American Airlines flight returns to gate over passenger hotspot name mentioning 'bomb'

A departing American Airlines flight suddenly returned to the gate last week after crews were alerted to suspicious activity onboard involving a passenger’s Wi-Fi hotspot name that contained the word “bomb,” the Austin Police Department (APD) told Fox News Digital.

The security issue occurred last Friday on American Airlines Flight 2863 scheduled to fly from Austin, Texas, to Charlotte, North Carolina.

According to a Reddit user who said they were on the plane, the hotspot was named “I have a bomb,” or something similar. The Reddit user said the police claimed the issue was caused by a passenger playing a prank.

American Airlines jet

An American Airlines flight was delayed last Friday over fears of a potential bomb threat. (AP)

Miami airport delay

American Airlines planes are seen at an airport gate. (Getty Images)

The flight was eventually cleared and departed around 6:15 p.m. 

“Safety and security are our top priorities, and we thank our customers for their understanding and our team members for their professionalism,” American Airlines said to Fox News Digital in a statement.

The incident did not cause major impacts on other airline and airport operations, according to the police.

You May Also Like
SpaceX launch live: Crew-10 launch will pave the way for NASA's Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to return home

SpaceX Launch Update: Crew-10 Mission to Facilitate NASA’s Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams’ Return Home

SpaceX is getting ready to launch a crew of astronauts on a…
New Shows & Movies To Watch This Weekend: Netflix’s ‘The Electric State’ & More

Exciting New Shows and Movies for Your Weekend: Check Out Netflix’s ‘The Electric State’ and More!

This is one of those weeks where there’s almost TOO much great…
Appeals court lifts blocks on Trump's orders restricting diversity, equity and inclusion programs

Appeals court removes restrictions on Trump’s orders limiting programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion

After a week filled with legal defeats for the Trump administration, a…
'Bourbon Street Hustler,' arrested after Kansas City reporter death, needs resentencing for fraud history: AG

‘Bourbon Street Con Artist,’ who was previously arrested for the death of a Kansas City journalist, must now face a new sentence due to their past fraudulent activities: Attorney General.

Louisiana’s attorney general is asking for a tougher sentence for a woman’s…
American Airlines Flight 1006 diverted to Denver International Airport, airplane engine catches fire after landing, FAA says

American Airlines Flight 1006 forced to land at Denver International Airport due to engine fire, as reported by FAA

DENVER — An American Airlines plane caught fire at Denver International Airport…
‘Adolescence’ Episode 1 Recap: My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done?

Recap of Episode 1 of ‘Adolescence’: My Son, My Son, What Have You Done?

There was a comment online implying that by removing the jungle footage…
US Circuit Court Grudgingly Halts Judge's Order Blocking Trump EO Banning DEI

Court Reluctantly Stops Judge’s Ruling Pausing Trump’s DEI Ban

Over the weekend, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals made a temporary…
Subtle signs Vanessa was pining after Tiger as their romance is revealed

Indications Vanessa had feelings for Tiger as their relationship unfolds

According to an exclusive report by DailyMail.com, Vanessa Trump and Tiger Woods…
DHS agents search two students' rooms at Columbia University, leaving interim president 'heartbroken'

DHS agents search the rooms of two students at Columbia University, causing sadness to the interim president

Homeland Security agents recently conducted searches in the rooms of two students…
USPS agrees to work with DOGE on reform, planning to cut 10,000 workers

USPS to collaborate with DOGE on restructuring, aiming to reduce workforce by 10,000

WASHINGTON — Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is set to reduce the U.S.…
Twelve rich and powerful men 'who used high-class brothel' will be named and shamed today

Today, twelve wealthy and influential men will be publicly identified for their involvement with an upscale brothel

A dozen rich and powerful men accused of using a high-class brothel…
Tiger Woods' iconic rise to be turned into a movie... but Vanessa Trump romance could jeopardize project

Upcoming Movie on Tiger Woods’ Inspirational Journey Threatened by Vanessa Trump Relationship

Tiger Woods is reportedly getting the Hollywood treatment with the golf legend’s…