Flight returns to airport after passenger refuses to turn off e-cigarette

PORTLAND – A flight out of the Portland International Airport returned to the terminal Tuesday, after the flight staff had a problem with a passenger, Portland's KGW reports.

The passenger refused to turn off an electronic cigarette when asked by airline staff, according to Port of Portland spokesman Steve Johnson. Then, the pilot decided to return to Portland and the passenger was escorted off the plane.

Johnson said the passenger was being questioned by Port of Portland police.

Continental Airlines also issued this official statement Tuesday: "Continental Flight 1118, Portland to Houston, returned to Portland when a passenger refused to obey the 'No Smoking' sign. The flight landed safely, without incident at approximately 1:15 p.m. local and was met by local law enforcement. The passenger and traveling companion were taken off the plane. The flight resumed and departed Portland at approximately 2:05 p.m. local"

Continental Flight 1118 was headed to Houston.

The passenger could face a federal charge in Portland, according to FBI spokeswoman Beth Anne Steel.

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E-cigarettes, which heat a liquid nicotine solution, are not specifically prohibited by the Transportation Safety Administration, like tobacco cigarettes, but they are banned by Continental Airlines.

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This story originally appeared on KGW.com.

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