Former Flight Attendant Charged for Impersonating Pilot, Obtaining Free Flights
A former flight attendant has been charged with impersonating a pilot while exploiting a loophole to secure free flights on several U.S. airlines. Dallas Pokornik, aged 33 and from Toronto, was apprehended in Panama after being indicted for wire fraud by federal authorities in Hawaii last October.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Pokornik has pleaded not guilty to the allegations following his extradition. If found guilty, he could face a significant penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Additional supervised release terms may also apply, according to the Justice Department.
Details of the Scheme
From 2017 to 2019, Pokornik worked as a flight attendant for a Toronto-based airline. He allegedly used fraudulent employee identification from this airline to gain access to tickets explicitly reserved for pilots and flight attendants on three different U.S. airlines.
- Airlines involved: Bases in Honolulu, Chicago, and Fort Worth.
- Types of tickets: Reserved for crew members, including the “jump seat” in the cockpit.
U.S. prosecutors noted that Pokornik even attempted to occupy the jump seat, typically designated for off-duty pilots. However, it remains unclear if he was successful in actually sitting in the cockpit during flights.
Background Information
The fraudulent activities lasted four years, but specifics surrounding the airlines involved were not disclosed in the indictment. Representatives from Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines were contacted but did not provide immediate comments regarding the case. Air Canada also did not respond to inquiries.
Comparison to Notorious Cases
The situation bears resemblance to the story depicted in the film “Catch Me If You Can,” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale, who similarly posed as a pilot to defraud airlines and acquire free flights. This demonstrates how impersonation within the airline industry can raise significant concerns about security and safety.
As the legal proceedings continue, a U.S. magistrate judge has ordered Pokornik to remain in custody. His federal defender has chosen not to comment on the case, leaving many details still under wraps as the situation unfolds.
