Stench that diverted San Francisco flight came from 'someone or something in the cabin'

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An American Airlines plane taxis near a group of planes from Alaska Airlines, Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle. The modernization of the U.S. air traffic control system, one of the government's most ambitious and complex technology programs, is in trouble. The Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen, was sold to Congress and the public by the Federal Aviation Administration a decade ago as a way to accommodate an anticipated surge in air travel, reduce fuel consumption and improve safety and efficiency. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

By Eric Ting, SF Gate

The strong odor that forced a flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to divert to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Sunday came from "someone or something in the cabin," according to the airline.

Alaska Airlines told SFGATE on Sunday that a "strong odor was detected onboard during the flight in the aft cabin," and that the airline was investigating the cause of the odor.

[post_ads]Investigators concluded that the odor did not come from a problem with the aircraft, but instead from a passenger or their belongings.

"After a maintenance inspection of [the plane], it was determined the odor was not caused by the aircraft," a spokesperson for Alaska Airlines said on Tuesday. "The cause of the odor is believed to have emanated from someone or something in the cabin. The aircraft is back in service."

The plane was originally headed to New Orleans, and landed safely in Los Angeles around noon on Sunday. No emergency was declared by the crew.

A spokesperson for LAX said there were 136 people on the flight, and Alaska Airlines said the passengers were rebooked on continuing flights to New Orleans.

In June, a passenger on a flight from Spain to the Netherlands gave off an odor that was so overwhelming it induced fellow travelers to vomit in their seats. The smell also forced the pilot to make an emergency landing.

The man suffered from tissue necrosis, and eventually died from the condition.