Home / Arts and Entertainment / Star Passenger Befriends Strangers During Flight Delay
Star Passenger Befriends Strangers During Flight Delay
2 Oct
Summary
- Actor Owen Thiele met Andrew Garfield on a diverted flight.
- Passengers formed friendships during a 10-hour delay in Albuquerque.
- The group stayed in touch via a group chat called 'I Love Albuquerque'.
On October 2, 2026, actor Owen Thiele shared a unique travel experience on The Jennifer Hudson Show. His flight from Los Angeles to New York City on September 9, 2026, diverted to Albuquerque, New Mexico, because of a smoky odor. Thiele found himself seated next to actor Andrew Garfield, initially mistaking the commotion for celebrity adoration.
The diversion led to a significant 10-hour delay, during which Thiele documented the events humorously on social media. He also connected with other passengers, including singer Mark Ambor and Love Island USA's Dylan Wrona. Initially considering writing a movie with Garfield, Thiele instead formed a friend group of nine individuals.
To pass the time, the new acquaintances shared drinks and visited a Dave & Buster's. Since all establishments were closed at 2 a.m., they resorted to ordering P.F. Chang's via Uber Eats to the airport. Thiele confirmed that he still maintains contact with these newfound friends through a group chat they affectionately named 'I Love Albuquerque'.
Jennifer Hudson surprised Thiele by bringing five of his new friends onstage. To commemorate the eventful flight and their shared experience, Hudson gifted the group matching T-shirts that read 'I ♥️ Albuquerque & J Hud'.
