Odd that I was thinking about this week old story today. Actually, I was thinking what would have happened on an American airliner in this day and age.

All things considered, it brought a smile then a bit of a laugh.

To be sure, my opinion is that the Icelandair crew handled the situation along with however many passengers beautifully.

So what might have happened on an American airliner...???

Well (pure speculation, mind you) but in this day and age:

1. The captain would have called the JFK tower,  if in range, or the closest one, but if not, then additionally the TSA, the FBI, the CIA (international incident).
2. Then he would have instructed the first officer to go back and supervise.
3. The plane would have diverted probably to the closest airfield… maybe Torbay where everyone on the plane would be inconvenienced and miss their connections.
4. Notified the Newfoundland police, sheriff and maybe even the Mounties if near Canada.
5. They would have been instructed to read this person his rights and the charges.
6. The TSA would have checked their NO FLY lists, asked to check the bottle for residue and see if he was carrying matches or a lighter.
7. Fill out an in-flight incident report  IN-FLIGHT, in 9 copies to distribute to the appropriate agencies when those were known.
8. Hold one copy in case more copies were needed.

Amazing what a little duct tape, strapping tape  and thinking people can do.

Very good Icelandair crew.

Bob Murray, Garðarbaer, Iceland