(Q) A Good “$64,000 Question?” (A) NOTHING much would’ve happened if the US OPS dummies at UAL would’ve called their destination station who inturn could have explained the situation to customs and the destination US Embassy/Consulate. Maybe a fine, and maybe not? UAL could always take the custom’s fine out of the captains pay, Easy-Peasy, since we captains make so much money (per/minute!) we would not even miss it. This was an outrageous issue of flight safety on UAL! How stupid is it to RTB your international plane, full of 100’s of passengers, to get back into a crowed ATC flow when you’re already on your way over the pond. The pilot union should have raised this formally as a safety complaint to the FAA and UAL leadership. Also, UAL to apologize to the employees for unnecessary costs to them and the company, and to apologize to shareholders for this stupid PR debacle and the unbelievable disruption of their so-called “valued customers.” If I were a businessman or a vacationer, I would demand and/or sue UAL to pay for all associated cost of something this dumb. The lawyers would be salivating. And, as a shareholder I would demand that more than one head should roll in UAL leadership.“Stupid Is As Stupid Does” Forrest Gump.