Imagine boarding your flight, ready for takeoff, when suddenly a tiny creature scurries down the aisle! That's exactly what happened on a recent flight departing from Shanghai, causing unexpected delays and plenty of drama. 😱
A 34-year-old woman, identified as Ms. Guo, was arrested on Monday after she smuggled her pet sugar glider onto a commercial flight at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. The mischievous marsupial managed to escape, leading to a frantic search and significant flight delays. 🚨
The Great Escape
Passengers of Jinan-bound flight MU5599 were left bewildered when they were asked to disembark after a \"hamster-like\" creature was spotted loose in the cabin. Video footage shared online shows passengers voicing their frustration at the check-in counter and crew members searching under seats for the elusive pet. 📹
\"Hamsters are experts at hiding and love to chew things. If they gnaw through wires or block pipes, the plane could be in serious trouble,\" one concerned netizen commented. While it turned out to be a sugar glider and not a hamster, the risks were taken just as seriously. 🐹✈️
Security Slip-Up?
This incident has sparked questions about airport security measures. How did the sugar glider make it past the scanners? According to The Beijing News, security detectors primarily flag metal objects. If no alarm sounds, passengers might not be subjected to a manual search, potentially explaining how the tiny stowaway boarded undetected. 🔍
Know Before You Go: Pet Policies
Thinking of traveling with your furry (or feathery) friend? Most Chinese airlines, including Air China and China Eastern Airlines, have strict policies. Generally, only service animals are allowed in the cabin. Small pets can't be taken onboard—even cuties like sugar gliders. 🐾
For pets that are permitted, passengers must apply well in advance, present proper quarantine certificates, and check in their animals at least two hours before departure. So, sneaking a pet onto a plane? Definitely not the way to go! 🚫
Flight Delays and Legal Trouble
Due to the disruption, Ms. Guo now faces administrative detention for \"disturbing the order of the public transport system,\" according to Shanghai police's Weibo announcement. Not only did the incident inconvenience fellow travelers, but it also landed her in hot water with the law. 😬
Travel Smart, Travel Safe
This wild tale serves as a reminder to always check airline policies before flying, especially when it comes to pets. Let's keep the skies—and our journeys—safe and enjoyable for everyone. ✈️❤️
Reference(s):
Woman arrested for sneaking pet sugar glider on flight in Shanghai
cgtn.com
