Snakes On A Plane 2? United Finds One On A Boeing 737 Flight To Newark

Date: October 18, 2022

BY RILEY PICKETT, Simple Flying

On Monday, October 17th, around 13:15 ET, passengers aboard a United Airlines flight were alarmed at the discovery of a snake aboard the aircraft. United Airlines flight 2038 had just arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) after a two-hour flight from Tampa International Airport (TPA) in Florida. The Boeing 737 registered N27252 had landed only a few minutes prior to the reptilian discovery, as the snake was found while the aircraft was taxiing to the gate. The snake has since been evicted, and no injuries were reported.

Unwelcome passenger

Shortly after landing, the cabin crew was first made aware of an onboard discrepancy when screams began emanating from the business class cabin. Many passengers started screaming and pulling their legs up from the floor as the snake recklessly moved about the cabin despite the illumination of the fasten seatbelt sign. The reptile eventually meandered from business class to economy. Once at the gate, local airport police arrived to remove the stowaway.

Once police neutralized the serpentine threat, passengers could deplane with their baggage. Following the deplaning, the aircraft was thoroughly searched for other non-paying passengers. No other snakes were found aboard the plane. Following the aircraft inspection, the 737 was quickly turned and departed for Fort Meyers. The flight from EWR to RSW was only delayed by 20 minutes following the reptilian disruption.

It is unclear how the serpent managed to board the aircraft. There is a high probability that it was brought onboard by a passenger. If this is the case, it is possible the snake could have stowed away in a passenger's luggage without them knowing. Simple Flying has reached out to United regarding the cause of the incident - this article will be updated once a response has been received.

It is unclear how the serpent managed to board the aircraft. There is a high probability that it was brought onboard by a passenger. If this is the case, it is possible the snake could have stowed away in a passenger's luggage without them knowing. Simple Flying has reached out to United regarding the cause of the incident - this article will be updated once a response has been received.

Despite the widespread presence of these snakes across the continent, it is highly unusual for one to be near an airliner, let alone on one. Until an official report concerning the origin of the snake is released, the mystery of how the snake boarded the airplane will remain. What is known is that the snake traveled further than most Garter snakes ever do. It went on an adventure covering most of the eastern seaboard in under two hours.