Raccoon Crashes Through Ceiling Near Spirit Airlines Gate at LaGuardia Airport [Video]

A wild raccoon caused quite the stir at LaGuardia Airport earlier this month when it unexpectedly dropped from the ceiling next to a Spirit Airlines gate.

Around 8 a.m. on November 4th,  the furry intruder tumbled from a crack in the ceiling, dangling from a wire before crashing to the floor—right in front of startled passengers. In a viral video shared by traveler Rowan Danaher, you can hear screams and gasps as the raccoon lands behind a suitcase, prompting one onlooker to joke, “I guess they let anyone fly Spirit.”

The incident took place in the Marine Air Terminal, the oldest part of the airport, which has faced structural issues in the past. The Port Authority completed a major renovation of LaGuardia Airport in 2023. However, this revamp didn’t include the historic Marine Air Terminal.  This small, landmarked terminal, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has just six departure gates currently used by budget airlines Spirit and Frontier. Its compact size allows passengers to breeze through security quickly, maintaining its vintage charm amidst LaGuardia’s modern makeover.

Fortunately, no one was injured, and the raccoon was safely captured and released outside. The Port Authority and Spirit Airlines worked quickly to address the situation, bringing in wildlife control experts to inspect the area and prevent future surprises.

While raccoons are common in New York City, they can carry diseases like rabies, so it’s recommended to keep a safe distance from any that might wander into unexpected places.