Shocking security breach: Man slips by security without a boarding pass and delays flight for five hours
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Flying can sometimes be full of turbulence (literally and figuratively) – but this flight took it one step further when one bold passenger managed to slip through security and board the plane without a boarding pass.
The incident, which occurred last Tuesday, resulted in a five-hour delay and raised serious security fears for all domestic flights.
According to reports, the low-cost carrier, Jetstar, launched an immediate investigation after an incident occurred on 9 May, where a ‘confused’ airline passenger, believed to be aged between 18 and 25, was able to board a flight at the Maroochydore Airport on the Sunshine Coast, bound for Sydney – all without a ticket.
Reports also mentioned that the man was able to pass through two security checks before boarding the plane.
Flight attendants found the young man after he had sat in another passenger’s seat inside the plane.
The cabin crew started to suspect that something wasn’t right when the passenger claimed he ‘left his ticket’ outside. But it was then that the flight crew realised the traveller had no reservation at all.
As a result, passengers had to disembark the plane and had to go through security again after already being on the plane for 45 minutes. This led to an almost five-hour delay before the plane took flight.
A passenger from the same flight (who wished to stay anonymous) told reporters that the man looked to be ‘lost and confused’ before ‘calmly’ leaving the plane with a flight attendant.
The traveller also stated that they would be demanding compensation from Jetstar for the delays.
Queensland Police responded to the situation at the airport around 3:30 pm. However, the man had already left by that time.
The authorities were able to identify the man through the CCTV footage. It is believed that he is now aiding with ongoing investigations.
A Jetstar spokesperson explained that passengers had to disembark from the plane as a precaution.
‘We have strict procedures to ensure all customers have a valid boarding pass for our flights, and we have launched an urgent investigation into the situation.’
The individual was removed from the aircraft prior to departure, and all customers were re-screened as a precaution, which resulted in the flight being delayed. We sincerely apologise to customers for the impact on their journey.’
Kate McCreery-Carr, Operations General Manager for the Sunshine Coast Airport, said no weapons or dangerous goods were found on the ticketless passenger.
She also said the airport follows ‘strict Australian Government Regulations’ when it comes to ensuring the safety of all passengers.
‘All passengers and members of the public are required to clear airport security prior to entering the departures hall,’ she told reporters.
‘Our process includes the screening of passengers, their belongings and explosive trace detection.’
Jetstar passengers are entitled to compensation based on whether or not the reason for the delay or the cancellation of the flight is within the airline’s control.
‘If a delay or cancellation occurs within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time and results in a change of three or more hours to your scheduled departure time, we will re-book you on the next available Jetstar flight which is acceptable to you, without charge,’ Jetstar’s policy reads.
Unfortunately, even Jetstar’s compensation and refund policy has been subjected to scrutiny.
It comes after a group of unlucky Jetstar passengers were left stranded in an airport for over 24 hours due to heavy snowfall. The stranded travellers received blankets and muesli bars instead of hotels to stay in. One passenger even said the passengers were ‘kept in the dark’ about the flight delays.
‘No announcements, no nothing,’ they added. You can read the rest of the story here.
Have you ever faced similar issues while travelling? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
The incident, which occurred last Tuesday, resulted in a five-hour delay and raised serious security fears for all domestic flights.
According to reports, the low-cost carrier, Jetstar, launched an immediate investigation after an incident occurred on 9 May, where a ‘confused’ airline passenger, believed to be aged between 18 and 25, was able to board a flight at the Maroochydore Airport on the Sunshine Coast, bound for Sydney – all without a ticket.
Reports also mentioned that the man was able to pass through two security checks before boarding the plane.
Jetstar launched an investigation immediately after the incident. Credit: Pascal Borener/Pexels
Flight attendants found the young man after he had sat in another passenger’s seat inside the plane.
The cabin crew started to suspect that something wasn’t right when the passenger claimed he ‘left his ticket’ outside. But it was then that the flight crew realised the traveller had no reservation at all.
As a result, passengers had to disembark the plane and had to go through security again after already being on the plane for 45 minutes. This led to an almost five-hour delay before the plane took flight.
A passenger from the same flight (who wished to stay anonymous) told reporters that the man looked to be ‘lost and confused’ before ‘calmly’ leaving the plane with a flight attendant.
The incident caused a five-hour delay. Credit: Torsten Dettlaff/Pexels
The traveller also stated that they would be demanding compensation from Jetstar for the delays.
Queensland Police responded to the situation at the airport around 3:30 pm. However, the man had already left by that time.
The authorities were able to identify the man through the CCTV footage. It is believed that he is now aiding with ongoing investigations.
A Jetstar spokesperson explained that passengers had to disembark from the plane as a precaution.
‘We have strict procedures to ensure all customers have a valid boarding pass for our flights, and we have launched an urgent investigation into the situation.’
The individual was removed from the aircraft prior to departure, and all customers were re-screened as a precaution, which resulted in the flight being delayed. We sincerely apologise to customers for the impact on their journey.’
Kate McCreery-Carr, Operations General Manager for the Sunshine Coast Airport, said no weapons or dangerous goods were found on the ticketless passenger.
She also said the airport follows ‘strict Australian Government Regulations’ when it comes to ensuring the safety of all passengers.
‘All passengers and members of the public are required to clear airport security prior to entering the departures hall,’ she told reporters.
‘Our process includes the screening of passengers, their belongings and explosive trace detection.’
Jetstar passengers are entitled to compensation based on whether or not the reason for the delay or the cancellation of the flight is within the airline’s control.
‘If a delay or cancellation occurs within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time and results in a change of three or more hours to your scheduled departure time, we will re-book you on the next available Jetstar flight which is acceptable to you, without charge,’ Jetstar’s policy reads.
You should be aware of your rights. Image credit: The Seniors Discount Club
Unfortunately, even Jetstar’s compensation and refund policy has been subjected to scrutiny.
It comes after a group of unlucky Jetstar passengers were left stranded in an airport for over 24 hours due to heavy snowfall. The stranded travellers received blankets and muesli bars instead of hotels to stay in. One passenger even said the passengers were ‘kept in the dark’ about the flight delays.
‘No announcements, no nothing,’ they added. You can read the rest of the story here.
