Canadian Man Charged in 'Catch Me If You Can' Airline Scheme

A 33-year-old Canadian man is facing federal charges in Hawaii for allegedly running a sophisticated scheme to fly hundreds of times for free. Dallas Pokornik, a former flight attendant, is accused of impersonating airline staff to exploit travel benefits typically reserved for pilots and crew.

The case, which prosecutors have compared to the film Catch Me if You Can, involves allegations of wire fraud and the use of false identification across multiple airlines. Pokornik was arrested in Panama and extradited to the United States to face the charges.

According to court documents filed in the District Court of Hawaii, Pokornik's alleged activities began after his employment with a Toronto-based airline ended in 2019. Prosecutors claim he retained and used fake employee identification from that carrier to obtain tickets reserved for pilots and flight attendants on three other airlines.

The indictment alleges that Pokornik presented false and fictitious identification to claim travel benefits. These benefits are typically offered to airline staff when seats are available on flights. The scheme reportedly spanned several years and involved hundreds of trips.

Key elements of the alleged fraud include:

• Posing as a current pilot or flight attendant
• Using fake IDs to book free tickets
• Requesting access to cockpit 'jump seats'
• Targeting airlines based in Honolulu, Chicago, and Fort Worth

Pokornik was arrested in Panama earlier this month and subsequently extradited to the United States. He was arraigned in federal court in Hawaii on Tuesday, where he entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

A magistrate judge has ordered him to remain in custody while the case proceeds. The indictment, filed last October, includes two counts of wire fraud specifically tied to tickets issued in Hawaii during 2024.

A Canadian man was charged over allegations that he pretended to be a pilot and a flight attendant to get hundreds of free trips.

The legal consequences, if convicted, are severe. Pokornik could face up to 20 years in prison, fines of up to $250,000, and a period of supervised release.

The case was brought to light by federal prosecutors who have been investigating the alleged fraud. US Attorney Ken Sorenson confirmed the charges in a press release, describing the scheme as reminiscent of the famous Catch Me if You Can story.

Investigators allege that Pokornik not only booked free tickets but also sought access to the cockpit jump seat. This area is generally reserved for off-duty pilots, trainees, or inspectors, raising additional security concerns.

While court filings do not indicate whether his requests for jump seat access were granted, the allegation highlights the extent of the impersonation. The indictment does not name the specific airlines involved, though representatives for Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines were noted as having not immediately responded to requests for comment.

As the legal process moves forward, Pokornik's public defender has not responded to requests for comment. The defense has not yet publicly outlined its strategy, though the not guilty plea signals a contest to the charges.

The case now awaits further court proceedings. Key questions that will likely be addressed include:

• The specific methods used to create and present fake IDs
• The total number of free flights allegedly obtained
• Whether any airline employees were complicit
• The financial impact on the affected airlines

With Pokornik currently in custody, the timeline for trial remains uncertain. The wire fraud charges represent a serious federal offense, and prosecutors will need to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of airline fraud and identity theft. While the alleged scheme allowed for hundreds of free trips, the potential outcome includes decades behind bars.

As the proceedings continue in Hawaii, the aviation industry and security experts will be watching closely. The outcome could influence how airlines verify staff credentials and manage travel benefits.

For now, the story of Dallas Pokornik remains a high-stakes legal drama that blurs the line between Hollywood fiction and real-world crime.