logo
Flyers stranded at airport for 17 hours due to smoking bozos

Flyers stranded at airport for 17 hours due to smoking bozos

New York Post11-07-2025
Their dreams of a smooth flight went up in smoke.
Passengers were stranded in a 'warzone' at a Maine airport for over 17 hours after their flight was diverted due to a pair of butt-huffing bozos puffing cigarettes on board.
3 'It was like a warzone in a lounge — rows and rows of beds,' passenger Terry Lawrance said while painting the dismal scene in Bangor, Maine (pictured).
Terry Lawrance / SWNS
Advertisement
'Everybody was fed up,' UK native Terry Lawrance, 66, told Southwest News Service of the unplanned layover, which occurred July 8 on a TUI Airways flight from Cancun, Mexico, to London, UK.
The aircraft had been flying for about an hour when the pilot came on the intercom and announced that two passengers had been 'smoking in the toilet' and that he'd have to make an unscheduled landing if they persisted, Lawrance recalled.
Unfortunately, the pair refused to desist, prompting the captain to put his money where his mouth was.
Advertisement
'About three hours later, around the border with Canada and he came on to let us know that the plane was being diverted to Bangor, Maine,' recounted Lawrance.
Tracking data on Flightradar24 depicts the plane turning back towards Maine, right after entering Canadian airspace.
3 The passengers continued smoking despite a warning from the pilot.
Evgenia Parajanian – stock.adobe.com
They landed around 9:30 p.m. that evening, after which the two smokers were escorted off the plane. 'They were obviously drunk, and he basically assaulted his partner,' recalled Lawrance.
Advertisement
The pilot said they'd be on their way after some paperwork was done, not knowing that their short pitstop would turn into the layover from hell.
'We were sat on the plane on the ground for five hours — the plane started taxing again and we thought 'great' and then they said there was a problem with flight plan, and we have to get off,' he said. 'Next thing, we're not going anywhere.'
3 'It was like free-for-all for vultures,' said Lawrance (pictured).
Terry Lawrance / SWNS
According to Lawrance, the original crew had to deplane as they couldn't work the rest of the leg back to Gatwick as they'd be exceeding their legal working hours.
Advertisement
As a result, a relief flight had to be dispatched from the UK to the US to ferry them to their destination.
That's when 'it all went pear-shaped,' the traveler recalled.
The passengers subsequently had to disembark and stay in a cramped lounge — which Lawrance believed was the military airbase section of the airport — while waiting for the relief flight to arrive.
'It was like free-for-all for vultures,' Lawrance said, describing their temporary digs. 'It was like a warzone in a lounge — rows and rows of beds.'
He added, 'All our luggage was still on the plane whilst we waited.'
Accompanying footage shows the stranded passengers lying side by side on mattresses like a scene out of a refugee camp.
'We were there for over 12 hours,' Lawrance lamented. 'We waited six or seven hours before we were offered a drink.'
Advertisement
It wasn't until 3 p.m. the next day that they finally departed — a harrowing 17 and a half hours since they'd touched down in Maine.
Thankfully, all the passengers arrived safely in London.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Discover unique summer escapes in Ontario: Donkeys, lavender fields — and a vibrant Bollywood party
Discover unique summer escapes in Ontario: Donkeys, lavender fields — and a vibrant Bollywood party

Hamilton Spectator

time5 hours ago

  • Hamilton Spectator

Discover unique summer escapes in Ontario: Donkeys, lavender fields — and a vibrant Bollywood party

Ontario has vibrant summer events happening soon — and plenty of unique destinations to put on your travel list. From breathtaking views and camping spots, to unique outdoor experiences, here's a guide to help you plan your next getaway. This week's roundup is filled with fun ideas for your staycation, day trip or road trip — whether it's a donkey sanctuary in Puslinch, craft brewery tour through Simcoe County, or a Bollywood street party in Mississauga. If you are enamoured with donkeys, then a visit to the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada in Puslinch is in order. There are more than 100 animals at the farm, who have arrived because they need special care, were abused or neglected, or they are outliving their owners. The beautiful 200-acre farm is a must-see for folks who love animals and want to learn more about donkeys. Visit with the social animals and learn more about donkeys, mules and hinnys. Ontario has several lavender fields, and the flowers are now in bloom. Many areas are hosting picnics, and even fireside nights , to enjoy the sight and smell of fresh lavender. From lotions, teas and baked goods, there are many goods to buy fresh from the farm with lavender. From whitewater rafting to play farms, there are things to experience with the family. Plan a day of mini putt, or visit a log home to learn a bit about the history of the area. There are also several provincial parks to go hiking or cycling. Check out our list of five things the whole family can do. Take a drive around Simcoe County to sample several craft breweries. Whether it's enjoying a beverage on a sunny patio overlooking a field of hops, or inside a taproom, they are great destinations to enjoy with a friend. Find a new Canadian-made favourite brew to enjoy at home. Here are some breweries worth a day trip. Find gemstones and even pan for gold in the Ontario community of Bancroft . Bancroft's 60th anniversary Rockhound Gemboree runs from July 31 to Aug. 3, and is Canada's largest gem and mineral show. Learn geological facts, and take in some sodalite — not a pop, but a blue mineral that once captured royal attention. With promises of interactive cricket games, a bubble show, and music and dance performances, the #Bollywood Monster Mashup sounds like a fun community gathering. The Mississauga event is marking its 15th anniversary, and will also feature popular attractions like face painting, inflatables, circus acts and photo spots. What's cosy for some may be spooky for others, but an underground wine cellar tour can delight the crowd. Located in Pelee Island, the Vin Villa Behind the Gates Tour and Tasting is a gentle walking tour with some incredible secret rooms — including a medieval looking wine cellar and lounge. The site was established in 1866 and you can learn about the vineyard and its history, and get some spectacular photos of your tour. Do you have a favourite Ontario road trip route, camping spot, restaurant or foodie spot everyone should check out? What about the stops along the way for a great day-trip adventure? Let us know. TRAVEL ONTARIO: Tell us the best road trips, day trips, hidden gems, and foodie spots we can't miss Whether it's a patio with the best views, a unique or unusual experience, or a quirky shop in cottage country with the cutest finds, tell us where you go to escape the daily grind. Take our reader survey to help us help you make the best summer travel memories possible.

Purple haze: My daughter and I loved the splashes of colour during our day trip to lavender farms
Purple haze: My daughter and I loved the splashes of colour during our day trip to lavender farms

Hamilton Spectator

time8 hours ago

  • Hamilton Spectator

Purple haze: My daughter and I loved the splashes of colour during our day trip to lavender farms

No shrinking violets here, my daughter and I wanted some purple power. Beautiful purple lavender in a field at Kelso Lavender. After a hectic few months, Kate and I went looking for some downtime with added panache among lavender farms. 'I wanted to go to the lavender farms because I wanted to get outside and enjoy the weather and nature in my surrounding communities,' Kate said. 'I love being able to explore new and hidden gems in the GTA for a day trip with friends or family. Plus, I love the colour purple, so why not?!' Our day trip took us to Kelso Lavender in Milton and then, closer to home, Lavender Polo Farm in East Gwillimbury. The lavender was in full bloom at Kelso, with the fields awash in deep purple. Kate and I were pleased to see items placed through the farm among the lavender plants. Perfect for taking photos to post on social media. A piano placed in a field at Kelso Lavender. Items placed through the fields are great for staging photos. Kate and I sit in a carriage among the lavender plants at Kelso Lavender. As Kate said, 'a Canadian classic of normal and huge Muskoka chairs, flower arches, a carriage and a magical garden. It was all very 'Insta-worthy.'' We grabbed a selfie in a large Muskoka chair at Kelso Lavender. Kelso is a family-run farm, established in 2017. Home to more than 25,000 lavender plants and counting, the family uses organic farming methods with no herbicides or pesticides. After pausing by what we called the magical garden, which is fenced off from entry, we headed to the small store. 'I loved the gift shop and some of the unique things they had for sale,' Kate said. 'I loved the mini hand-painted prints by a local artist, the dried bouquets and the potted plants. Being able to bring a piece home with you and support small Canadian businesses is always a plus!' In the shop, we also found lavender maple syrup, natural and handmade soaps and shampoo bars, eye and neck pillows filled with lavender and other items. We each had a lavender ice cream. We were a bit disappointed the ice cream came in little cups rather than cones but the creaminess of the sweet treat made up for it. Kate was able to have a lavender ice cream — lavender, lemon, berry, in fact — in a cone when we got to Polo Lavender. The farm's tag line is 'Where Lavender Dreams Bloom.' Lavender Polo Farm in East Gwillimbury welcomes visitors with a sign. The website goes on to say, 'Step into a world of soft petals, serene scents and unforgettable memories. Follow the scent, find tranquility. Your perfect countryside escape begins here.' The lavender wasn't as deeply purple as it was at Kelso the day we visited on July 11. The brutal winter caused the plants to flower later than normal but the subsequent days of blistering temperatures have done wonders to get the lavender to blossom, owner Arthur Lin said. Trips to lavender farms are blooming, he said. Many people already make yearly trips to berry, apple and pumpkin farms. More and more, people are adding lavender farms to their must-do lists, Lin said. Lavender Polo is a 155-acre family-run farm, home to more than 100,000 blooming lavender plants and a variety of seasonal flowers, making it the largest lavender farm in Ontario, he said. The farm is divided into different types of lavender plots — super blue, phenomenal, Munstead and Melissa. The farm is called Lavender Polo because the polo-loving family holds matches at the site, hosting a charity event every year. This year's Polo in the Lavender event on Aug. 16 will raise money for Feed Ontario, which manages food banks in Ontario. For more information, visit The farm boasts a coffee shop, workshops and a gift shop. Drinks at the coffee shop include lavender Americano, lavender latte, lavender tea, lavender mojito and green and purple grape tea. In addition to lavender ice cream, snacks include chicken nuggets, hot dogs, pizza, cookies and muffins. You can enjoy your treats inside the coffee shop, on the patio or at a row of picnic tables under the shade of nearby trees. The fountain at Lavender Polo is a good place to rest and take a photo. At the workshops, visitor can create their own healing oil at the lavender essence lab and make candles and perfume. The gift shop has an assortment of items for sale, including lavender bath bombs, lavender pillows, body sprays, foaming soaps and more. In coming days, the corn maze will be an added attraction. 'Some of the comments we get (from visitors about the farm) are the plants are beautiful, they like the atmosphere, they like the smell a lot. A lot of people come here to buy our essential oil for the purpose of the aroma,' Lin said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .

August long weekend: Here's how to Explore Ontario museums for less (or free) with the Canada Strong Pass
August long weekend: Here's how to Explore Ontario museums for less (or free) with the Canada Strong Pass

Hamilton Spectator

time9 hours ago

  • Hamilton Spectator

August long weekend: Here's how to Explore Ontario museums for less (or free) with the Canada Strong Pass

If you're making plans for your August long weekend, some museums and galleries in Ontario can now be visited for free or at a reduced cost this summer with the newly introduced Canada Strong Pass. The Canada Strong Pass , which became available on June 20, allows Canadians to visit 'some of the country's most iconic places' for free and at discounted admissions, with perks set to go on until Sept. 2. According to , the pass isn't a physical one that you need to purchase, sign up for, or collect. All you need to do is visit any participating Parks Canada site, museum, gallery, or VIA Rail to instantly benefit from its perks. This is available to all visitors, whether you're a Canadian citizen, resident or visiting from abroad, and acts as an 'invitation to experience Canada's cultural and natural richness.' The discounts cover your admission, however, some participating sites that include guided tours or special rates may come at an additional cost. A post shared by Art Gallery of Ontario (@agotoronto) Apart from Parks Canada and VIA Rail perks that were previously revealed, a number of museums and galleries will offer free admission for children and teens aged 17 and under, and a 50 per cent discount for young adults aged 18 to 24. The Canada Strong Pass applies to all national museums, as well as participating provincial and territorial museums and galleries. Here are the museums and galleries in Ontario that you can enjoy these perks at until Sept. 2. A post shared by Royal Ontario Museum (@romtoronto) If you meet the eligibility requirements, your general admission will be free or at 50 per cent off. Museums reserve the right to request proof of age upon admission. Tickets can be purchased or reserved online and in person. Due to space limits, be sure to check directly with the museum or gallery you have chosen before planning your visit.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store