🧻 Toilets Fail, Flights U-Turn, & a Light Load Alert

Plus, we're giving away sticker packs!

Author

Matt C
April 01, 2025

Happy April Fools!

We wish we were joking, but this week’s headlines are all too real.

A United pilot forgot his passport mid-flight (for the second time). Air India had to turn around because passengers clogged the toilets. And their CEO? He’s now flying economy by mandate. On the upside, standby loads to Canada are unusually open, and Thailand is going digital with its arrival cards starting May 1.

It’s the kind of week that sounds made up—but for airline staff and passriders, it’s all part of the job. Here’s what you missed.

Matt C
Captain, Standby Steals 💚

Latest headlines

Thailand Ditches Paper for Digital Entry
Starting May 1, travelers to Thailand must complete a digital arrival card before boarding. What does this mean for standbys?

See What Air India Pax Flushed
An Air India flight had to return to Chicago after passengers clogged the toilets with random objects. And it’s not the first time.

Standby Gold: US–Canada Loads Collapse
With transborder demand plummeting, flights between the U.S. and Canada are wide open. Here’s where standby travelers should look.

Air India CEO Grounded—In Economy
Air India just told its staff to ditch business class on work trips—including the CEO. Is it a smart move or a morale killer?

Pilot Forgets Passport—Again
A UA flight to PVG turned back mid-air after a pilot forgot his passport—for the second time in a week. Passengers were not thrilled.

✈️ Guess the Livery

Think you know your tails and turboprops? We've blurred out the identifying details on this aircraft — can you still name the airline?

What airline is this?

Hint: This flag carrier is small but mighty, and its home country is known for banks and beautiful countryside.

The first five readers to reply with the correct airline will win a Standby Steals sticker pack — simply reply to this email with your guess!

Good luck, aviation sleuths! 🫡 

 🏆️ Share and Win

We’ll reward you for sharing Standby Steals with friends! The more you refer, the more prizes you can earn.

3 Referrals = Sticker Pack ✨
25 Referrals = T-Shirt 👕 
100 Referrals = $100 Gift Card 💳️ 

You currently have 0 referrals, only 1 away from receiving Global Hub Hotel Guide.

Congrats to one of our Delta readers for earning 25 referrals and counting! 🤑 

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