Flatulence forces plane to land

Culture & Society Forum

Flatulence forces plane to land

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - It is considered polite to light a match after passing gas. Not while on a plane.

An American Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing Monday morning after a passenger lit a match to disguise the scent of flatulence, authorities said.

The Dallas-bound flight was diverted to Nashville after several passengers reported smelling burning sulfur from the matches, said Lynne Lowrance, spokeswoman for the Nashville International Airport Authority. All 99 passengers and five crew members were taken off and screened while the plane was searched and luggage was screened.

The FBI questioned a passenger who admitted she struck the matches in an attempt to conceal a "body odor," Lowrance said. She had an unspecified medical condition, authorities said.

"It's humorous in a way but you feel sorry for the individual, as well," she said. "It's unusual that someone would go to those measures to cover it up."

The flight took off again, but the woman was not allowed back on the plane. The woman, who was not identified, was not charged in the incident.

----------

-HECK!

Yeah, sorry, wont' make it for Christmas, I ripped a barn burner on the plane, lit a match, and now I'm stuck in Ohio.

Man, that would be a sucky addition to the family newsletter.

I guess the person could say the plane ran afoul because of a gaseous anomaly.

-HECK!

I would say that there were 'pressure problems' with the flight and call it a day.

Maybe she could tell them she got a dozen long stem brown roses delivered and couldn't make it.

-HECK!

I would say that "for reasons unknown", the oxygen masks dropped, and that little children were gasping for air. Make them relatives feel sorry for me.

HOW did she get matches on the plane with her in the first place? You can't take them aboard.

That was my first thought too Lawless. Probably in her pocket as she walked through the metal detectors though - who would know?

Poor woman though. I'd hate to smell that much.

Well, even with a 'gas' problem, you have to know that it's illegal to light a match when on an airplane. Sheesh.. has she tried BEANO?

Man, I know I could force a plane to land if I ripped off a couple. As it is I can make my covers float.

-HECK!