silent.
All the passengers were eventually getting into the corridor just by the gate exit and had to wait there, standing in a crowd. There was no easy access to restrooms, and nobody had any idea how much more time we will need to wait. I personally spent another hour or so waiting, until the last passenger left the plane. Then, finally, it was announced that we can get back into the airplane to collect our hand luggage. This too took quite a lot of time - there were likely 300-400 people on board, but they were let in in small batches.
Finally I got back into the plane, took my bag which was apparently not searched or even touched, and left. I asked a flight attendant and airport staff what happened, but apparently they all knew very little. All that they could say was that there had been a “criminal threat”.
In summary, I think the actions of the police were quite unprofessional, at least in terms of handling the passengers. They never used the airplane PA system to clearly announce what was going on and what their requirements were. The loud, aggressive shouting of the officers on the plane and the dead silence of those outside definitely didn't calm the atmosphere. There was inconsistent handling of cell phones - some people left them, some didn’t. And finally, after more than a three hour delay, we were left with no explanation or apology for the inconvenience.
This also shows me that putting my passport in the front pocket of my shirt when I'm on an International flight is the correct thing to do. I also put there my wife's passport as she would put it in her handbag which would be useless if we are asked to get off the plane without any luggage.
Aug 11, 2018, 3:34 pm
#34
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 3
I respectfully disagree. If there was a real perpetrator, he/she would definitely be alerted right away by this confusing "please raise your hands" announcement and long delays. Then he would have more than enough time to act - remember that 10-15 minutes passed between that first announcement and the moment we first saw the armed men. I also think that if there was a clear upfront announcement explaining the situation and instructing the passengers, there would be a much smaller chance for panic. Just compare this scenario and what we got in reality: a confusing "raise your hands" from the flight attendant and then the aggressive voices of some invisible people shouting the same thing. The latter looked and sounded much more like a real terrorist attack. I am actually somewhat surprised that nobody panicked - maybe it was just because of a general sleepiness after a long flight...
Aug 11, 2018, 4:16 pm
#35
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By way of comparison, I was on a (much delayed by weather) flight IAH-EWR a few weeks ago. We pushed back and taxied. A few minutes after start of taxi we pulled into a different gate, engines stopped - and the only announcement was that the flight deck crew would advise on our flight status in a few minutes but had some paperwork to do first. Next minute or so a passenger was being escorted off the flight by several male crew. After the guy was off and the door closed again, Captain announced he couldn’t advise by PA that they were offloading a disruptive passenger until he was gone - for the safety of passengers as well as the disruptive pasenger.
Aug 11, 2018, 4:43 pm
#36
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 3
Next minute or so a passenger was being escorted off the flight by several male crew. After the guy was off and the door closed again, Captain announced he couldn’t advise by PA that they were offloading a disruptive passenger until he was gone - for the safety of passengers as well as the disruptive pasenger.
Aug 11, 2018, 10:03 pm
#37
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I was on that flight. Here is what I just wrote on my Facebook; copying it here.
Our arrival in San Francisco airport yesterday on UA949 from London was the most bizarre and unwelcoming thing I've ever experienced in the US. Sharing it here for your information. Sorry if it looks somewhat lengthy.
After we landed, the plane got stuck on the tarmac. At that time there were regular, clear updates from the captain, something to the effect of "due to the smoke from wildfires, some flights out of SF are grounded/delayed, so no gate is currently available..." etc. Finally, after more than an hour-long wait, the plane started to move again, and finally stopped at the gate. Some passengers jumped on their feet, but there was an immediate "please remain seated" announcement, so people sat down. Another 5-10 minutes passed in silence, and then there was a single short, barely audible announcement from one of the female flight attendants. I could only hear something like "please raise your hands". I had no idea what this was for, and watched in surprise as people around me raised their hands. Many looked at each other, confused. The only idea that I had is that maybe the crew wanted to entertain us somehow after such a long wait. After a few minutes I realized that nothing was going on, so I put down my hands and resumed reading a journal. Some people did the same; most kept their hands up, though it still seemed like nobody knew what was going on.
However, in another 10 minutes or so I started to hear some male voices far away, in the front end of the plane. They were apparently shouting something in a rather aggressive, almost hysterical tone. It took me a few more minutes to figure out that this was "Hands up!" and occasionally "This is not a drill!" I finally began to understand that something unusual, possibly dangerous, was going on. But still there was no explanation whatsoever - no PA announcements, nothing. Passengers looked at each other in surprise. To everybody's credit, there was no panic, at least I didn't see anything around me. We just kept waiting, now everyone with hands up.
Finally I saw several men wearing black protective vests, armed with automatic rifles, approaching via the isles from the front of the plane. They were periodically shouting "Hands up!" and apparently demanding the passengers to leave the plane, row after row, leaving all their belongings behind. The officers, with "Customs and Border Protection, Federal Officer" on their vests, looked rather unfriendly. I was surprised that they wore vests but not helmets. Also I doubt very much that a rifle is the best/safest weapon in the narrow passages of the crowded airplane, but maybe that's just an uneducated guess. Anyway, when they finally got to my row, I left the airplane, leaving behind my bag with my laptop and passport. At the exit, passengers were asked to leave their cell phones as well - but apparently, this was not said to everyone or enforced. So I left my phone, but some/many people didn't.
Next thing, everyone was searched (hand-patted). My wife, who sat in another row and got out before me, told me later that she was searched very thoroughly. I personally think I was searched rather lightly. An officer then asked me for my ID - I told him I left it behind in my bag, so he just asked for my name. Still no explanation at all; all the officers were stone-faced, unfriendly and completely silent.
All the passengers were eventually getting into the corridor just by the gate exit and had to wait there, standing in a crowd. There was no easy access to restrooms, and nobody had any idea how much more time we will need to wait. I personally spent another hour or so waiting, until the last passenger left the plane. Then, finally, it was announced that we can get back into the airplane to collect our hand luggage. This too took quite a lot of time - there were likely 300-400 people on board, but they were let in in small batches.
Finally I got back into the plane, took my bag which was apparently not searched or even touched, and left. I asked a flight attendant and airport staff what happened, but apparently they all knew very little. All that they could say was that there had been a “criminal threat”.
In summary, I think the actions of the police were quite unprofessional, at least in terms of handling the passengers. They never used the airplane PA system to clearly announce what was going on and what their requirements were. The loud, aggressive shouting of the officers on the plane and the dead silence of those outside definitely didn't calm the atmosphere. There was inconsistent handling of cell phones - some people left them, some didn’t. And finally, after more than a three hour delay, we were left with no explanation or apology for the inconvenience.
Our arrival in San Francisco airport yesterday on UA949 from London was the most bizarre and unwelcoming thing I've ever experienced in the US. Sharing it here for your information. Sorry if it looks somewhat lengthy.
After we landed, the plane got stuck on the tarmac. At that time there were regular, clear updates from the captain, something to the effect of "due to the smoke from wildfires, some flights out of SF are grounded/delayed, so no gate is currently available..." etc. Finally, after more than an hour-long wait, the plane started to move again, and finally stopped at the gate. Some passengers jumped on their feet, but there was an immediate "please remain seated" announcement, so people sat down. Another 5-10 minutes passed in silence, and then there was a single short, barely audible announcement from one of the female flight attendants. I could only hear something like "please raise your hands". I had no idea what this was for, and watched in surprise as people around me raised their hands. Many looked at each other, confused. The only idea that I had is that maybe the crew wanted to entertain us somehow after such a long wait. After a few minutes I realized that nothing was going on, so I put down my hands and resumed reading a journal. Some people did the same; most kept their hands up, though it still seemed like nobody knew what was going on.
However, in another 10 minutes or so I started to hear some male voices far away, in the front end of the plane. They were apparently shouting something in a rather aggressive, almost hysterical tone. It took me a few more minutes to figure out that this was "Hands up!" and occasionally "This is not a drill!" I finally began to understand that something unusual, possibly dangerous, was going on. But still there was no explanation whatsoever - no PA announcements, nothing. Passengers looked at each other in surprise. To everybody's credit, there was no panic, at least I didn't see anything around me. We just kept waiting, now everyone with hands up.
Finally I saw several men wearing black protective vests, armed with automatic rifles, approaching via the isles from the front of the plane. They were periodically shouting "Hands up!" and apparently demanding the passengers to leave the plane, row after row, leaving all their belongings behind. The officers, with "Customs and Border Protection, Federal Officer" on their vests, looked rather unfriendly. I was surprised that they wore vests but not helmets. Also I doubt very much that a rifle is the best/safest weapon in the narrow passages of the crowded airplane, but maybe that's just an uneducated guess. Anyway, when they finally got to my row, I left the airplane, leaving behind my bag with my laptop and passport. At the exit, passengers were asked to leave their cell phones as well - but apparently, this was not said to everyone or enforced. So I left my phone, but some/many people didn't.
Next thing, everyone was searched (hand-patted). My wife, who sat in another row and got out before me, told me later that she was searched very thoroughly. I personally think I was searched rather lightly. An officer then asked me for my ID - I told him I left it behind in my bag, so he just asked for my name. Still no explanation at all; all the officers were stone-faced, unfriendly and completely silent.
All the passengers were eventually getting into the corridor just by the gate exit and had to wait there, standing in a crowd. There was no easy access to restrooms, and nobody had any idea how much more time we will need to wait. I personally spent another hour or so waiting, until the last passenger left the plane. Then, finally, it was announced that we can get back into the airplane to collect our hand luggage. This too took quite a lot of time - there were likely 300-400 people on board, but they were let in in small batches.
Finally I got back into the plane, took my bag which was apparently not searched or even touched, and left. I asked a flight attendant and airport staff what happened, but apparently they all knew very little. All that they could say was that there had been a “criminal threat”.
In summary, I think the actions of the police were quite unprofessional, at least in terms of handling the passengers. They never used the airplane PA system to clearly announce what was going on and what their requirements were. The loud, aggressive shouting of the officers on the plane and the dead silence of those outside definitely didn't calm the atmosphere. There was inconsistent handling of cell phones - some people left them, some didn’t. And finally, after more than a three hour delay, we were left with no explanation or apology for the inconvenience.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Aug 11, 2018 at 11:29 pm Reason: OMNI content deleted