Man apprehended for illicitly boarding Delta flight by using a photo of fellow passenger's ticket
In a recent incident at Salt Lake City, a Texas man was apprehended for unlawfully boarding a Delta Air Lines flight by utilizing a photo he captured of another passenger’s boarding pass without their knowledge, as per court records.
A man from Texas was taken into custody for getting on a Delta Air Lines flight in Salt Lake City on Sunday without a ticket. He reportedly used a photo he snapped of another passenger's boarding pass while they were unaware, as stated in court documents.
Wicliff Yves Fleurizard, who is 26 years old, has been charged with stowing away on a vessel or aircraft. This information comes from a complaint that was submitted in U.S. district court in Utah on Monday.
Security footage at Salt Lake City International Airport captured Fleurizard taking photos of passengers' phones and boarding passes without their knowledge. He then used his own phone to board the flight to Austin, Texas, according to the complaint.
After boarding the plane, Fleurizard made his way to the front lavatory and spent a considerable amount of time inside while other passengers were still boarding, the complaint stated.
"After all passengers had boarded and the aircraft doors were about to be closed, Fleurizard left the front lavatory. He then walked to the back of the aircraft and went into the rear lavatory," according to the complaint.
2K1FDB1 A closeup of Delta Airlines Boeing 767-332(ER) departing at Edinburgh Airport, Scotland
2K1FDB1 A closeup of Delta Airlines Boeing 767-332(ER) departing at Edinburgh Airport, Scotland
Wirestock, Inc./Alamy Stock Photo
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When he left the bathroom, a flight attendant saw that there were no empty seats. The flight attendant went up to Fleurizard to help him. The complaint mentioned that the plane had already left the gate and was moving down the runway.
Fleurizard mentioned that his seat was 21F. However, the flight attendant checked and found out that someone else had already taken that seat.
Flight attendants discovered that Fleurizard did not have a ticket or booking reservation under his actual name. As a result, the plane returned to the gate where he was met by law enforcement.
Fleurizard explained to the police that he had been in Park City, Utah for a snowboarding trip and urgently needed to get home to see his family. He mentioned that he was originally scheduled on a Southwest Airlines flight earlier on Sunday, but due to overbooking, he was rescheduled for a later flight.
“Fleurizard admitted he had made a mistake and was only trying to get home,” the complaint said.
He is being held at Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a federal detainer, police told CNN.
CNN has been unable to determine whether Fleurizard has an attorney.
Delta Air Lines spokesperson Morgan Durrant said the airline is cooperating with the investigation.
Delta is working with law enforcement and relevant federal agencies on an investigation involving a non-ticketed individual being removed from an aircraft in Salt Lake City before a scheduled departure. Any further inquiries should be directed to law enforcement.
This report includes contributions from CNN’s Amanda Jackson and Jamiel Lynch.
Editor's P/S:
This incident highlights the concerning trend of individuals attempting to stow away on flights without valid tickets. Fleurizard's actions not only pose a security risk but also disrupt the travel plans of law-abiding passengers. Authorities must prioritize thorough screening measures to prevent such unauthorized entries, ensuring the safety and integrity of commercial air travel.
Furthermore, the case underscores the importance of responsible boarding procedures by both passengers and airline personnel. Passengers should ensure their boarding passes are securely concealed, while airline staff should diligently verify passenger identities and seat assignments. Collaborative efforts by all stakeholders can effectively deter unauthorized access and maintain the security and order of our skies. understandable, his decision to resort to illegal means to do so is highly questionable. The consequences of his actions, including potential jail time and a federal detainer, far outweigh any perceived benefits of evading the ticket fee. It is crucial that individuals seeking to travel by air understand the importance of obtaining legitimate tickets and following established boarding procedures to ensure the safety and security of all passengers.
