Allegiant Air flight makes emergency landing after bomb threat

Taylor faces charges for making a false bomb threat. An FBI affidavit obtained by USA Today reveals he told a nearby passenger, “My laptop is a bomb.” The passenger alerted flight attendants immediately. Several witnesses reportedly heard Taylor claim he had a bomb, according to PCSO detectives. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently investigating the incident.

In response to the situation, an Allegiant Air spokesperson stated: "Allegiant does not tolerate disruptive behavior of any kind, so the decision was made to return to the airport. The plane landed safely and was met by law enforcement officers who took the passenger into custody."

Under Section 35 of Title 18 of US law—often referred to as the “bomb hoax” law—it is illegal to provide false information about threats involving airplanes or airports. Even if there is no intent to cause harm, civil penalties such as fines can be imposed. However, intentional or reckless false reports are serious crimes carrying potential penalties of up to $5,000 in fines and five years in prison.

This incident follows another recent false bomb threat on June 14 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport involving an Alaska Airlines flight where similar disruptions occurred.

In a related event two years prior on July 5, 2023, Brandon L. Scott caused disruption by handing a note claiming there was a bomb onboard an Alaska Airlines flight from Atlanta to Seattle. Scott received nearly two years in prison along with three years supervised release and restitution payments totaling $79,449.47.

Bomb threats remain relatively common within aviation circles with multiple incidents recorded over recent months including one involving Hawaiian Airlines just two months ago.