Unfortunately, reports of unruly passengers diverting flights has become somewhat of an unwelcome norm recently. The trend continued on Tuesday when an American Airlines flight made an unexpected landing after one traveler became disruptive, threatened crew members, and had to be restrained. 

The American flight, headed from San Jose to Dallas, was diverted to Phoenix mid-trip, NBC Bay Area reports.

According to witnesses on the flight, the incident began shortly before the plane took off, when the 26-year-old man – who already appeared to be inebriated – began demanding drinks from flight attendants before the plane was airborne.

The man also reportedly refused to stay in his seat and wear his seatbelt.

One passenger says she witnessed the man allegedly threatening flight attendants by making “finger guns.” Eventually, the man had to be restrained by fellow travelers, NBC Bay Area reports.

Upon arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, local authorities escorted the man off the plane. The airline chose not to pursue charges against the man. Instead, he was sent to a nearby hotel and planned to book a flight for Wednesday.

The original flight, which had 96 passengers, eventually made it to Dallas, several hours behind schedule.

American Airlines Flight From San Jose Diverted to Phoenix Over Unruly Passenger [NBC Bay Area]

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