AMSTERDAM, Netherlands – A Delta Air Lines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit had to turn around after passengers experienced a horrifying surprise on board. Witnesses reported that maggots were falling from an overhead bin onto passengers after a fellow traveler had brought rotting fish in their carry-on luggage.
Passenger Philip Schotte described the scene to WJBK-TV in Detroit, saying that he saw a woman across the aisle “trying to kind of fight off these maggots,” at first thinking it was a prank. The airline confirmed the incident, noting that the bag had not been packed correctly.
“I did see everyone’s reaction to the bag being opened, which was just an immediate pinching of the nose,” Schotte told the station.
The flight, DL 133, was en route to Detroit when it was forced to return to Amsterdam less than two hours after takeoff. Delta Air Lines issued an apology to the customers on the flight, explaining that the aircraft had to undergo cleaning and the passengers were placed on the next available flight.
In response to the incident, the carry-on bag containing the rotting fish was placed into another bag and promptly burned. The aviation news site Airlive reported on the disposal of the bag. The airline further explained that the aircraft returned to the gate and customers were placed on the next available flight, and the aircraft was removed from service for cleaning.
Passengers were understandably appalled by the situation, and the airline addressed the gravity of the incident by taking the necessary measures to rectify the situation. Overall, the incident serves as a reminder for travelers to adhere to airline regulations and guidelines when packing their carry-on luggage to ensure a safe and pleasant journey for all.