Airlines

United Flight Diverts to Shannon, After Stuck Laptop in Business Class Seat

A United Airlines flight from Zurich to Chicago O’Hare was forced to make an emergency diversion to Shannon, Ireland.

On Saturday afternoon after a passenger got their laptop wedged in a Business Class seat aboard the Boeing 767-300. Operating as United Flight 12, the aircraft departed from Flughafen Zürich at 9:46 a.m. local time and took off at 10:08 a.m.

The captain decided to divert the flight not because the passenger couldn’t access their laptop, but because any device powered by lithium-ion batteries that becomes inaccessible could pose a significant safety risk.

Such devices, if damaged or overheated, could lead to a thermal runaway event, potentially causing a fire on board. The Boeing 767-300, featuring United’s relatively new Polaris business-class cabin, landed safely at Shannon Airport in County Clare at 1:43 p.m. IST (Irish Summer Time) and reached the gate at 1:51 p.m.

In a statement, United Airlines acknowledged the diversion: “United flight 12 scheduled from Zurich to Chicago landed safely in Shannon to address a potential safety risk caused by a laptop being stuck in an inaccessible location.” This situation led to the cancellation of the flight, and the airline is working to reroute the 157 passengers who found themselves unexpectedly in Ireland.

Frequent flyers are often reminded in airline safety videos not to move their seats if they lose mobile phones or other gadgets powered by lithium-ion batteries within the seats. Attempting to retrieve such items by moving the seat can damage the battery and potentially cause a dangerous situation.

Airlines

SAS Relaxes Dress Code: Flight Crew Can Wear Sneakers and Show Tattoos

In a bold move to modernize its image and foster inclusivity, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has announced a significant update to its uniform policy.

SAS allows flight attendants to have visible tattoos

Effective immediately, the airline’s flight attendants and front-facing employees are now permitted to display visible tattoos and wear sneakers while on duty. This decision positions SAS among a progressive group of airlines that are reevaluating and relaxing their long-standing grooming and dress code standards.

Starting today, our team members can proudly display their tattoos and wear sneakers while in uniform! This change is a part of our commitment to a modern, inclusive, and welcoming environment. 🧑‍✈️ #flysas pic.twitter.com/eGvTAJ9Lsm— SAS – Scandinavian Airlines (@SAS) July 1, 2024

The announcement was made on Monday, marking a departure from decades-old policies that enforced a strict and uniform appearance among crew members. This shift is part of SAS’s broader commitment to creating a more modern, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

The airline aims to reflect a diverse and contemporary workforce, thereby enhancing its appeal both to current employees and potential recruits. SAS’s new policy reflects a growing trend within the aviation industry, as airlines recognize the importance of individuality and personal expression among their employees.

Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada have also adopted

By allowing visible tattoos and sneakers, SAS joins the ranks of Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada, all of which have already made similar changes. This shift is seen as a strategic move to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive job market.

The decision to relax uniform policies is not without limitations. While SAS is embracing a more casual and expressive dress code, certain guidelines remain in place to ensure a professional appearance. Sneakers must be of an appropriate color that complements the uniform, and tattoos must not be offensive or inappropriate.

These boundaries help balance personal expression with the need to maintain a cohesive and professional brand image. For decades, flight attendants around the world have had to conform to rigid dress codes that restricted visible tattoos and mandated specific footwear.