'BOB' scrawled on a sick bag in the loo

[BA_Turbs]

Not sure how many people here have flown on Virgin, but the sick bags are printed with offers to develop film.

On a flight to Tassie last year a mate put some food scraps in the bag, it appeared it had been used, then asked the hostie if he could "have two sets developed by Hobart".

She did not think it was funny.

You can't blame the United for being over-cautious. Look at the stink over the 9-11 highjacker being waved through security after triggering the security gate. That happens 50 times a day, what can you do?

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

[Zeke]

On a flight to Tassie last year a mate put some food scraps in the bag, it appeared it had been used, then asked the hostie if he could "have two sets developed by Hobart".

She did not think it was funny. 

Isn't it strange that she would be so unappreciative of your mate's efforts to brighten up her day with his sparkling wit - some people lack a sense of humour!

BTW, I agree that airlines etc have to err on the side of caution, but the line has to be drawn somewhere. Maybe there's a need for specialist anti-terrorism experts to be on call for instant advice in similar circumstances if that's not already in place.

The amount of money involved, let alone the lives at risk, would seem to justify a more sophisticated approach than leaving it all up to the aircrew involved, who would understandably have difficulty making a considered, objective decision when suddenly put on the spot - regardless of the specialised training they undoubtably receive these days in how to respond to terrorist threats.

[ExAreSix]

It seems B.O.B is a acronym used on flights in referance to the most attractive passenger on the flight.

Best On Board.

[Guest grover]

I would have preferred to return to Sydney rather than end up at the bottom of the Pacific. Given the $1m loss to UA, the pilots action possibly saved UA alot more in litigation.

Rock on XRs

[Guest Elvis Brown]

I think some one seriously over reacted here. There’s an article in the Age which outlines a more likely explanation

“But Michael Mijatov, from the Flight Attendants Association, said the letters also had an innocent meaning.

"The innocent meaning of the acronym within cabin crew, and I guess even the general broader community at times, is 'best on board'," Mr Mijatov told ABC radio today.

"And simply it indicates from the perspective of people on board the aircraft, whether it's passengers or cabin crew, that someone sitting in a particular seat ... to put it quite bluntly, looks good."

Mr Mijatov said it was a common term used on domestic and international flights by Australian and American crew.”

So terrorist threat, hoax or amorous cabin crew? It seems like a fairly big “leap” from Bob scrawled on a sick bag to terrorist threat….maybe someone needs a little rest at the "Shady Lobe Brain Farm for the Chronically Over Wrought"

[DallasQLD]

I prefer to have pilots err on the safe side. Its easy for us to sit here and pontificate on this but it was his call. For those of you who think he overreacted, just remember you do not have all of the facts to make the call that he had to make! There is more to this than we know as Airlines dont make these decisions lightly

Having been on a flight to Japan and having to land in a Typhoon, let me tell ya I dont envy the bloke up the front!

Good on em!

[Guest Elvis Brown]

But what has landing a plane in extreme weather conditions got to do with someone developing a case of the screaming lala’s after finding a sick bag with Bob written on it?

I't didn't say BoMb...or "BoMb on Board, Jihad, Jihad death to all westerners" or some such it just said "Bob"

[Mondie]

I think some one seriously over reacted here. There’s an article in the Age which outlines a more likely explanation

l agree Elvis, l think it was a gross overreaction.

Common sense has to prevail surely.

l have heard of the acronym BOB before and of course the pilot would have to be in on that joke.

[Buf-Phoon]

I think some one seriously over reacted here. There’s an article in the Age which outlines a more likely explanation

l agree Elvis, l think it was a gross overreaction.

Common sense has to prevail surely.

l have heard of the acronym BOB before and of course the pilot would have to be in on that joke.

Clearly there is more to this story than we are being told.

[DallasQLD]

How can anyone say here with any conviction that it was an over reaction? They made the call it cost em plenty..........non of you were up there helping to make the decision!

Do you really think they over reacted or might you conisder that we are being told about BOB - they is most likey something else.

I just rang my 747 pilot mate and he is of the same view. They dont make these calls lightly...........

He is sure there is more to it for sure.

Would you prefer to be Reading -

"Jumbo crashes of coast and kills 242 people..........."

I have heard no passenger whingin about the abort!

The point I made about the rough landing in Japan is that they have to make tough calls and maybe we should respect their decision.

It was hardly an over reaction if they knew something we all don't. None of us were there so we can hardly judge.........