--- title: "United Flight to China Forced to Turn Around Because Pilot Forgot Their Passport" date: "2025-03-24" modified: "2025-03-24" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/united-flight-to-china-forced-to-turn-around-because-pilot-forgot-their-passport" categories: - "News" --- # United Flight to China Forced to Turn Around Because Pilot Forgot Their Passport ![]() *\Getty Images\* I am absolutely the most forgetful person I know. That being said, I don't think I'm forgetful enough to leave my passport at home when traveling abroad, especially if I was the one flying the plane. Unfortunately, passengers on United Airlines [flight]() UA198 recently had to pay for the irresponsibility of a pilot who didn't realize they'd forgotten their passport until two hours into a 13-and-a-half-hour trip from Los Angeles to Shanghai. After two hours in the air, flight UA198 had to turn its 257 passengers around and head to San Francisco. When it landed, United arranged for a new crew to board the plane and head toward Shanghai. According to a [Redditor](), this is the message passengers aboard UA198 received from United: "UA198 SFO-PVG: 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.” ![]() **Getty* *Images** Naturally, the passengers who were forced to waste several hours in the air only to end up back in California wanted compensation. However, members of the [/rUnitedAirlines]() subreddit claim that passengers only got a $15 meal voucher for their inconvenience. A United Airlines spokesperson told *The Drive,* "On Saturday, United flight 198 from Los Angeles to Shanghai landed at San Francisco International Airport as the pilot did not have their passport onboard. We arranged for a new crew to take our customers to their destination that evening. Customers were provided with meal vouchers and compensation." OK, so this isn't great but things happen. People make mistakes. Surely, this is a rare occurrence, right? Unfortunately, this is actually the second time a United Airlines pilot forgot their passport *this month*, according to *[Business Insider]()*. I don't know how United checks their pilots' passports but it seems like that process needs to improve. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()