Safety expert weighs in after JetBlue flight diverted to RIC | WRLH

By Raven Brown

Published: Feb. 9, 2024 at 3:57 PM EST|Updated: 7 hours ago

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – JetBlue officials say a plane flying from Atlanta to New York was diverted to Richmond International Airport on Thursday night for a “possible security threat.”

It was frustrating, to say the least, for the passengers on board JetBlue flight 1320, but better safe than sorry, an expert says.

“What people should understand, and I don’t know how they don’t understand it at this point, but saying you have a gun, referencing a bomb, saying you have a weapon, threatening a flight is going to lead to a host of problems for that individual,” 12 On Your Side Safety Expert Cliff Lent said.

As we saw at Richmond International Thursday night, it could be visible on a Wi-Fi device, raising a red flag for the flight crew.

“You know, it’s 22 years just about since 9/11, and all of these are red lines for flight travel, and any one of these could trigger a full-scale investigation or a diversion of the flight,” Lent said.

After an evacuation and unexpected hotel stay, passengers onboard JetBlue Flight 1320 finally departed Friday morning.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, you do have options.

If your flight is experiencing a lengthy delay, ask your airline if you can book a seat on a different plane, even if it’s with a different carrier. It could, however, cost you.

Some airlines may give you a meal or hotel voucher if your delay is three hours or more.

If your flight is canceled, most airlines will rebook you on their first flight available at no additional charge.

You may also be entitled to a cash refund. All you have to do is call and ask.

Regardless of the reason, Lent said to keep calm. Flight crews must make tough decisions to keep everyone safe.

“Out of an abundance of caution, these types of actions should always be taken,” Lent said. “The alternative is a tragedy unfolds that could’ve been avoided, and no one wants to see that again.”

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