A Southwest Airlines pilot, identified as Allsop, was removed from the cockpit after airport police detected the smell of alcohol as he prepared for Flight 3772.

The flight, initially scheduled to depart Savannah at 6:15 a.m., was delayed and eventually left at approximately 11:05 a.m.

In response to the incident, Southwest Airlines expressed its commitment to safety, apologizing for the disruption and accommodating affected customers on other flights.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations prohibit pilots from consuming alcohol within eight hours of flying or having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater.

Authorities reported that they could smell alcohol upon entering the cockpit, although no specific blood alcohol content was disclosed.

Allsop, who has held a commercial pilot's license since 2008, has previously been charged with DUI, though details about the substance involved remain unspecified.

Having been with Southwest Airlines for over 19 years, Allsop previously served in the U.S. Air Force before becoming a pilot.

The incident underscores ongoing challenges regarding alcohol testing in aviation, with recent data revealing that eight pilots out of over 17,600 tested exceeded the legal alcohol limit in 2023.

Allsop has been relieved of his duties by Southwest Airlines and has been released on bond, with no arraignment date set yet.

Passengers were initially told to exit the plane due to 'paperwork issues,' a statement that many, including a passenger named Newmarch, found suspicious.

This incident reflects a concerning trend in aviation safety, as it follows previous cases of pilots being arrested for being under the influence before flights.

The TSA has emphasized the importance of passenger vigilance and collaboration with local law enforcement to maintain airport safety.