How a former flight attendant posing as a pilot got free flights for years — and finally got caught

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.

The United States Attorney’s Office says a former flight attendant from Toronto has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after allegedly posing as a commercial pilot to get hundreds of free flights on three separate airlines.

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.