Florida flight diverted after woman fakes medical emergency, demands larger seat

PENSACOLA, Fla. — A woman demanding a larger seat on an American Airlines flight was taken into custody after faking a medical condition that prompted the pilot to head back to a Florida airport.

Flight crews summoned authorities once the Miami-bound flight arrived back in Pensacola early Friday morning.

A Pensacola police spokesman said the plane was evacuated when the woman refused to deplane.

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Authorities and the plane’s pilot eventually succeeded in removing the woman.

Police say she was taken into custody under Florida’s Baker Act, which allows authorities to hold a person who could pose a threat to themselves or others.

The flight turned around shortly after takeoff, and there were no injuries.

The carrier’s website says the flight resumed its journey to Miami at about 7:30 a.m.

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Associated Press