United passenger claims 'hijacking' text which forced plane's U-turn was 'just banter'

United passenger claims 'hijacking' text which forced plane's U-turn was 'just banter' Dante Milne's text message has been revealed after he was arrested on suspicion of making threats or conveying false information concerning acts of terrorism once a flight attendant noticed him sending messages referring to taking control of the plane A United Airlines passenger has spoken out after being accused of causing a plane to U-turn mid-air because of an alleged hijacking threat. The passenger told police he was drunk and joking around with a friend in another seat, according to reports. The New York Post has reported that Dante Milne, 25, a trainee welder, was arrested on Saturday for allegedly sending a text, saying, “I’m gonna hijack this b**** and crash ur row only”. The alleged message was sent while aboard the United Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Newark, according to a criminal complaint reported by the American publication. Following his arrest, the New Jersey-native told investigators he had downed a beer and some shots of booze at the airport bar, reports continue. Citing Mr Milne's arrest report, news outlet Fox 5 said that the passenger then fell asleep on the flight only to discover after he awoke that the plane was heading back to Vegas just minutes after taking off. Initially, Mr Milne said he texted someone on the flight but said he didn’t remember what the messages were about. But when he was specifically asked about the hijack comment, he claimed it was poorly worded “banter between coworkers,” the arrest file is reported to have said. Mr Milne claimed he never meant to hijack the plane and said he was sorry for how the situation unfolded. Mr Milne had been on his way home after a three-day trip in Las Vegas for a work apprenticeship training program for underwater welding, he told detectives. A flight attendant noticed a passenger sending messages referring to taking control of the plane and quickly alerted the pilot. United Flight 1681 was carrying 150 passengers and six crew members from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The flight returned to Las Vegas after the texts were spotted. The pilot told an air traffic controller shortly after the plane took off: “The flight attendant saw him texting that he was going to hijack the aircraft. They called me. We went into lockdown, and we returned to Vegas,” according to CBS News. The pilot added that the passengers showed "no restraint" because "he's unaware". The Federal Aviation Administration said: “United Airlines Flight 1681 returned safely to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas around 11:05 p.m. local time on Saturday, Oct. 24, after the crew reported a passenger disturbance. The flight was headed to Newark Liberty International Airport. The FAA will investigate. Contact the airline and local authorities for more information." All passengers were removed from the flight after it landed back in Las Vegas, and the plane underwent a comprehensive inspection, authorities said. Mr Milne was arrested on suspicion of making threats or conveying false information concerning acts of terrorism, according to PEOPLE. Passengers flew the following day after being given an alternative flight. United Airlines said: "United flight 1681 from Las Vegas to Newark on Saturday, Oct. 24, safely returned to Las Vegas to address a potential security concern. The flight was delayed overnight due to crew timeout, and departed for Newark on Sunday morning. "