Pilot Cancels Flight to Hawaii with Chilling Words: “I’m Not Really Feeling It”
An American Airlines pilot canceled a Hawaii-bound flight in April 2024 due to a gut feeling about engine and fuel system issues, earning applause for prioritizing safety. The viral incident, amplified by a TikTok video, highlights the critical role of pilot discretion on high-risk trans-Pacific routes.
In April 2024, an American Airlines pilot made headlines by cancelling a Los Angeles-to-Honolulu flight on an Airbus A321neo, citing a gut feeling about the aircraft’s safety. The decision, captured in a viral TikTok video by user @johnnyjet with over 2 million views, showed the captain addressing passengers after earlier delays due to engine issues. Despite maintenance clearing the plane, he expressed discomfort with the second engine’s oil pressure “trending upwards” and a fuel system filter needing replacement post-flight. “They said the plane is good to go, but I’m not really feeling it,” he announced. “I’m not going to leave the ground if I’m not completely certain that we have an airworthy aircraft.” He apologized for the inconvenience, noting, “I don’t know if we have another airplane here at the airport, I hate to do this to you, but this is one of those tough calls that I have to make.”
Passengers applauded, appreciating his transparency, and social media echoed the sentiment. One TikTok user commented, “If my pilot says ‘I’m not really feeling it,’ I’m big on gut intuition, he probably prevented a disaster.” Another wrote, “I’d rather hear ‘I’m not leaving the ground’ than ‘brace for impact into the ocean.’” The flight, a five-hour trans-Pacific route with no diversion options, underscored the high stakes of the captain’s caution. Aviation expert Captain Avi Cohen explained, “Over water, even minor issues like a clogged fuel filter can escalate. He made the right call.”
The incident contrasts with another case where an easyJet pilot delayed a Lisbon-to-Manchester flight to secure better crew meals, highlighting varied decision-making. The American Airlines pilot’s choice aligns with aviation’s core principle: the captain’s authority is absolute. Social media on X praised the move, with one user stating, “This pilot’s honesty saved lives, trust beats a checklist.” The event, resurfacing in August 2025, reminds travelers that safety hinges on human judgment, especially on isolated routes like Hawaii.