Ex-Flight Attendant Charged with Defrauding Airlines for Free Flights
A former flight attendant is facing serious legal consequences for allegedly defrauding several U.S. airlines for free flights. Dallas Pokornik, 33, from Toronto, has been indicted on wire fraud charges. The indictment, which was issued in federal court in Hawaii in October 2022, claims Pokornik posed as a pilot and used fraudulent access to obtain hundreds of tickets over four years.
Details of the Allegations
Federal authorities state that Pokornik worked as a flight attendant for a Toronto-based airline until 2019. After that, he reportedly used fake employee identification to access tickets intended for flight crews at three different U.S. airlines. These airlines are identified as being based in Honolulu, Chicago, and Fort Worth, Texas.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, it remains unclear how airlines were unable to detect the fraudulent credentials. John Cox, a retired pilot and aviation safety expert, noted that airlines typically verify the employment of crew members through databases of active employees. He remarked, “The only thing I can think is that they did not show him as no longer employed by the airline,” suggesting inadequate checks at the gates.
Airline Response
The involved airlines have remained tight-lipped about the case. Hawaiian Airlines stated it does not comment on litigation. Representatives from United Airlines and American Airlines did not respond immediately to inquiries. Porter Airlines and Air Canada have both indicated they have no records of Pokornik’s employment with them.
The Fraudulent Scheme
- Pokornik’s use of fraudulent employee identification
- Secured free or discounted seats designed for crew members
- Jump seats typically reserved for pilots
Airlines often offer free or discounted travel options for crew members, which benefits the industry by ensuring that personnel can reach work locations easily. However, using the “known crew member” process for personal leisure travel is not permitted. Crew members are supposed to undergo standard security checks and present appropriate identification.
Potential Legal Consequences
Pokornik, who was arrested in Panama, pleaded not guilty following his extradition to the U.S. A federal public defender has not provided any comment on the case as it progresses through the legal system. If convicted, Pokornik could face significant penalties, marking a serious consequence for a fraudulent scheme that has baffled industry experts.
Historical Context of Airline Fraud
Cases like Pokornik’s bring to mind the infamous story of Frank Abagnale, who, decades ago, posed as an airline pilot to travel for free. His story, dramatized in the film “Catch Me If You Can,” exemplifies the risks and vulnerabilities present in airline employee travel protocols.
In the wake of 9/11, stricter regulations were implemented regarding who can access airplanes and cockpits. These measures aim to enhance safety and prevent fraud, but instances like Pokornik’s highlight the continuing challenges faced by the airline industry in combating fraudulent activities.
