[legitster]

If the terrorists goal is to create maximum fear and confusion, why not?

The staff's primary concern probably was not an actual bomb, but a prankster intentionally trying to create panic with elderly and technically illiterate.

[input_sh]

I'm sure whichever fictional panic you've imagined would've been far more serious than the one caused by this absolute overreaction.

[zamadatix]

Maximum fear and confusion by stirring up the elderly on the plane? I'm sure more of that was accomplished by announcing it and then needing to turn the plane around.