Airdrop prank with consequences: the aircraft must be evacuated
The airdrop prank is a safety hazard. (Photo: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock)
Not a good idea: a teenager, an airsoft, and a few thoughtless airdrop photos evacuate a United Airlines plane.
The scene took place at San Francisco Airport: The plane with the destination Orlando was already on the tarmac and was getting ready for take-off when several passengers received pictures by airdrop. The photos showed an airsoft gun, a detailed toy gun. Obviously, getting pictures of a gun on the plane worried some passengers who showed them to the flight crew. The pilot classified the case as a security risk and all passengers had to leave the aircraft. The passengers were only able to get back on board after a search of the aircraft and renewed security screenings. The security measures and the search of the aircraft resulted in a three hour delay. the Airline United confirmed later that the flight delay was caused by a security problem created by a customer.
The incident was raised by radio host Christopher Beale Twitter whose mother was aboard Flight 2167 from San Francisco to Orlando. His reaction: “Why are people like that?” Other users: inside demanded consequences for the young person, for example an entry on the “no-fly list forever”, or hopedthat the parents would cover the costs of the delay and the additional security check.
Airdrop pranks have long been a well-known joke. Here are two more innocuous examples:
In order not to receive pictures of strangers via airdrop, this must be specified in the settings of the iPhone. These can be found under “General”, then go to “Airdrop” and select “Receive off”. Alternatively, there is the setting that only contacts are allowed to send files and pictures via airdrop.
The teenager was no longer allowed to board the plane even though he did not own the airsoft gun in the shared images and did not carry it with him. The case is currently being processed by law enforcement agencies, said a spokeswoman of the United airline. The consequences for the teen are still unclear.
