Fake Pilot Boldly Secures Free Tickets...Real-Life 'Catch Me If You Can'

Exploiting Airline Crew Discount System... Security Flaws Revealed
U.S. Federal Prosecutors: "Up to 20 Years in Prison Possible"

A former Canadian flight attendant has been revealed to have impersonated a pilot, deceiving major U.S. airlines and acquiring hundreds of free flight tickets. The case has drawn attention for its resemblance to the movie 'Catch Me If You Can.'

On January 22 (local time), the Associated Press and other media outlets reported that Dallas Pokornik, a 33-year-old from Toronto, Canada, was indicted on wire fraud charges in a federal court in Hawaii last October. Prosecutors stated that over a four-year period, Pokornik deceived three U.S. airlines to obtain tickets reserved for pilots and crew members.

According to court documents, he worked as a flight attendant for a Toronto-based airline from 2017 to 2019. Afterward, he forged his identification from that airline and used it to purchase pilot or crew member tickets from other airlines. U.S. airlines operate a system that offers discounted tickets to their own and other airlines' crew members, and Pokornik exploited this system.

A scene from the movie "Catch Me If You Can." IMDb

In an interview with the Associated Press, a retired pilot said, "There are ways to cross-check the employment status of crew members attempting to fly with another airline," adding, "Considering this, it is a truly astonishing case." The three airlines from which Pokornik is known to have obtained tickets are reportedly based in Honolulu, Chicago, and Fort Worth, Texas, respectively.

Prosecutors confirmed that Pokornik had requested a pilot's jump seat (an auxiliary seat for off-duty pilots) even for leisure flights. Under federal regulations, the jump seat is prohibited for use except for emergency duty purposes. However, the documents do not indicate whether he actually occupied the auxiliary seat.

When the Associated Press contacted Air Canada and Porter Airlines, both based in Toronto, to verify Pokornik's employment history, Air Canada stated, "There is no record of his employment," while Porter Airlines responded, "We cannot confirm any related information."

If convicted, Pokornik faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Meanwhile, 'Catch Me If You Can' is a film based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., who, as a teenager, impersonated a pilot and committed numerous acts of fraud, including taking dozens of free flights. The film was directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.