The captain of a Jet2 flight acknowledged he would be “annoyed too” after his plane was forced to make and unexpected landing in a destination different from what had been intended.
A passenger on board caught the his candid address to the cabin in a video, later posting it to TikTok after being made to disembark for the night a considerable distance from home. Highlighting the unplanned excursion, she wrote in the caption: “What you never want to hear when heading home.”
The clip saw the captain addressing passengers, as he exclaimed: “I’m the captain of this flight – we have ran out of hours because on the way here we had a medical emergency.” He went on to explain that the critical illness of another passenger caused their diversion to Venice, and that wasn’t the end of their troubles.
It prompted Jet2’s staff to organise hotel accommodations and transport for the unexpected stay – but the ordeal was far from convenient.
This sentiment echoed by the pilot, who empathised: “I won’t say I’m sorry – I can see the inconvenience it has had. If I was in your shoes I would be pretty disappointed.”
Concluding his announcement, he requested patience: “So that’s what has happened – please bear with us while we get you sorted.”
The TikTok video has been viewed a staggering 2.2 million times, with many users of the platform quick to offer their thoughts on the temporarily stranded passengers’ situation.
Many of those who tuned in confessed they’d relish such a travel delay, however. One commented: “Happened to us last year, 500 quid compensation and a night in Cyprus, I was over the moon.”
Another agreed: “Free accommodation, free transport and some compensation, what else could you ask for?”.
A third person reasoned: “If you go on holiday you should expect these things can happen, out of everyone’s hands, just go with the flow.”
Meanwhile, a fourth TikTok user quipped: “I’d be the first person back at the bar! Flown with Jet2 for around 10 years, amazing airline.”
However, the person behind the video didn’t share the same sentiment. They responded sternly: “There was no bar and it was 5am when we got to our hotel room. Had to meet the rep at breakfast then wait exhausted in the lobby for a 9pm rescheduled flight. Go ahead! I’ll pass next time thanks.”
Separately, in an irate outburst, she slammed the airline, vowing she’s “not booking with them again”.
Following the complaint, Jet2 has been invited to respond.