• Source:JND
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A 35-year-old man from America has been convicted of impersonating a flight attendant and obtaining more than 120 free flights on several US airlines in six years, the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida reported. The accused, Tiron Alexander, obtained access to websites reserved solely for airline crew members to reserve non-revenue flights, a travel benefit typically granted to valid airline employees. While Alexander had been working at an airline since 2015, he never actually worked as a flight attendant or pilot, federal prosecutors confirmed.

Numerous Airlines Targeted Using False IDs and Employee Badges

Court reports indicated that Alexander used more than 30 various badge numbers and fake employment information to reserve the free flights. He allegedly made 34 reservations on one airline carrier and presented himself as a crew member on at least three other large US carriers. The implicated top US airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Alexander did this act between 2018 and 2024, when he used flight booking websites reserved for airline staff. Alexander has now been convicted of wire fraud and illegally accessing secure airport areas under false representations. He may face several charges, which may result
• 20 years in jail for wire fraud
• 10 years in jail for unauthorised airport access
• 250,000 USD (Rs 2.15 crore approx.) fine
• 3 years of supervised release on each charge

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TSA Reacts, Insists Passenger Safety Was Not Jeopardized

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released a statement after the verdict, saying that although Alexander illegally procured boarding passes, he nevertheless went through normal security procedures, including ID screening and body check. "Alexander did not present an imminent threat to the flying public," said the TSA, further stating that it continues to stand in support of prosecuting individuals who break air travel legislation.

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The incident has raised serious concerns about loopholes in US travel systems, and airlines have re-examined their internal access procedures for non-revenue bookings. Airline staff travel perks, designed as a goodwill gesture, were used for personal benefit instead.