United passenger arrested after drunken 'hijack' text forces Vegas flight to turn back

Key points

• Dante Milne, a 25-year-old trainee welder from Wood-Ridge, New Jersey, was arrested on October 25 for allegedly sending a text message threatening to hijack United Flight 1681.
• The text, read as 'I'm gonna hijack this bitch and crash ur row only,' was observed by a flight attendant, prompting the crew to alert the captain and return the aircraft to Harry Reid International Airport.
• The Boeing 737, carrying 150 passengers and six crew members, took off for Newark at 11 p.m. on October 24 but returned to Las Vegas at 11:05 p.m. due to the security threat.
• Milne told investigators he had consumed beer and shots at an airport bar and characterized the message as 'banter between coworkers,' denying any intent to harm anyone.
• The aircraft was overweight upon return, requiring the pilot to burn off fuel before landing; no injuries were reported, and the flight departed for Newark the following morning.
• Milne was released on $10,000 to $20,000 bail (sources vary) and is scheduled to plead not guilty at a court hearing on January 5, 2027.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of unruly passenger behavior on United Airlines, including a September 2026 case where a passenger was accused of inappropriate conduct during a flight to Newark. The FAA has noted over 1,400 such incidents in 2026, highlighting ongoing challenges in aviation security and passenger conduct.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Post emphasizes Milne's explanation that he was drunk and joking, framing the incident as a 'boozy explanation.' Fox5 Vegas and KSNV focus on the procedural details, noting the crew's calm handling and the aircraft's overweight status upon return. AP News highlights the legal severity, noting the charge carries a potential 1-to-20-year sentence, and cites FAA data on unruly passengers. While all outlets agree on the core facts, the Post focuses on the motive, while Fox5 and KSNV detail the operational response, and AP underscores the legal and statistical context.

Why it matters

The incident underscores the risks of ambiguous or joking threats in aviation, where even non-serious messages can trigger costly diversions and legal consequences. It also highlights the FAA's ongoing efforts to address unruly passenger incidents, which have exceeded 1,400 cases in 2026, reflecting broader concerns about in-flight security and passenger behavior.

What to watch

Milne is due in court on January 5, 2027, where he is expected to plead not guilty. The FAA will continue its investigation into the incident, and United Airlines may review its security protocols in light of the event. The 150 passengers affected by the diversion have likely received compensation or rebooking, though specific details are not provided in the sources.