The Four-Letter Bluetooth Device Name That Made A United Airlines Flight Turn Around
bgr.com • • business
Key Points:
- A United Airlines flight from Newark Liberty Airport to Palma de Mallorca turned back after a Bluetooth device named "Bomb" triggered a security concern, causing a delay and return to Newark.
- The Bluetooth speaker, named with a four-letter word associated with threats, was stored in the cargo hold, preventing the owner from turning it off when requested by the crew.
- Upon landing, passengers were deplaned, underwent security inspections including TSA and Customs, and were rescreened before boarding a replacement flight.
- Passengers and social media users pieced together the incident through air traffic control audio and live flight tracking, despite limited information from United Airlines.
- The incident highlights the importance of not naming electronic devices with threatening terms and adhering to airline regulations regarding electronics and security.