Ticketless Passenger Arrested Twice at Seattle Airport for Attempting to Fly Without a Ticket
In a bizarre series of events, a 33-year-old woman was arrested at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) not once, but twice, for attempting to board flights without a ticket. Despite being apprehended on Christmas Eve for boarding a Delta flight without proper documentation, she returned just three days later, attempting the same stunt.
Second Arrest at Seattle Airport
The woman’s second attempt was thwarted by an observant officer who recognized her from surveillance footage. This time, she didn’t make it past the security checkpoint. When questioned about her presence at the airport, she claimed she was there to pick up her sister but couldn’t provide details about the flight or produce any valid identification or ticket.
Confronted with footage from her earlier attempt, she admitted, “Yes, that is me, but I was already arrested for that.”
Seattle Airport’s Media Relations Manager, Perry Cooper, confirmed, “Ms. Small was arrested the night of the 27th for trespassing. She was arrested pre-security and had not passed through any of the checkpoints.”
The woman now faces charges of first-degree criminal trespassing, an offense punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both.
The Christmas Eve Incident
Her first attempt took place on Christmas Eve aboard Delta Flight 487 bound for Honolulu. The woman managed to evade security protocols, including ID and boarding pass checks, and boarded the Airbus A321 as it was taxiing for departure.
Delta’s cabin crew discovered she lacked a ticket, prompting the aircraft to return to the gate. Delta later issued a statement emphasizing their adherence to safety protocols:
“As there are no matters more important than safety and security, Delta people followed procedures to have an unticketed passenger removed from the flight and then apprehended. We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travels and thank them for their patience and cooperation.”
Court documents revealed that the woman had attempted to board at least two other flights before securing a seat on the Delta plane.
A Troubling Pattern of Behavior
While most people would be deterred by an initial arrest, this woman’s behavior is not an isolated case. Similar incidents have occurred recently, including a 57-year-old woman who boarded a Delta flight from New York’s JFK Airport to Paris without a ticket in November.
Taking advantage of the Thanksgiving travel rush, she bypassed multiple checkpoints where documents like boarding passes and visas are typically verified. She was apprehended only after her flight landed in Paris. Days later, she was caught again attempting to cross into Canada via a Greyhound bus.
Airport Security Concerns
These incidents raise questions about vulnerabilities in airport security systems, particularly during peak travel periods when staff are overwhelmed. Both cases highlight the need for vigilance and strict adherence to security protocols to prevent such breaches.
While these instances are rare, they serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining robust airport security measures to ensure the safety and trust of travelers worldwide.
