An unusual emergency slide incident caused chaos on December 22, 2020, when two Delta passengers exited a plane moments before takeoff at LaGuardia Airport in New York—using the aircraft’s emergency slide. The Delta flight, bound for Atlanta and carrying over 100 passengers, was taxiing toward the runway when the pair, accompanied by a service dog, suddenly opened the cabin door and deployed the slide to escape.
According to law enforcement officials, the passengers acted without any official clearance or cause. There was no reported emergency or security threat that could have warranted such drastic action. The two individuals were quickly intercepted by Delta employees on the tarmac and held until Port Authority police arrived at the scene.
The Port Authority later confirmed that both individuals were taken into custody. They were charged with third-degree criminal trespass, while one of them faced additional charges, including second-degree criminal mischief and reckless endangerment. The service dog was transported to a Brooklyn animal shelter but was later retrieved by the passenger.
Witnesses on board reported that the pair showed no alarming behavior prior to the incident, which made their sudden exit all the more shocking. Passengers initially thought it was a medical or safety emergency, but flight attendants quickly reassured everyone once the situation was under control.
As a result of the emergency slide incident, the flight experienced several hours of delay. Most passengers were rebooked on alternate flights to Atlanta. Fortunately, no one was injured during the event, and airport operations remained unaffected beyond the disrupted flight.
This rare occurrence raises important questions about airline safety protocols and the consequences of misusing emergency equipment. Deploying an emergency slide outside of an actual emergency not only endangers others but results in costly damage and disruptions. These slides are designed for life-threatening situations and deploying one unnecessarily can cost airlines tens of thousands of dollars in replacements and inspections.
While air travel remains safe and secure overall, events like this highlight the importance of clear communication, mental health support, and vigilance from both crew and passengers. The two individuals involved were scheduled to appear in court to address the charges related to their actions.
Photo Credit: Delta