During a recent transatlantic flight on a United Airlines Boeing 777, an automated announcement instructed passengers to put on oxygen masks, causing some panic among the cabin crew. Despite the announcement, cabin pressure remained normal throughout the flight. The incident occurred on a flight from Paris to Washington, DC.
Passenger Parker Pitman reported that some individuals on the flight reacted by trying to open ceiling compartments in search of oxygen masks. One person even attempted to open the aircraft door in a panic. Flight attendants struggled to reach the pilots during the commotion.
The flight continued to its destination without any trouble, as the 26-year-old aircraft was confirmed to be safe. The aircraft later made another flight two days later without incident. United Airlines assured that the air pressure in the cabin remained normal throughout the flight and that customers deplaned normally upon arrival.
This incident added to the scrutiny United Airlines faced in recent times due to safety issues. The airline had been under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration following a series of safety incidents earlier in the year. Although United had indicated it was allowed to resume launching new routes, the FAA stated that its review was still ongoing.