Nine US Teens found themselves in hot water with the police after causing a scene on a Virgin Atlantic flight.
According to a report by The Standard, the incident occurred earlier this month on July 14. The teens boarded a Virgin Atlantic flight from LA en route to Heathrow, UK. However, they allegedly bought alcohol before boarding and used fake IDs to do so. The group then decided to break out the drinks, 30,000 feet in the air. Their behavior reportedly prompted the pilots to put out an emergency alert.
The outlet explains that the teens were “screaming and running amok” during the flight. Authorities weren’t impressed, and police boarded the aircraft when it landed at Heathrow. They then detained the group.
Per The Mirror, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement, “Nine individuals – aged 17 and 18 – were arrested on Monday, July 14, at Heathrow Airport after disembarking a flight from Los Angeles. All were arrested on suspicion of failing to comply with crew directions and endangering aircraft. They were taken into custody and were released without charge. Enquiries continue.”
Virgin Atlantic explained the incident was “now a matter for police,” per People. A spokesperson reportedly told the outlet they could not comment further, but apologized to customers for any inconvenience. “The safety and welfare of our people and our customers is always our top priority,” they noted.
Virgin Atlantic Initially Refused To Send The Rowdy Teens Back
Multiple outlets, including the Standard, reveal that Virgin Atlantic refused to send the teens back to the US. They later relented, but allegedly sent them back on separate flights to destinations across the states. The Standard also alleges that the teens were from wealthy families. The outlet claims some of their parents are sports stars.
All the teens reportedly had their fingerprints taken and mugshots snapped in the UK. Authorities also allegedly revoked their “Electronic Travel Authorisations.” Per The Sun, the group planned to attend summer camps across Europe. Their drunken stunt on the Virgin Atlantic flight means they are now unable to do so.