United Airlines Flight Delayed Four Hours After Flight Attendant Dispute
A United Airlines flight from Des Moines International Airport to Chicago O’Hare International Airport was significantly delayed yesterday after a disagreement between two flight attendants led to the entire cabin crew being replaced.
Flight UA2138, an Airbus A320 scheduled to depart Des Moines at 11:26 a.m. on October 27, 2025, ultimately took off at 3:24 p.m., arriving in Chicago at 5:09 p.m. – a delay exceeding four hours. Internal flight records indicated the cause as “Crew availability,” with a note detailing a “disagreement on two of the FAs.” Passengers were deplaned around 12:10 p.m. while the airline arranged for a new crew.
United Airlines did not publicly state a reason for the delay on its flight status page. This incident underscores the critical importance of crew coordination for safe and timely air travel, as highlighted by the Federal Aviation Administration’s Crew Resource Management program. Similar situations, though rare, have occurred; in 2023, an American Airlines subsidiary experienced a two-hour delay due to a crew dispute over a passenger seat change.
Airline crew dynamics can be challenging, with flight attendants often working with unfamiliar colleagues under pressure. It’s common for crew members to develop informal preferences regarding who they fly with, sometimes leading to requests for reassignment to avoid potential conflicts. Airline safety regulations prioritize a harmonious and focused cabin environment.
United Airlines has yet to issue an official comment regarding the incident, but is expected to provide further details as they become available.
