Delta Apologizes Again After a Second Stowaway Incident in Less Than a Month

Another stowaway is caught on a Delta flight this holiday season – raising major concerns about airport safety

Delta Air Lines has issued another public apology after a second stowaway incident in less than a month. On Christmas Eve, an unticketed passenger managed to board a Delta flight from Seattle to Honolulu, bypassing multiple layers of airport security. This troubling breach has raised significant questions about aviation safety and the protocols in place to prevent unauthorized access to commercial aircraft.

Stowaway Discovered Before Takeoff

The incident occurred on Delta Air Lines flight 487, which was preparing for departure when the unticketed individual was discovered. According to reports, the person bypassed both a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint and the boarding gate ticket check. The individual’s identity has not been disclosed.

The plane, which had begun taxiing from the gate, was forced to return to the terminal. The stowaway fled upon discovery, hiding in an airport restroom before being apprehended. Authorities have confirmed the individual is now in custody at South Correctional Entity Jail in Washington State and is facing trespassing charges.

Delta’s Response and Apology

In a statement to NPR, a Delta spokesperson emphasized the airline’s commitment to safety and security. “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,” the spokesperson said. “We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travels and thank them for their patience and cooperation.”

The two-hour delay caused by the incident left passengers frustrated but grateful that the situation was resolved before takeoff.

TSA Investigates Security Breach

The TSA has launched its own investigation into how the individual managed to bypass security. According to a TSA spokesperson, the agency’s travel document checkers use Credential Authentication Technology to verify passenger identities and flight statuses through ID cards. Boarding passes are also typically requested as an added layer of verification.

Port of Seattle Police reported that the individual passed through a TSA checkpoint on December 23 without a boarding pass but had been “properly screened” for prohibited items. This raises questions about gaps in the verification process that allowed the individual to proceed to the gate and eventually board the aircraft.

A Troubling Pattern: Delta’s Second Stowaway Incident

This latest security breach comes just weeks after another alarming incident involving Delta Air Lines. During the busy Thanksgiving travel period, Svetlana Dali, a 57-year-old Russian national, boarded a Delta flight from New York to Paris without a boarding pass or passport. Dali reportedly blended in with a flight crew to bypass security at JFK Airport and evaded ticket checks at the boarding gate. She hid in the aircraft lavatory during the flight and was arrested upon arrival in Paris.

Both incidents have highlighted vulnerabilities in airport security systems and have prompted renewed scrutiny of the measures in place to prevent unauthorized access to aircraft.

Aviation Experts Weigh In

John Nance, a former commercial airline pilot and aviation analyst, described the situation as a multi-faceted failure. “There are multiple causes that come into this, and they probably involve not only a bit of lackadaisical inattention,” Nance told CNN affiliate KING. “It may be training, it may be compliance, but it’s probably all of that.”

Keith Jeffries, a former Department of Homeland Security official and federal security director, called the incidents “embarrassing” for both Delta and the TSA. “The fact that it happened to the same airline, of course, couldn’t be more embarrassing, especially back-to-back, and during the holiday season, when there’s an extra alertness associated with the large holiday season,” Jeffries said.

Jeffries emphasized that while breaches like these have occurred before, they underscore the need for continuous improvement in security measures. “Everybody’s going to have to work together—TSA, airlines, and airports—on how they can strengthen both of those vulnerabilities,” he said.

Increased Vigilance During the Holiday Season

Airports are typically more vigilant during the holiday travel season due to increased passenger volumes. Extra staffing and heightened security measures are standard practices to ensure smooth operations. However, these two incidents reveal that even during periods of heightened alertness, security gaps can still be exploited.

Jeffries noted that the silver lining in the Christmas Eve incident was that the stowaway was discovered before the flight reached its destination. Additionally, the individual did not have any prohibited items, as confirmed by TSA screening.

Congressional Scrutiny Likely

Experts believe these incidents will attract congressional attention, particularly regarding the TSA’s role in ensuring aviation security. “There will be no one paying more attention than the airlines themselves,” Nance said. Airlines have a vested interest in preventing such breaches, not only for the safety of their passengers but also to maintain public trust.

Strengthening Security Measures

To prevent future incidents, security protocols at airports may need significant overhauls. Experts have suggested several measures, including enhanced training for TSA agents, stricter compliance checks at boarding gates, and improved technology to detect unauthorized access. Collaboration between airlines, airport authorities, and government agencies will be critical in addressing these vulnerabilities.

Passengers, too, have a role to play by adhering to security protocols and reporting any suspicious activity. These incidents serve as a reminder that aviation safety is a shared responsibility.

The back-to-back stowaway incidents involving Delta Air Lines highlight critical lapses in airport security. While the airline and TSA have responded swiftly to address the breaches, the events underscore the need for continuous vigilance and improvement in aviation security measures. As investigations continue, passengers and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see what steps are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Bigger Picture

These incidents serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in securing the aviation system. With millions of passengers traveling daily, even a small lapse can have significant repercussions. However, the swift response by Delta and the apprehension of the stowaway demonstrate the resilience of the system.

As the holiday season winds down, the focus will remain on preventing similar breaches in the future. Passengers, too, play a role by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity. Together, these efforts will help ensure that air travel remains safe and secure for everyone.