This Fraudster Took Over 120 Free Flights by Posing as a Flight Attendant

An incident similar to a Hollywood movie is raising questions with aviation security. 

A man posing as a flight crew member took multiple flights, all while navigating through airports and security checks. The reported fraudster was recently found guilty of posing as a flight attendant, across as many as four airlines, to take over 120 free or significantly discounted flights. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Florida tried a case against the individual, Tiron Alexander, 35, who was found guilty in the jury trial. 

The fraudulent flight attendant is currently scheduled for sentencing in August. The investigation was a collaboration between multiple federal agencies including the Department of Justice, Transportation Security Administration, and other authorities. 

“The evidence at trial also showed that Alexander posed as a flight attendant on three other airline carriers,” a Department of Justice news release said. “Ultimately, Alexander booked more than 120 free flights by falsely claiming to be a flight attendant.”

The entire story has similar notes to the famed Steven Spielberg-directed film “Catch Me If You Can,” which stars Leonardo DiCaprio. In the film, DiCaprio’s character, based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., pretends to be an airline pilot and jump seats on different aircraft for free flights. 

The case is reminiscent of other unusual ways that people have taken to hitch a ride on aircraft. Throughout the 1990s, dozens of people tried stowing in aircraft wheel wells, exposed to the cold air and low oxygen, for free international flights. 

In May, 57-year old Russian citizen Svetlana Dali was found guilty of sneaking onto a Delta flight, according to NBC News. The traveler made her way past security and airline personnel who were checking boarding tickets.

For travelers looking to become flight attendants legally, and enjoy a life in the sky with unlimited free flights, airlines periodically post open calls for applications. For example, Delta expanded its flight attendant roster in 2023 by hosting in-flight crew members with an online form and in-person learning events.