United Airlines operates a daily non-stop flight from Chicago to San Juan, with an additional flight on Saturdays. Typically, the journey takes approximately four and a half hours on a Boeing 737 MAX 9, departing just before 9 a.m. and arriving around 3 p.m. However, the flight on Friday experienced significant disruptions.
Passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 1996 first landed in Charlotte due to a medical emergency involving one of the travelers. The airline made an unscheduled landing to address the situation promptly. After resolving the medical issue, the flight departed for Orlando.
A spokesperson for United Airlines explained, "On Friday, July 5, United Flight 1996 from Chicago to San Juan diverted to Charlotte to address a medical issue with a passenger. The flight then stopped in Orlando where a new crew was available to replace the current crew, who had worked the maximum number of hours allowed by the FAA. The flight then continued to San Juan that evening."