Craziest air travel moments of 2024

During 2024, numerous individuals embarked on journeys far and wide. Their adventures often commenced as they boarded one of the many flights that traverse the world daily.

As 2024 wraps up, here is a roundup of some of the craziest airline stories of the last year.  

Faulty door 

One notable incident occurred on Jan. 5, when a plug door panel, which conceals an additional emergency exit only functional on planes at full capacity, detached from an Alaska Airlines flight at 16,000 feet.

The plane had just taken off from Portland, Ore., and the panel’s detachment led to the cabin losing pressure. Fortunately, the pilots managed to safely land the aircraft back in Portland without any major injuries.

Unruly passenger

A few days into 2024, an irate passenger allegedly punched a flight attendant before he was escorted off the plane. 

American Airlines flight 1497 from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Texas to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Montana on Jan. 3 was diverted mid-trip due to an unruly passenger.

The plane was forced to divert to Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport in Texas after Keith Edward Fagiana repeatedly punched a flight attendant. The incident began after another passenger complained that Fagiana was kicking his chair, according to authorities.

After a flight attendant became involved, Fagiana allegedly became enraged and began punching the American Air Lines employee in the stomach.

J.P. Gallagher, an elected official from Montana, told FOX 4 that his wife alerted him to the enraged voyager.

“My wife kind of started hitting me and saying, you know, getting me to pay attention that something was happening,” Gallagher said. “There was a drink cart between us and the incident. So I couldn’t see a lot of what was going on, but I could hear some yelling and some, you know, cussing and, you know, the flight attendant saying, stop it.”

Fox News Digital’s Madeline Coggins, Bailee Hill, Ashley J. DiMella and Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report. 

 

You May Also Like
Jason Ritter Says Wife Melanie Lynskey Guest Starring On ‘Matlock’ Is Inevitable: “When All The Pieces Are Aligned”

Jason Ritter believes that Melanie Lynskey appearing on ‘Matlock’ is bound to happen at some point in the future when the timing is right.

Fans of mother and father Jason Ritter and Melanie Lynskey, listen up.…
What Time Is ‘Doctor Odyssey’ On Tonight? How To Watch Ava Phillippe, Paris Jackson, And Charlotte Lawrence’s New Episode

When Does ‘Doctor Odyssey’ Air Tonight? Ways to Watch the Latest Episode Starring Ava Phillippe, Paris Jackson, and Charlotte Lawrence

Time to set sail for another episode of Doctor Odyssey, this time…
Germans are SHOCKED by one thing Brits and Americans commonly do in restaurants and on public transport

Germans are SURPRISED by a common behavior in restaurants and on public transport among Brits and Americans

Expats working in Germany have noticed a common view among Germans about…
Georgia and Alabama suspects make plea in sextortion scam that led to suicide of Michigan teen

Suspects from Georgia and Alabama plea in sextortion case linked to suicide of Michigan teenager

This article addresses the topic of suicide. If you or someone you…
Job cuts were up 205% in March 2025; most came from the federal government, report by Challenger, Gray and Christmas

March 2025 Sees Surge in Job Layoffs with Federal Government Leading the Way, According to Challenger, Gray and Christmas Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — The number of jobs cut in March was up…
NYC Mayor Eric Adams says he's leaving Democratic primary to run for re-election as a independent

New York City Mayor Eric Adams switches from Democratic primary to run for re-election as an independent

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced he will run his re-election…
Tufts University student arrest: Top Dems want answers from Noem, Rubio, ICE on 'deeply troubling' incident

Tufts University offers backing to student held by ICE and calls for urgent release

The President of Tufts University filed a declaration in support of a…
Rubio arrives in Brussels for NATO talks amid unease over Trump’s agenda

Rubio Visits Brussels for NATO Discussions as Concerns Grow over Trump’s Plans

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the U.S. ambassador to NATO, Matthew…
Iowa student’s passport seizure in Dominican Republic raises red flags for Americans traveling: What to know

Americans traveling to the Dominican Republic should be aware of the Iowa student’s passport seizure: Important information to keep in mind

The seizing of an Iowa college student’s passport while under investigation in…
Hootie and the Blowfish fans stunned to learn the true meaning of the band's iconic name

Fans of Hootie and the Blowfish surprised by discovery of band’s iconic name’s real significance

During a night of revelry at university in the mid-1980s, Hootie and…
Phineas and Ferb are making a return to Disney Channel with a brand new season

“Phineas and Ferb Returning to Disney Channel with Exciting New Season”

Mom! Phineas and Ferb are making a return to Disney Channel with…
Man miraculously walks away after driving truck over cliff into Niagara Falls Gorge

Unbelievable: Driver survives driving truck over cliff into Niagara Falls Gorge

A man miraculously survived after he drove his truck over a cliff…