A former Toronto flight attendant posed as a pilot and got free flights for years, until he got caught

A former Toronto flight attendant who posted on social media of a jet-setting lifestyle with trips from Los Angeles to Thailand has pleaded guilty to cheating three U.S. airlines out of hundreds of free flights by pretending to be a pilot.

A former flight attendant from Toronto has pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court in connection with a fraud scheme reminiscent of the 2002 Steven Spielberg film, Catch Me If You Can. Dallas Pokornik used fake identification to pose as a pilot and get hundreds of free flights.

Canadian who posed as pilot for free flights pleads guilty to wire fraud in U.S.  Toronto Star

The indictment said the former flight attendant used a fictitious employee identification card to obtain the free flights, according to the U.S. attorney's office.

Pokornik now faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. His sentencing is scheduled for December 8, 2026.