Baggage handler locked in flight's cargo hold from Charlotte to Virginia

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A baggage handler spent a flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, to northern Virginia locked inside the plane’s cargo hold Sunday afternoon.

At some point during United Express Flight 6060, authorities learned a person was locked in the baggage compartment while on their way to Washington Dulles International Airport. 

Statement from United Express: 

"United Express flight 6060 operated by Mesa Airlines from Charlotte Douglas to Washington-Dulles (IAD) landed safely at IAD yesterday.

Once at the gate, an employee of the airline's ground handling vendor was found unharmed in the aircraft's cargo hold. We are looking into what happened."

Statement from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport: 

"United Airlines is currently conducting an investigation into an incident involving a baggage handler found in the cargo hold of an aircraft Sunday. The flight departed Charlotte Douglas International Airport and landed at Washington Dulles International Airport.

The baggage handler involved is not an Aviation Department employee. According to our information, he was wearing an Airport issued ID badge, and no Airport security rules were violated.

We are relieved that the employee was not injured. The safety of everyone at the Airport is a top priority for CLT.

The Airport will continue to monitor the investigation. If you have further questions, please direct them to United Airlines. "

Statement from G2 Secure Staff: 

"First and foremost, the safety of our customers and employees is G2 Secure Staff’s number one priority. 

To date, the results of the investigation regarding United Express flight 6060, operated by Mesa Airlines from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport indicate that the employee who traveled in the cargo bin did so on accident. G2 fully cooperated with airport authorities and agencies during their investigation.

Upon arrival at Washington Dulles, the authorized employee was found in good health and properly credentialed."