United Airlines' 'time travel' New Year's stunt flops due to flight delay – passengers miss double celebration
New Year's Day is a time of excitement for many. Some are so thrilled that they wish to experience it twice, which is made possible by certain flights. These flights have become increasingly popular; they take off on January 1, before the International Date Line in the Pacific, and land in places where it is still December 31.
The aim was to travel back in time
Airlines like United Airlines offered this type of flight, promising an opportunity to travel back in time. The planned schedule indicated that the flight would take off from Guam in Micronesia on January 1, 2024, at 7:35 AM, and land in Honolulu, Hawaii, on December 31, 2023, at 6:50 PM (Eastern Time: 2:50 AM, January 1, 2024). This would allow passengers to rewind time and welcome 2024 twice.
The airline heavily promoted this New Year's Eve flight across the date line well ahead of time. However, their promises of a unique experience fell flat when the flight was delayed, so passengers did not get to celebrate New Year's Eve twice as planned.
Frustration and disappointment instead of double celebration
The flight eventually took off from Guam on January 1, but only at 1:49 PM local time. Consequently, it arrived in Hawaii on the day it left, landing in Honolulu on January 1, just half an hour after midnight (Eastern Time: 8:30 AM, January 1).
Passengers anticipating a double celebration to kick off the year didn't hide their disappointment. "Great idea, but too bad the flight was delayed! I was supposed to be on that plane. The double New Year's Eve isn't happening," - one user wrote in a comment under United Airlines' post on platform "X". "We're sorry that your flight was delayed. If you need help with changing your reservation, please send us a message," the airline responded. However, the airline didn't address compensation for the disrupted passengers.
