The incident occurred shortly after takeoff, as Flight 1496 faced potential collision with another aircraft, leading the pilot to change course rapidly. Passengers felt the intense turbulence as the plane plummeted, with reports of screaming onboard. Jimmy Dore, a stand-up comedian present during the event, shared on social media that the crew's swift actions were necessary for safety. This incident garnered immediate scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is now investigating the occurrence, emphasizing the priority of airspace safety.

The plane's flight path was nearly intersected by a private jet, further complicating matters. Fortunately, the aircraft continued safely to its destination in Las Vegas, where it landed appropriately. Southwest Airlines expressed gratitude for the crew's professionalism as investigations continue to determine specifics surrounding the incident. This close-call incident follows a recent similar occurrence involving a Delta flight, highlighting ongoing concerns about aviation safety in crowded airspaces.