Prosecutors Charge Canadian Man for Impersonating Pilot to Secure Free Flights
Federal prosecutors have accused a Canadian man, Dallas Pokornik, of impersonating a pilot to travel for free. This scheme involved pretending to be a pilot and a flight attendant, allowing him to secure numerous trips without payment. The charges, filed in Hawaii, allege that Pokornik utilized a fake identification badge to defraud three airlines.
Details of the Allegations
Pokornik, aged 33, had previously worked as a flight attendant for an airline based in Toronto from 2017 to 2019. However, he never held a position as a pilot. The indictment states that he misrepresented himself to obtain free airline tickets from three specific carriers, which include:
- One airline based in Honolulu
- One airline based in Chicago
- One airline based in Fort Worth
By presenting a fake employee badge, Pokornik claimed eligibility for complimentary flights intended for legitimate airline personnel. Many airlines extend such benefits to pilots and staff when seats are available.
Background and Arrest
Pokornik was apprehended in Panama on January 15 and later extradited to the United States. During his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Following this, a judge ordered his detention pending further proceedings.
Flight Requests and Legal Consequences
Prosecutors revealed that Pokornik occasionally sought the “jump seat” in the cockpit, which is typically reserved for off-duty pilots or trainees. Although it remains unclear how many flights he completed, the indictment noted two counts of wire fraud linked to tickets issued in Hawaii in 2024.
If convicted, Pokornik may face a prison sentence of up to 20 years, a fine reaching $250,000, and terms of supervised release. The prosecution indicated that his fraudulent claim for free air travel spanned over four years, with the indictment suggesting the scheme had commenced by January 2024.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Hawaii has not provided additional comments regarding the case at this time.
