A former flight attendant has pleaded guilty to impersonating a commercial pilot to secure hundreds of free flights across U.S. airlines. Dallas Pokornik, 34, of Toronto, admitted to using a fraudulent identification card to obtain travel benefits reserved for pilots between January 2020 and October 2024.
According to his plea agreement, Pokornik, who previously worked as a flight attendant for an unnamed Toronto-based airline from July 2017 to October 2019, took advantage of the scheme to board at least 200 flights. The fraud bears similarities to the tactics employed by Frank Abagnale, a con artist who famously impersonated a Pan Am pilot in his youth, a story later depicted in the film "Catch Me If You Can."
Airline staff became suspicious when a staffer from a U.S. carrier photographed Pokornik's forged badge, which bore an expiration date of 2027. This unusual timeframe led them to believe the ID was fake. The investigation culminated in Pokornik's arrest in Panama after being indicted on wire fraud charges in October of the previous year.
Homeland Security Investigations acting special agent in charge CJ Ammons stated that Pokornik "took advantage of travel security protocols for his own benefit, and he will now face the consequences of his actions." U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii Ken Sorenson added that those who breach travel security protocols should expect to face justice.
Pokornik is facing a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for December 8, and he has also agreed to pay restitution to the affected airlines, which are based in Chicago, Honolulu, and Fort Worth.
During his scheme, Pokornik once requested to occupy a cockpit jump seat, despite not holding a pilot's license. He also reportedly boasted about his travels online.