Man arrested for illegally boarding flight using another passenger’s boarding pass

A man identified as Wicliff Yves Fleurizard of George, Texas, was arrested for allegedly illegally boarding a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Austin by using another passenger’s boarding pass. The incident, currently under investigation by the FBI, unfolded as Fleurizard was removed from Flight 1683 at Salt Lake City International Airport. Charged with one felony count of stowing away on an aircraft, Fleurizard faces potential penalties including a fine, up to a five-year prison sentence, or both.

According to a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, surveillance footage revealed Fleurizard taking photos of multiple passengers’ phones and boarding passes in the boarding area. 

Once aboard the aircraft, he spent an extended period in the lavatory and claimed a seat that was not assigned to him. Suspicions arose when flight attendants noticed discrepancies in Fleurizard’s behavior and attempted to verify his seat assignment. It was confirmed that he did not possess a valid ticket or reservation for the flight, prompting the plane to return to the gate.

Fleurizard’s actions came to light when a young girl traveling alone encountered difficulties during boarding, as her boarding pass indicated she was already on the plane. 

Surveillance footage implicated Fleurizard in photographing the girl’s phone, raising further concerns. Additionally, his attempts to access emergency equipment storage and prolonged stay in the lavatory without locking the door heightened suspicions among the flight crew.

Upon his arrest, Fleurizard confessed to his actions, citing them as a mistake and a desire to return home. However, he now faces legal repercussions for his actions. The date of his next court appearance remains uncertain as the investigation continues into this alarming incident of unauthorized boarding.