A routine transatlantic flight turned into an unexpected security and conduct incident when three passengers, including a man and his wife, were escorted off a United Airlines flight before takeoff.

According to a passenger who says they witnessed the incident on board United Airlines Flight UA121 from Barcelona (BCN) to Newark (EWR) on July 7, a man seated in Economy Plus was openly viewing and exchanging explicit messages and images on his phone during boarding. Nearby passengers, including families with young children, reportedly noticed the activity and alerted the cabin crew.

A flight attendant calmly approached the passenger after boarding was complete and informed him that he had been reported for viewing inappropriate content. The witness claims the man denied the allegation before attempting to delete messages from his phone while still seated.

Shortly afterward, the captain announced a delay, telling passengers that someone had missed the flight and their baggage needed to be removed. Around 30 minutes later, police boarded the aircraft in Barcelona and escorted the man, his wife, and another woman traveling on the same reservation off the plane without any confrontation.

Flight tracking data shows UA121 departed nearly two hours late and arrived in Newark more than an hour behind schedule. The witness also claimed the pilot later apologized to passengers, admitting the earlier explanation for the delay was given to protect the privacy of the situation.

United Airlines has not publicly commented on the reported incident. However, the airline’s Contract of Carriage allows passengers to be removed for conduct considered indecent, lewd, sexual in nature, or for viewing offensive content onboard.