Bomb Scare: An American Airlines flight from Austin, Texas, to Charlotte, North Carolina, was delayed last week after crew members alerted authorities about a suspicious WiFi hotspot name containing the word “bomb.”
Incident Unfolds on Flight 2863
Flight 2863, scheduled to depart from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at 1:42 p.m. on February 7, was preparing for takeoff when a passenger noticed something concerning and alerted a flight attendant.
Bruce Steen, a 63-year-old passenger from Charlotte, North Carolina, told media that he saw a young man approach a flight attendant with a tablet, showing her something alarming. The flight attendant immediately called the cockpit, and moments later, the pilot announced the flight was returning to the gate due to an “administrative issue.”
The Austin Police Department and the Department of Aviation were promptly notified of the situation.
Suspicious WiFi Name Causes Panic
Shortly after, the pilot provided an update to passengers:
“Somebody renamed their hotspot ‘There is a bomb on the flight.’”
A lieutenant from Austin PD boarded the plane and addressed the passengers, making it clear that the incident was being taken seriously.
“If this is a joke, please raise your hand now, because we can deal with the practical joke differently than if we have to do a full-blown investigation,” the officer warned.
With no one coming forward, all passengers were escorted off the plane in groups, and an extensive security check began.
Passengers and Luggage Rescreened
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed in a statement that it takes all bomb threats seriously.
“All passengers and their checked baggage were rescreened,” TSA officials said.
Steen described a thorough search process, where passengers had to show their personal hotspots to law enforcement officers. Additionally, bomb-sniffing dogs inspected all luggage, and the aircraft’s baggage compartment was searched.
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Flight Cleared for Takeoff After Security Sweep
After an extensive security check, Austin PD cleared the plane, allowing the flight to depart at approximately 6:15 p.m. local time—nearly five hours behind schedule.
Despite the delay, Austin Airport officials confirmed that the incident did not significantly impact overall airport or airline operations.
The Austin Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This incident highlights the seriousness of aviation security threats and the consequences of irresponsible actions in an airport setting.
