Man Boards Delta Flight With Fake Ticket. But, How?

How is it possible for someone to board a Delta flight with a fake ticket? It may seem like something out of a movie, but a recent incident has brought this alarming security breach to light. The recent case of a man boarding a Delta flight with a fake ticket definitely shows that even top-notch technology and security nowadays can make mistakes. But, how did this situation even happen?

How Did This Man Board a Delta Flight With a Fake Ticket?

A Texas man named Wicliff Yves Fleurizard was arrested for boarding a Delta Air Lines flight in Salt Lake City without a ticket. He allegedly used a photo he took of another passenger’s boarding pass while they weren’t looking. Fleurizard, 26, is facing one count of stowing away on a vessel or aircraft, as per court documents filed in U.S. district court in Utah.

Before boarding the flight at Salt Lake City International Airport, security footage reportedly captured Fleurizard taking photos of multiple passengers’ phones and boarding passes while they were unaware. He then allegedly used his own phone to board the flight to Austin, Texas. After boarding, Fleurizard spent a considerable amount of time in the lavatory at the front of the aircraft. This was while other passengers were boarding, according to the complaint.

How Did They Catch Him?

After the boarding process was finished and just before the aircraft doors were closed, Fleurizard exited the front lavatory. He proceeded to the back of the aircraft, and entered the rear lavatory, as stated in the complaint. As the plane was already taxiing down the runway, a flight attendant approached Fleurizard after noticing there were no vacant seats. Fleurizard claimed his seat was 21F. However, the attendant confirmed that the rightful ticket holder for that seat was already seated there, according to the complaint.

After flight attendants discovered Fleurizard didn’t have a ticket or booking reservation and obtained his actual name, the plane returned to the gate. After that, law enforcement met him there, as per the complaint. Fleurizard informed the police that he had been in Park City, Utah, for a snowboarding trip. He needed to return home to see his family. He stated that he was originally booked on a Southwest Airlines flight earlier that day but was rescheduled due to overbooking, according to the complaint.

What Happened Next?

Fleurizard admitted to making a mistake and claimed he was simply trying to get home, according to the complaint. He is currently held at Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a federal detainer. This was reported by the police to CNN. It’s unclear whether Fleurizard has legal representation. Delta Air Lines spokesperson Morgan Durrant stated that the airline is cooperating with the investigation. They are deferring further questions to law enforcement.

Do you think the arrest was necessary?

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