I think most of us appreciate when pilots communicate transparently with passengers, especially in situations where there are irregular operations. However, this has to be one of the strangest ramblings I’ve ever heard, and I’m not sure what exactly was going through the captain’s head.
In this post:
Captain overshares during irregular operations
On March 21, 2026, Alaska Airlines flight AS617 from Liberia (LIR) to Los Angeles (LAX) was canceled after all passengers boarded, and the plane started taxiing to the runway. The flight was operated by a Boeing 737-900ER, and was scheduled to depart Costa Rica at 6:12PM, and land in the United States at 11:30PM.
The plane started taxiing out to the runway, only to then return to a gate. At that point, the captain made the following announcement (which is sort of all the context we have):
“This flight was less than an hour delayed, and then when I get here, the gate agents are frantic about getting us out as soon as possible to get us up to LA, because customs closes, which is the first I’ve heard of this. I’ve been flying for 30 years, I’ve never heard of the number two city in the country closing its customs.”
“So we got a message, a cryptic message from dispatch, while we were taxiing down, ready for takeoff, saying that the bridge wants us back here to the airport, and I don’t know what bridge means and so we don’t have a jetway, I’m trying to figure out what’s going on, I hope it’s not the worst case scenario, and I cannot believe that LAX has no customs after midnight.”
“But anyway, let me get back to you about what I can find out again we don’t have a jetway there’s no stairs, so um, I do apologize for this, I think we’re in the dark but I’m keeping you guys updated. I’m not sure if it’s government or company, I don’t, I don’t get it, I don’t get it any more than anyone else but that’s all I know, people I guess, we got the stairs right now, and we’ve got people connecting to hotels, or wherever we go from here. I mean I’ve even flown over 9/11, this is still the weirdest thing that I’ve ever experienced, so anyway, we’ll hopefully get more answers of where we go from here.”
I guess this was well intentioned, but what on earth?!
It’s incredibly frustrating when there are irregular operations and there’s no communication about what’s going on. But this captain is the opposite extreme, and almost has a stream of consciousness approach to her rambling announcement.
It’s great to share useful information with passengers, and transparency is important. But bringing up “cryptic” messages, 9/11, and talking about getting a message about “the bridge” when you as the captain don’t even know what’s going on, just doesn’t seem like a best practice.
And before anyone says I’m overreacting here, just look at the response from passengers, and in particular, about how they believe they’re better safe than sorry, as if there was any sort of a safety issue. Pilots should act as professional representatives of the company, and while it’s fair to share that you don’t have all the information, it seems unnecessary to share messages that you’re receiving when you don’t even know what they mean.
Also, I’m confused by a captain who has been flying for decades being confused about customs facilities having limited hours. A lot of customs facilities at major airports don’t operate 24/7. I’m not sure if something changed, but as recently as last year, TBIT customs was only open from 5AM until 12AM daily, so Alaska really is cutting it close with this schedule.
It looks like Alaska only added this late night arrival into LAX as of December 2025, and almost all of the flights have operated on schedule. So the captain’s confusion is confusing me. This seems like a simple case of missing the customs deadline, and that happens when schedules are cut this close.
Bottom line
An Alaska Airlines flight from Liberia to Los Angeles ended up being canceled after the flight left the gate, seemingly because it would’ve missed the customs deadline, as this flight cuts it really close (at least that’s my understanding).
The captain didn’t seem to grasp that concept, and claimed she was receiving cryptic messages, mentioned she received a message about the “the bridge” (which she didn’t understand), and said that this was the strangest thing that has ever happened to her, including compared to flying on 9/11.
As I see it, announcements from pilots should be about transparency and reassurance, and not… well, whatever this is.
What’s your take on this strange situation?
Why are we demonizing pilots for transparency?
Also appreciate the openess but when they know what's going on is better
Sounds good to me, she was straight up about what she knew was going on.
I would fly with an honest pilot anytime.
Pilot did a great job. I would dance with her any day.
I'm sure he's overwhelmed with all of the things( work related). A seasoned pilot having to work alongside individuals who are inept,unfit, inexperienced, incapable, unskilled and inefficient to do their jobs. He was just venting, hopefully he won't be reprimanded for it Could you imagine, every time you're at work someone else could cause you to lose your life and livelyhood, by no fault of your own? It's probably better to let it out than hold it in.
I see no issue here. She didn’t communicate things that should cause a panic, but that there were real issues that she had to communicate rather than making up some excuse as to what was happening. Honestly the things I see on this website complaining about anything and everything. Some pilots prefer to say less and then passengers end up bewildered when suddenly they return to the gate and deplane. Anyone complaining about too much...
I see no issue here. She didn’t communicate things that should cause a panic, but that there were real issues that she had to communicate rather than making up some excuse as to what was happening. Honestly the things I see on this website complaining about anything and everything. Some pilots prefer to say less and then passengers end up bewildered when suddenly they return to the gate and deplane. Anyone complaining about too much communication is coming off as entitled morons including the writer, as most articles on here do.
So you are upset she tried to “keep you in the loop”?
Good lord relax Phylis
Years ago I was on a Great Lakes Airlines Beech 1900 which had been converted from 19 seat to 9 seat configuration (to operate under Part 135 instead of 121). A passenger commented on all the space at the front of the plane due to the missing seats and the Captain said "the company took those seats out so we can fly with less experienced crews." That passenger looked around at the others in the cabin and said "are you hearing this!?"
I was not aware that Alaska airlines flies all the way to Africa. They don’t even have big plans for that.
Yes customs closes at 12 but why didn’t they use customs at Bradley it’s pretty much always opened.
Bradley closes at 12
Of course everyone knows Liberia is in Costa Rica. No reason to include that in the story.
Customs is open 24/7 at LAX. Only the administrative offices close. The pilot was correct.
Incorrect. It’s not for scheduled pax ops. Anytime a flight arrives before 5am passengers must be held onboard until CBP reopens. The only time it’s open 24/7 is for cargo
A simple search for "LAX customs hours" provides the hours of operation. Why lie about this?
I was on this flight and the lack of accommodation was unfortunate, with the entire situation being frustrating. However, to frame this as if the pilot is responsible for this lack of communication and accommodation seems blatantly wrong. As a passenger on the flight, I appreciated her transparency and ability to speak to us as individuals instead of giving us no information, or speaking off a script. I felt as if I had been informed,...
I was on this flight and the lack of accommodation was unfortunate, with the entire situation being frustrating. However, to frame this as if the pilot is responsible for this lack of communication and accommodation seems blatantly wrong. As a passenger on the flight, I appreciated her transparency and ability to speak to us as individuals instead of giving us no information, or speaking off a script. I felt as if I had been informed, and reassured by her consistent updates. If a passenger can’t handle some emotion and honesty in a human to human interaction, it would not be the well-intended pilot’s fault.
As a paying passenger I do not wish to "handle some emotion and honesty in a human to human interaction" .
If the pilot is talking , then what is the pilot missing ? Myself , I'd rather pilots be aware .
Oh, boo hoo!
Believe it or not, pilots are capable of talking and monitoring the situation at the same time. They can also walk and chew bubble gum (well, most of them),
Short news day?
The only source of information is the printed transcript . Otherwise , no one would know what was actually said . Those intercom announcements are never understood by anyone . The pilot is a talker .
Liberal snowflakes can’t handle a intercom announcement… ts is not tuff
I was on the plane when this happened, seat D30. The pilot was nothing but a joy and pleasure and I couldn’t be more grateful for how she got us off the plane fast and kept us informed
More than once I've had to wait on a plane when we arrived early and CBP wasn't open yet. That said, I think it statistically improbable that a 30-year captain would never have encountered this situation before.
Exactly how may international routes does AS flies where this would be remotely applicable?
It happens, I was on an international flight to Seattle and we had to divert to LAX as we wouldn't make the cut off in Seattle so rather than us sit on the plane they diverted us to LAX to clear customs and then continue like 3hrs later. And that was Alaska.
That time of the month?
Hire women pilots and every 30 days you can expect oddities just like this.
Gotta love it when misogynistic jerks out themselves bwahahaha.
Meanwhile you say oddities like this every day? So what's your point?
Your posting alias is close. How about "Narrow-minded Jim" ?
I'd be 100% fine with this announcement. As an AS Titanium member, I do notice that AS captains and FOs tend to be chattier on the PAs than their counterparts at other airlines. I think it's one of the things that makes Alaska more of a joy to fly; the pilots are in it with the rest of us.
Agreed ! I fly AS once a month from Florida and love this airline and its amazing crews and inflight service.
LIBERIA.. REALLY? Or was it SanJose? Or just click bait? Such a poorly run publication.
@ Kaygee -- Sorry, what am I missing? Yes, it was Liberia...
When in Liberia , Africa , or Mexico , one ought to eat and drink only coconuts . ( health )
I was stumped by the phrase “from Liberia (LIR) to Los Angeles (LAX)”!
I’m fully aware that Liberia is NOT a city, but —honestly— my very first thought was: When did Alaska Airlines start flying from Africa to LAX? Did the suits up in the AS C-suite discover some super income-stream potential in that route?
What do you mean "NOT a city"?
I’m stumped by you saying you are “fully aware Liberia is NOT a city”.
Are you telling us you don’t know your geography? Liberia absolutely IS a city. A beautiful one, where I’ve had the pleasure of visiting several times.
It is both a city and a country. I this case, it was the city (and not in Africa).
Funny article, but I see no issue. When I travelled for work I flew over 100k miles per year and heard all kinds of things from 'the front office'. At least you got an interesting story to share. I suppose the implication is that 'nowadays' the world is falling apart (blame whatever....), I just don't feel that way, but thanks for sharing. It must be difficult to come up with subject matter to write about airline travel. Sympathies.
so what IS 'the bridge'?
The announcement is fine. Info conveyed is better than radio silence waiting for a polished announcement.
This is another example of too many aircraft , and too few "steady , clear-thinking" people .
TBIT’s closing times are actually pretty shocking and upsetting as an LA resident. It is something that if LAX was run by a functional, smart entity they would edit with the government and ensure some buffer for these situations. Even a skeleton crew working overnight should be part of the agreement with USCIS.
My husband was once caught in a 60 min delay that ended up being 5 hours because of this same issue. It’s so weird.
-G
Tents and cots are all that is needed , or wanted . If you travel , be prepared for camels needing an occasional water hole .
Gabe Z, don’t be such an idiot. USCIS doesn’t work at the airport. They work in the offices where they review immigration applications and grant or deny benefits. You must’ve mixed it up with CBP, which stands for customs and border protection. My suggestion for you is to sign up for some sort of adult education classes, maybe at your local learning annex, where they can classically trained your in fact-finding techniques. Otherwise, try to...
Gabe Z, don’t be such an idiot. USCIS doesn’t work at the airport. They work in the offices where they review immigration applications and grant or deny benefits. You must’ve mixed it up with CBP, which stands for customs and border protection. My suggestion for you is to sign up for some sort of adult education classes, maybe at your local learning annex, where they can classically trained your in fact-finding techniques. Otherwise, try to keep your comments to your social media, rather than a serious aviation blog.
We don't have hotels. How did they know when it was just announced ? As far as I am aware LAX immigration /CBP is 24/7 and AS617 was due to arrive at 23:30 anyhow
Yet another reason we need baseline protections for passengers, because when a situation like this occurs, the airline should ensure overnight accommodations, if necessary, rebooking, and ideally, compensation for the inconvenience, like EU261. Instead, you get a 'sowie' and a 'deal with it.'
Tents and cots are all you need .