United Airlines Boeing 777 Passengers Panic After Oxygen Mask Announcement

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 17, 2024 16:00 PMNews
Share:
white united plane on park
white united plane on park. Source: unsplash

Passengers on a United Airlines Boeing 777-200ER flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) panicked after an oxygen mask announcement was triggered. Although the announcement was made, no masks were deployed, leading to confusion and fear among the passengers.

The incident occurred on United Airlines flight UA914, which was on its regular transatlantic route when the automated oxygen mask announcement unexpectedly played. Passengers were instructed to wait for the masks to drop and then put them over their heads, but no masks appeared, causing some passengers to panic and attempt to force open the compartments.

Parker Pitman, a passenger on the flight, described the chaos, noting that one person even had a panic attack and ran toward the aircraft door. The flight and cabin crew, unfamiliar with the situation, were unable to immediately reassure the passengers. A United Airlines spokesperson confirmed the incident and stated that a few oxygen masks had inadvertently deployed but the cabin pressure remained normal, and the aircraft landed safely as scheduled.

The aircraft involved, a Boeing 777-200ER registered as N795UA, was delivered to United Airlines in December 1997. It can accommodate 276 passengers across four cabin classes. United Airlines currently has 55 Boeing 777-200ERs in its fleet, with an average age of 24.3 years.

This incident follows another involving a United Airlines Boeing 777-200ER earlier in the same week. On June 9, 2024, a 777-200ER with a special Star Alliance livery made an emergency landing due to a hydraulic leak while en route to Paris from Washington DC. The aircraft was diverted to Gander International Airport in Canada.

United Airlines has faced multiple incidents in recent months, prompting the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct an audit of the airline's safety procedures. The airline passed the audit in mid-May 2024, allowing it to continue adding new aircraft and routes. United has committed to ongoing collaboration with the FAA to ensure safety across its operations.

These events highlight the importance of stringent safety protocols and effective communication in maintaining passenger confidence and safety during flights. United Airlines' response to these incidents will be closely watched by both regulators and the public.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM