Most Memorable Air Travel Experiences of 2024

In 2024, numerous individuals embarked on extensive journeys, starting their memories on one of the numerous daily flights that spanned the world.

In conclusion, here are some of the most bizarre airline tales from the past year as 2024 comes to a close.

Faulty door

On Jan. 5, an Alaska Airlines flight experienced an incident that rapidly spread online when the plug door panel covering an emergency exit only accessible on planes with maximum capacity blew off at 16,000 feet.

The aircraft safely returned to Portland, Ore., after the panel caused depressurization of the cabin, with no serious injuries reported.

The missing door on a Boeing plane caused panic among passengers, as seen in video footage of the incident. This event led to a lawsuit against the airline and increased scrutiny of Boeing.

"At the time, then-Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun stated that Boeing is responsible for the accident. Regardless of the specific cause, an incident like this should not occur on a Boeing airplane that leaves one of their factories. Boeing must improve, and their customers deserve better."

Tragedy caught on video

In August, a Voepass plane crashed in Sao Paulo state, resulting in the death of all passengers.

In Parana, Brazil, a plane that took off from Cascavel resulted in the death of over 60 passengers and crew in a fiery crash that happened in a residential area.

The aircraft was captured on camera drifting downward vertically and spiraling before it crashed.

At the time, aviation experts believed that the ATR 72-500 twin-engine turboprop experienced a midair stall.

What's that smell?

In December, American Airlines passengers on a flight from Dallas, Texas, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, were caught off guard when a lavatory water leak spilled onto the aisle of the cabin.

During the nearly three-hour flight, the leak crept down the cabin as the water couldn't be turned off.

Some passengers are trying to avoid the "disgusting" liquid by holding up their bags, while others are attempting to step over the water.

Wing damage

A Boeing 757's wing "came apart" during a February flight from San Francisco to Boston, causing the plane to be diverted to Denver.

Kevin Clarke recorded a video of the aircraft's wing damage, which led to an emergency landing in Denver. He described the experience as "violent, shuddering, and shaking" before falling asleep.

"Lawrence Jones on "Fox & Friends" was told by Clarke that a pilot walked down the aisle and stood behind him."

"I opened the window and saw that the trailing edge of the strut on the front of the wing was completely destroyed, just like in a picture."

"At that point, I thought, well, that's not a small amount of damage, but… the United pilot is skilled enough to get us to Denver," he concluded. "I suppose we're on our way."

The Boeing 757-200 with 165 passengers aboard landed in Denver to fix an issue with one of its slats. Passengers were put on a different plane and arrived later in the day in Boston. Slats are movable panels on the front or leading edge of the wing and are used during takeoffs and landings.

Unruly passenger

Before being escorted off the plane, an irate passenger allegedly punched a flight attendant a few days into 2024.

On January 3, American Airlines flight 1497 from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Montana was diverted mid-trip due to a disruptive passenger.

After repeatedly punching a flight attendant, Keith Edward Fagiana caused the plane to divert to Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport in Texas. The incident started when another passenger complained that Fagiana was kicking his chair, according to authorities.

The American Air Lines employee was allegedly punched in the stomach by Fagiana after a flight attendant intervened.

An elected official from Montana, J.P. Gallagher, revealed to FOX 4 that his wife brought his attention to the furious traveler.

"Gallagher stated that his wife began hitting him and yelling, urging him to pay attention to something happening. There was a drink cart between them, so he couldn't see much, but he heard some yelling, cussing, and the flight attendant saying, "Stop it.""

This report was contributed to by Madeline Coggins, Bailee Hill, Ashley J. DiMella, and Sarah Rumpf-Whitten from Planet Chronicle Digital.