Ex-Flight Attendant Impersonated Pilot, Gained Hundreds of Free Flights: U.S. Authorities
A former flight attendant engaged in an elaborate scheme, impersonating pilots and flight attendants to secure free flights. Dallas Pokornik, 33, from Toronto, was arrested in Panama after U.S. authorities indicted him on wire fraud charges.
Pozkornik’s Fraudulent Activities
Pokornik’s actions spanned four years, from 2017 to 2019, during which he worked for a Toronto-based airline. After his tenure, he utilized fraudulent employee identification to acquire tickets meant for pilots and crew on other airlines. His request to occupy the cockpit’s “jump seat” was particularly notable, as this area is designated for off-duty pilots.
Legal Proceedings
Following his extradition, Pokornik pleaded not guilty to the charges in a federal court in Hawaii. A U.S. magistrate judge has since ordered him to remain in custody as the case unfolds. The indictment does not mention the specific airlines involved, simply noting their bases in Honolulu, Chicago, and Fort Worth, Texas.
Airline Responses
Representatives from Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines, which are headquartered in the cited cities, have not yet responded to inquiries regarding this matter. Similarly, Air Canada, based in Toronto, has also not commented on Pokornik’s actions.
The fraudulent scheme has drawn comparisons to the classic film “Catch Me If You Can,” which features Leonardo DiCaprio portraying Frank Abagnale, who similarly deceived airlines to fly for free.
Background Context
This incident occurred in a year where airline safety incidents have garnered significant media attention. One such event involved an off-duty pilot aboard a Horizon Air flight attempting to disable engines mid-flight, indicative of a broader issue within the aviation community.
- Name: Dallas Pokornik
- Age: 33
- Location: Toronto, Canada
- Charges: Wire fraud
- Airlines Involved: Not specified; based in Honolulu, Chicago, and Fort Worth
- Legal Status: Pleaded not guilty; remains in custody
- Comparison: Resembles “Catch Me If You Can” plot
