United pilot arrested for drinking before flight to Chicago

A United Airlines pilot about to fly 124 passengers to Chicago was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport Monday on charges that he was drunk.

The pilot was arrested by London Metropolitan Police after he failed a breathalyzer test. He was released on bond.

Airline spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said United Flight 949 was scheduled to depart London at 12:05 p.m. Monday London time for O'Hare. It was carrying

124 passengers and 11 crew members.

The passengers, who already were aboard, were put on other flights to Chicago, McCarthy said.

United issued a statement saying: "Safety is our highest priority and the pilot has been removed from service while we are cooperating with authorities and conducting a full investigation. United's alcohol policy is among the strictest in the industry and we have no tolerance for violation of this well-established policy." British media reported the pilot's age as 51.