In an unusual incident, a 26-year-old man from Texas was arrested for boarding a Delta Air Lines flight using a photo of another passenger’s ticket. The man tried to hide in the lavatory of the airline but was later found roaming around the aisle by the cabin crew.
Man Boards Delta Flight Using Pic Of Another Passenger’s Ticket
A report by NBC News stated that 26-year-old Wicliff Yves Fleurizard tried to fly ticketless on Delta Flight 1683 at Salt Lake City International Airport bound for Austin, Texas. The man visited Utah for a snowboarding trip but he tried to fly back to his home in George, Texas. His family from Florida were visiting him so he wanted to reach Texas in time. However, instead of waiting for the next Southwest flight, Wicliff headed to the Delta area of the airport.
The surveillance footage at the airport showed the man clicking photos of multiple passengers’ phones and their boarding passes without their knowledge. Then, he downloaded the pictures on his phone and finally boarded Delta flight 1683 on March 17. When the boarding was complete, the man went to the back lavatory of the airline. On exiting, a flight attendant noticed there weren’t any available seats on the flight and approached him.
Also Read: Man Was Denied Boarding Pass; Travel Firm Asked To Pay ₹96,490 As Compensation
Gets Deplaned & Arrested
However, the aircraft doors had closed and the flight had begun to leave for the taxi runway. On enquiry, Wicliff stated to the flight attendant that his seat was 21F. But on verification, the flight attendant realised that 21F belonged to another passenger who was already seated. The cabin crew asked for his name and other details. Yet they were unable to locate a valid ticket or reservation for him on that flight or any other Delta flight for that matter.
Also Read: Man Was Denied Boarding Pass; Travel Firm Asked To Pay ₹96,490 As Compensation
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed the man was able to undergo screening without any issues despite not possessing a valid ticket for the Delta flight. The Delta flight returned to the gate where Wicliff was arrested by law enforcement. Authorities were informed that a minor female passenger travelling alone had issues during ticket scanning. Her boarding pass showed that she was already on the plane. The CCTV footage showed Wicliff had earlier clicked a picture of her boarding pass.
He admitted his wrongdoing and told the authorities he only wanted to get back home. While the man was taken to South Lake County Jail, FBI is currently investigating this matter.
Meanwhile, have you heard of such unusual incidents on flights?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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