Hidden Holiday Passenger: Stowaway Emerges on Delta Flight in Seattle
A surprising incident unfolded at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Christmas Eve when a stowaway managed to board a Delta Air Lines plane bound for Honolulu without a ticket.
How the Incident Unfolded
Delta Flight 487 was taxiing for takeoff when the stowaway was discovered onboard the Airbus A321neo, prompting the crew to return the aircraft to the gate. Delta reported the situation to authorities, and officers from the Port of Seattle Police Department (POSPD) were dispatched to investigate.
The individual had reportedly passed through TSA’s standard security screening and carried no prohibited items. However, they bypassed the identity verification and boarding pass checkpoints, allowing them to access the plane without proper documentation.
Apprehension and Aircraft Inspection
Once the stowaway was identified, they exited the aircraft but were later found in a terminal restroom using airport surveillance footage. POSPD arrested the individual for criminal trespassing.
To ensure safety, the entire aircraft was deplaned, and passengers were escorted back to the TSA checkpoint for rescreening. K9 units swept both the aircraft and areas accessed by the suspect in the terminal.
Impact on Passengers
The incident delayed the flight by over two hours, departing for Honolulu at 3 p.m. instead of its scheduled time. Delta issued an apology to passengers, emphasizing their commitment to safety and the thorough measures taken to address the breach.
“We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travels and thank them for their patience and cooperation,” Delta stated, adding that its employees followed proper procedures to handle the situation.
Broader Security Concerns
This case comes on the heels of another aviation security lapse in November, where an unticketed passenger managed to fly from New York’s JFK Airport to Paris. These incidents have sparked heightened scrutiny of airport security protocols, particularly at document verification checkpoints.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) acknowledged the breach, stating it would conduct an independent review of the circumstances at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. “TSA takes any incidents that occur at our checkpoints seriously,” the agency noted.
Final Thoughts
While the situation was resolved without harm, it raises important questions about how such security lapses occur. As travel demand increases during the holiday season, airlines and airports must double down on ensuring that every checkpoint in the security process is airtight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For travelers, the incident serves as a reminder of the intricate security measures in place to protect passengers and the importance of staying patient during unforeseen delays.
