All of us, the passengers of United flight 23 from JFK to LA, were surprised when we landed and our plane taxied past the terminals to a remote tarmac on the Western edge of the airport.
The captain came on to report we had a TSA issue and that we would be met by buses and then re-screened by security. A sky stair was pulled to the jet and armed tactical air force security met us at the top of the stairs. One told me, “Welcome to L.A.” As we waited on the buses cars marked ‘bomb team’ arrived at the jet liner.
We were bused to a remote and unfinished terminal where we were ushered inside by three officials: The FBI special agent in charge of the airport, the head of TSA at LAX and the head of airport security. FBI agent David Gates explained to the passengers that while we were mid-air a caller from the Allentown, Penn., area had called in a hijacking and bomb threat to our plane.
He also explained we would have landed in Salt Lake City but that our pilot together with security intelligence were able to confirm there was no hijack risk…so we continued to LA.
But they explained they could not conclusively check for a bomb which is why the canine units and bomb techs are now going through the plane and luggage…and why 100 or so of us are waiting in this unfinished terminal.
I must say, United and the FBI and airport security officials are doing a great job of communicating with us.
- David Doss, 360° Executive Producer
| Marcia |
January 28th, 2008 4:54 pm ET Glad you all made it to LA safely. Hopefully nothing more will happen while you all are there except maybe the rain stopping and the sun coming out. Can’t wait for the debates. |
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| Cindy |
January 28th, 2008 5:26 pm ET David, Cynthia, Covington, Ga. |
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| Sarah, Canterbury UK |
January 28th, 2008 5:34 pm ET A strong drink all round. This really sounds scary. I guess this is a reflection of the times we are all living in. Glad everyone is OK. |
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| Kathy Chicago,Il |
January 28th, 2008 5:39 pm ET OMG David! Do you have to share these stories so close to when I have to fly! I already watch out the window to make sure the pilot is ok. Yikes! Now I’m going to have to watch the passengers too. I’m glad that you all arrived safely. This should be a great week for 360, a lot going on. Good luck with the debate! |
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| Jess, Paris, KY |
January 28th, 2008 6:04 pm ET Oh my goodness! I am glad everything turned out okay today. Take it easy… |
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| cyn |
January 28th, 2008 6:12 pm ET Glad you made it safely, David! Honestly, I had no idea they still used the designation of United flight 23… I wonder if this is a regular call they get for that particular flight, from that particular area of the country? Any idea? Cynthia Delmar, Portland OR |
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| Pati McMillan |
January 28th, 2008 6:23 pm ET Dear David. My word, how frightening is this? Guess you can head to the bar after that one. Sheesh! Hope you guys are all okay and glad to hear that at least the airline and TSA are keeping you posted. Makes it a little easier to know that you are being taken care of. To be honest. my heart would have stopped. Yikes! Was Anderson with you? Best of luck that you arrive at your final destination safely. Talk about your crazy Monday! You win! |
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| Tammy |
January 28th, 2008 6:39 pm ET I’m grateful you all didn’t become the news today. Words aren’t adequate for the could have’s here. Unbelievable world where we reside… |
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| Lisa |
January 28th, 2008 6:57 pm ET So let me get this straight - a bomb-threat/hijacking was called in but ruled a hoax (otherwise you would have landed in SLC); however, just in case it really wasn’t a hoax, we’ll direct you to the Back 40 at LAX and check … just to be on the safe side. Welcome to California. Hope the rest of your stay is less, well, exciting. |
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| Carolyn Brandenburg |
January 28th, 2008 7:35 pm ET I am glad that you are all o.k. It is good that the people in charge are still taking steps to try to insure safety. I just flew from N.Y. to L.A. last week and I got the worst turbulence. Hopefully your ride was smoother! Take care, P.S. |
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| rob lominac |
January 28th, 2008 7:59 pm ET How come we dont hear more about Townsend Kennedy supporting Hillary like we do about Ted Kennedy who is despised by millions. Rob in Va Beach |
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| Carolyn Brandenburg |
January 28th, 2008 8:28 pm ET To the people at CNN, |
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| Julie Aberdeen, NC |
January 28th, 2008 9:13 pm ET Thankful you are all safe. I hope the rest of your trip to LA is not quite so eventful! We’ll look forward to seeing you this week reporting from the left coast! |
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| Lilibeth |
January 28th, 2008 9:23 pm ET Hi David, after I read your story, I’m not sure which scared me more, the bomb threat or the way United, FBI, and airport security handled the situation. Well, at least you’re in L.A. now, safe and sound. All’s well that ends well. I really look forward to the debates this week. Take care, |
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| Annie Kate |
January 29th, 2008 8:39 pm ET David Glad you all got there safely. I’m sure it must have been an unnerving experience especially when the bomb squad appeared. Glad it was a hoax. Looking forward to the debates. I wonder after Florida just how many candidates there will be to show up and participate? Annie Kate |
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