L.A.-China flight diverted, delayed after pilot forgets passport

The State Department’s checklist for U.S. tourists traveling internationally includes possessing valid documentation as the second item, a requirement that pilots must also adhere to. United Airlines Flight 198 from Los Angeles to Shanghai was diverted to San Francisco after the pilot forgot their passport, resulting in a 3-hour delay before a new crew took over and the flight continued to China. Passengers were provided meal vouchers and compensation for the inconvenience, with some reporting being told the diversion was due to “unexpected crew-related issues,” while United did not address questions about potential consequences or verification measures for crew paperwork.

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