United Flight Turns Back After Bluetooth Device Name Sparks Security Concern
4 verified3 unconfirmed1 contested
A United Airlines flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, was diverted and returned to its departure airport late Saturday after a Bluetooth device on board prompted security procedures. The airline stated the turn-around was to address a potential security concern. Multiple passengers on social media reported that crew members asked everyone to turn off their Bluetooth devices. Audio from air traffic control indicated that a Bluetooth speaker had been named with a four-letter word, leading to an inspection of the aircraft and evacuation of passengers. The flight eventually re-departed and reached its destination roughly nine and a half hours late. The incident has drawn attention to the risks associated with naming wireless devices in ways that could be misinterpreted as threats.
What’s verified
The United flight from Newark to Palma de Mallorca turned around and returned to Newark due to a security concern related to a Bluetooth device.
Passengers reported being asked to turn off Bluetooth devices, with some hearing crew comments about a “little joke” causing the disruption.
An archived air traffic control recording stated that a Bluetooth speaker was named a “certain four-letter word,” prompting a full inspection.
The flight eventually completed its journey to Palma de Mallorca several hours behind schedule.
Where accounts differ
The timing of the turn-around differs between sources. One report indicates the flight turned back just an hour after takeoff, while another states the flight was in the air for 4 hours and 24 minutes before returning. The reports do not specify the source of this discrepancy.
Not yet confirmed
The exact four-letter word used as the Bluetooth device name has not been confirmed by official sources, though multiple passenger accounts suggest it was “bomb.”
Whether the Bluetooth device belonged to a minor or an adult passenger is not independently verified.
The specific actions taken during the security inspection and how the device was identified are not detailed in available reports.
Key figures
None beyond unnamed flight crew, passengers, and air traffic control personnel.
Sources: NPR, The Verge
