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A United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Mexico was canceled on Tuesday (August 5) after a passenger smoked marijuana in the plane's bathroom. The incident occurred on United flight UA1679, which had already been delayed due to technical issues. The delay reportedly made one passenger restless, leading them to smoke marijuana in the lavatory.
The passenger was removed from the aircraft, but the flight crew faced a dilemma. Concerned about secondhand smoke exposure, the pilot decided to cancel the flight.
"I have 30 years left of my career at United, I’m not willing to risk getting drug tested when I get to Houston," the pilot announced to the passengers.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict policies against pilots operating under the influence of any substances, including marijuana.
Passengers were deplaned and offered a $15 meal voucher, while the flight awaited a replacement crew. Many passengers expressed frustration over the incident, calling the passenger's actions "selfish."