United apologises for pilot’s bizarre rant
United Airlines is investigating a bizarre incident after a ‘troubled’ pilot was hauled off a plane.
The female pilot went on an incoherent rant over the intercom system, sparking a walkout by several passengers due to fears for their safety.
The pilot first appeared for the flight at Austin in her civilian clothes and asked passengers to take a vote whether she should change into her pilot’s uniform.
After that strange request, things went downhill fast.
She then crudely disparaged President Trump and Hillary Clinton and ranted about a divorce she was currently going through, according to several passengers who live tweeted the strange turn of events.
"It was sad and by the end she was in tears. I talked to her and hugged her because she was having a nervous breakdown," said passenger Sylvia Nguessan.
Another passenger, Randy Reiss, said: "Being a pilot is a tough and stressful job. This particular pilot did not seem emotionally equipped to do that job today. I hope she gets the help she probably needs."
United Airlines confirmed that the pilot was removed and apologised to passengers who endured a two-hour delay awaiting a replacement pilot.
"We hold our employees to the highest standards and replaced this pilot with a new one to operate the flight. We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience," spokesman Charlie Hobart said.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt