• Home
  • News
  • Fortune 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

This United flight was delayed because some guy wanted crackers

By
Benjamin Snyder
Benjamin Snyder
Managing Editor
By
Benjamin Snyder
Benjamin Snyder
Managing Editor
June 25, 2015, 3:03 PM ET
United Airlines Reports Quarterly Profit Of 140 Million
United Airlines planes sit on the tarmac at San Francisco International Airport on January 23, 2014 in San Francisco, California.Justin Sullivan — Getty Images

A United Airlines flight from Rome to Chicago was forced to land Saturdaybecause an unruly passenger demanded crackers.

Flight 971 landed in Belfast as a result of the passenger, who was considered a “potential security risk,” United told Business Insider. The emergency landing could cost the airline $550,000 because of spent fuel and passenger accommodations, according to the Telegraph.

The passenger, a 42-year-old male, demanded food just minutes after the flight took off, the Telegraph reports, refusing to sit down as instructed by the flight’s crew. While the crew did ultimately give him crackers to eat, he demanded still more food.

The flyer in question has since been charged with endangering the safety of the aircraft, among other charges.

The other passengers aboard the flight were forced to stay in Belfast overnight.

About the Author
By Benjamin SnyderManaging Editor
LinkedIn iconTwitter icon

Benjamin Snyder is Fortune's managing editor, leading operations for the newsroom.

Prior to rejoining Fortune, he was a managing editor at Business Insider and has worked as an editor for Bloomberg, LinkedIn and CNBC, covering leadership stories, sports business, careers and business news. He started his career as a breaking news reporter at Fortune in 2014.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.