People were already settled in, drinks served, meals getting served…. when the smell of smoke decided to make it onto the menu. The captain made the right call, and you know what they say, better safe than sorry.
Three Fire Trucks Waiting on the Runway
It was about like any other difficult day of flying, no screaming, no mayhem, and calm deboarding. But there were still three bright red fire trucks to meet the aircraft, just in case it got worse.
Airport officials would later confirm the landing was uneventful and there were no cascading issues for the day’s subsequent flights.
Where It All Began: The Galley
This was all started in the aircraft’s galley — the area where flight attendant’s prepare meals, store trolleys, and the rarely occupied bathrooms are kept. The smoke was not from an overcooked chicken. Regardless, enough smoke made it through the cabin area to start the jet’s safety procedure which would be enacted.
UA949, which had depatured London Heathrow at 12:45 PM on Wednesday headed for California – now, the flight tracker is marking the plane cruising towards Milton Keynes before veering off route, and headed straight back to London. Total time in the air before the change of direction? Twenty-Seven Minutes.
“We are working to get everyone to their destination”
The airline advised that there were arrangements being made for passengers – to continue their journey as soon as possible.
The Aftermath
After being back on the ground, the flight was officially cancelled. The same aircraft was set to try again the next evening, with a new scheduled departure of 8:50 PM Thursday.
The moral of the story? In flight smoke is not the kind of “alternative flavour” that anyone wants with their lunch service.
