Flight returned in an emergency after passenger alerted by suspicious cell phone message from another traveler: 'Rest in peace'

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A passenger alerted the crew about a message she considered suspicious. Photo: iStock.

An American Airlines commercial flight that departed from San Juan, Puerto Rico, bound for Dallas, Texas, returned to its originating airport on Wednesday, July 3, 2025.

The incident occurred after a passenger alerted the crew about a message she considered suspicious on another passenger's cell phone.

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The event triggered security protocols and led to a full inspection of the aircraft.

The situation was confirmed by the Office of Explosives and Public Safety. Photo: iStock

According to a local media outlet, the passenger noticed the acronym “RIP,” commonly used as an abbreviation for “Rest in Peace,” on another traveler’s cell phone screen.

Considering the message as potentially threatening, he immediately informed the crew of flight AA1847 , which had taken off from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

The situation was confirmed by the Puerto Rico Office of Explosives and Public Safety, which reported the plane's return to San Juan as a precautionary measure.

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After landing safely, the plane was examined by the relevant authorities, who found no evidence of threats or criminal behavior.

Following the completion of the inspection, the flight to Dallas was authorized to resume.

In a statement cited by USA TODAY, American Airlines confirmed the activation of the security protocol and the resolution of the incident:

" The flight landed safely in San Juan, and authorities inspected and cleared it for takeoff again. Safety is our top priority, and we apologize to our customers for any inconvenience, " he said.

It was reiterated that any perceived threat must be reported. Photo: iStock

Aviation specialists consulted indicated that, although it was a false alarm, the passenger's behavior and the crew's actions were in accordance with established procedures to maintain aviation safety.

It was reiterated that any perception of threat must be immediately reported to the personnel on board.

*This content was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on publicly available information released to media outlets. It was also reviewed by a journalist and an editor.

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Flight returned in an emergency after passenger alerted by suspicious cell phone message from another traveler: 'Rest in peace'

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