Pilotcenter.net News: on a recent United Airlines flight headed to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) encountered an unexpected twist when one of the pilots realized he had left his passport at home. The journey of Flight UA198, which took off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on March 22, 2025, was abruptly diverted to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The Boeing B787-9 aircraft landed safely at SFO Airport as per reports around 17:05 local time.

After touchdown, passengers were provided with $15 meal vouchers and received a message from United, stating: “Your flight diverted to San Francisco due to an unexpected crew-related issue requiring a new crew. Once they arrive, we’ll get you back on your way to Shanghai as soon as possible. We sincerely apologize for this disruption and appreciate your patience."

Following a delay of almost three hours, the flight resumed its journey to Shanghai at 20:28 local time with a replacement pilot. Eventually, the flight touched down in Shanghai at 00:48 local time, two days after the initial departure, and nearly six hours behind schedule.

This unforeseen incident serves as a reminder of the intricate planning involved in air travel and the importance of attention to detail in ensuring smooth flights for passengers.