Former Flight Attendant Accused of Impersonating a Pilot for Free Flights
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A 33-year-old former flight attendant, Dallas pokornik, is facing federal charges after allegedly impersonating a pilot to travel for free on hundreds of flights across three airlines over a four-year period.
The Alleged Scheme
According to court documents, Pokornik, who worked for a Toronto-based company between 2017 adn 2019, allegedly used a falsified Air canada employee ID card to gain access to “jump seats” - seats reserved for off-duty pilots and airline personnel – on multiple flights.
Arrest and Charges
Pokornik was arrested in Panama on January 19 and extradited to the United States,where he was indicted on October 2. He is currently charged with two counts of wire fraud, which carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is represented by Craig Jerome of the Office of the Hawaii Federal Public Defender. The Sun reports on the case.
Investigators believe Pokornik’s familiarity with airline procedures helped him evade detection for years. he reportedly documented his travels on Facebook, posting images from locations including new York, London, Thailand, los Angeles, and Mexico. The Telegraph detailed his alleged exploits and social media posts.
Comparisons to “Catch Me If You Can“
The case has drawn comparisons to the 2002 film “Catch Me If You Can,” which tells the story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a real-life con artist who successfully posed as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer.
Former Flight Attendant Accused of posing as Pilot for Free Flights
dallas pokornik, 33, a former flight attendant, allegedly impersonated a pilot to travel on hundreds of free flights across three airlines over a four-year period, according to court documents filed in the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii. he was arrested in panama on January 19 and extradited to the U.S., where he was indicted on October 2.
The Alleged Scheme
Pokornik is accused of using a falsified Air canada employee badge and misrepresenting his job to gain access to jump seats – typically reserved for off-duty pilots and inspectors – on flights operated by multiple carriers. US Assistant Attorney Michael Nammar stated in court filings that the inquiry revealed Pokornik falsely claimed to be an airline pilot to obtain these flights at no cost.
Potential Penalties
If convicted on two counts of wire fraud, Pokornik faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. He has pleaded not guilty and is being represented by Craig Jerome of the Office of the Hawaii Federal Public Defender. U.S. Department of Justice – District of Hawaii
Comparisons to Frank Abagnale
The case has drawn comparisons to the story of Frank Abagnale, the subject of the film Catch Me If You Can, who famously posed as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer while committing fraud. Pokornik reportedly documented his travels on facebook,posting images from locations including New York,London,Thailand,Los Angeles,and mexico,as The Telegraph reported on January 21, 2026.
in a Facebook post, Pokornik wrote, “Many of my friends are married. Many of my friends are having kids…I’m over here trying to avoid checking my bag and hoping for a window seat.” This post, along with others, contributed to the investigation and public attention surrounding the case.
