Surprise stowaway: Air India flight forced to turn around after bat found in business class
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
A bat with discerning taste hitched a ride on an Air India flight May 27 and terrorized passengers, forcing the plane to return to the airport.
According to the New Zealand Herald, the incident was chronicled by those on the flight, who later posted the chaos on social media.
Get the latest travel news by signing up for TPG’s free daily newsletter.
About half an hour after takeoff, the bat appeared, prompting the Newark-bound flight to turn around and head back to New Delhi, its city of origin.
By the time the plane landed and wildlife experts were called to assist in the capture and removal of the bat, it had disappeared.
Passengers deplaned and boarded another aircraft for their flight, which reportedly reached Newark safely around 11:35 a.m. local time.
Related: A comprehensive guide to traveling with pets
Eventually, the bat was found, dead, inside one of the overhead bins in business class. Its remains were removed, and the inside of the plane was thoroughly fumigated.
As for how the animal found its way inside the aircraft, authorities say they’ll conduct a thorough investigation, but the Indian Express quoted an airline official saying that “The probable reason/cause may be loading vehicles like those for catering” — a disturbing thought, considering catering vehicles handle the food that’s brought onboard to feed passengers. We reached out to Air India for comment, but hadn’t heard back by publication time.
Related: 8 Things to consider before flying with your pet
There haven’t been many animal-related plane stories of late, largely due to last year’s downturn in travel, thanks to COVID-19. However, earlier this year, United, Delta and American — the “big three” U.S. carriers — banned emotional support animals from flights. (Don’t even get us started on the man who inadvertently sat in dog waste after a service animal had an accident in his seat on the previous flight.)
Featured photo by Mint Images/Getty Images.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants in the first three months of card membership.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.