In September 2025, a rumor began to spread that Delta Air Lines flight 694 on May 26, 2025, had made an emergency landing in order to help a sick dog on board.
For example, Facebook user Karen Miller posted the story, including a photograph of a dog on a plane that bore the caption, "A flight was delayed but humanity took off":
The post had gained 131,000 reactions and 17,000 reshares as of this writing. The claim further spread on X and LinkedIn, using the same text.
At first, the post arose suspicion due to its characteristic AI-generated style. Indeed, two AI detectors determined the text had been generated by artificial intelligence, at least in part. Further, the Facebook profile image and display image for Karen Miller looked AI generated as well, showing overly smooth features and odd, artificial lighting:
(Facebook user Karen Miller)
However, further research revealed that the story was true, though some details were left unconfirmed. Several news report, including in the Los Angeles Time and Newsweek, reported on the story when it happened. In addition, a spokesperson for Delta confirmed that the incident had indeed happened. "The safety of our customers and people comes before everything else at Delta," the company said in an emailed statement. "That's why Delta flight 694 diverted to MSP [the airport code for the Minneapolis airport] to ensure a cabin pet that became ill received proper care."
The Delta spokesperson explained that on May 26, 2025, flight 694, which had left from Detroit, Michigan, for Los Angeles, California, made an emergency landing in Minneapolis about an hour after departure. The reason was because a dog had suddenly fallen ill. While a passenger who was a veterinarian stepped in to provide emergency care, the pilot made the decision to stop in Minneapolis so the dog and its owner could deplane.
In Minneapolis, a medical team was awaiting the dog and provided care.
Later, the pilot reportedly made an announcement letting the passengers and crew in the cabin that the dog was expected to survive.
The event resulted in a 2 1/2-hour delay for the 181 passengers and six crew members of the flight, the LA Times said.