United Airlines pilot cancels flight on runway over passenger's selfish act in toilet

A United Airlines pilot cancelled a flight to Mexico while on the tarmac after one passenger smoked marijuana in thebathroom toilet of the plane.

United flight UA1679 from San Francisco to Mexico was already delayed due to technical issues, according to a Reddit thread detailing the travel chaos.

The initial delay reportedly made one of the passengers restless, and during this delay it became apparent the flier had decided to retire to the airport toilet to smoke cannabis. The smoker was swiftly removed from the aircraft but the flight crew were left with the difficult decision over how they should handle the next 40 minutes.

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Ultimately, the pilot made the call to cancel the flight after the flight crew became concerned they may have inhaled marijuana through second hand smoke, impacting their ability to make decisions.

“I have 30 years left of my career at United, I’m not willing to risk getting drug tested when I get to Houston,” the pilot announced to the aircraft.

Random drug tests are performed on pilots and flight crews and there would be no way for a cabin crew to know whether second hand smoke would show up on this test. Passengers on the aircraft disembarked and were offered a $15 meal voucher. A snack cart also came to the gate. The flight then awaited another replacement crew.

The Mirror has contacted United Airlines for comment.

Infuriated passengers who have come across similar scenarios commented on the Reddit thread, sharing outrage over the passenger's “selfish” act.

“I was on [a] flight out of Miami once where we [were] first delayed for a mechanical issue and as we were getting ready to go [someone] decides to vape in the bathroom and set off the smoke alarm,” one user wrote.

“The pilot comes back to investigate and then gets exposed to the smoke. Since they don’t know what it was, the pilot had to leave the aircraft. The smoker is throwing a fit and has to have security remove her from the plane. After two hours, no pilot. Flight cancelled. I’m stuck in Miami two extra days.”

Another user replied: “I love how one selfish person ruins it for everyone.” And a third said: “As the captain should have!! I’m not losing my job over y’all stupidity!! So yes your flight will be delayed. Due to your fellow passengers.”