There was a sting in the tale of a flight from Los Angeles - a scorpion bit a woman passenger on the hand.

Alaska Airlines Flight 567 was taxiing on the runway when the passenger was stung, airline spokesman Cole Cosgrove said.

The plane returned to the gate and the woman was checked by medics. She refused additional treatment, but did not get back on the plane.

The woman killed the scorpion by stamping on it and flight attendants checked overhead compartments for any additional unwanted arachnids, Mr Cosgrove said. The flight eventually took off for Portland, Oregon, about an hour late.

It was not clear how the scorpion got on the plane, but the flight originated in Los Cabos, Mexico, where scorpions are common, he said.