A security breach involving a stowaway on Delta Air Lines Flight 487 from Seattle to Honolulu has raised significant concerns about airport safety protocols. The incident occurred at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Christmas Eve, when a person managed to pass through a TSA security checkpoint without a boarding pass and accessed the aircraft. Port of Seattle police were alerted to a suspicious circumstance on the Delta flight around 1:05 p.m., shortly after the plane had begun taxiing for takeoff.
The stowaway was discovered as the aircraft taxied out, prompting immediate action from authorities. The plane returned to the terminal, and all passengers were deplaned and escorted back through TSA checkpoints for rescreening.
"The aircraft returned to the terminal and the subject departed the aircraft," said the Port of Seattle.
The stowaway managed to evade initial capture by running out of the aircraft before officers arrived. However, with the aid of video surveillance, Port of Seattle Police Department (POSPD) located the individual in a terminal restroom, where they arrested them for criminal trespass.
"With the help of video surveillance, POSPD were able to locate the subject in a terminal restroom. The subject was arrested for criminal trespass," reported the Port of Seattle.
The incident marks the second time in less than a month that a stowaway attempted to board a Delta airplane, following a similar breach during Thanksgiving week. This repetition has sparked discussions about potential vulnerabilities in airport security systems.
John Nance, an aviation analyst, emphasized the need for collaboration between TSA, airlines, and airports to address these security gaps.
"Everybody’s going to have to work together; TSA and the airlines on how they can strengthen both of those vulnerabilities, and in some cases, even work with the airport," he stated.
Despite this breach, it is notable that the stowaway did not carry any prohibited items through TSA security screening.
“If there is a ‘silver lining,’ it’s that Delta did catch the stowaway during the taxi, and they didn’t make it to Hawaii. The stowaway also didn’t have prohibited items when scanned through TSA, which is another plus," said Keith Jeffries, a security expert.
Delta Air Lines swiftly apologized to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the delay, which lasted approximately two hours and 15 minutes. They also reaffirmed their commitment to passenger safety and security.
"As there are no matters more important than safety and security, Delta people followed procedures to have an unticketed passenger removed from the flight and then apprehended," Delta Air Lines stated.
In response to this breach, TSA announced plans for an independent review of the circumstances at their travel document checker station at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The investigation aims to identify how the stowaway accessed the loading bridge without a scanned ticket at the gate.
"It has happened before. It will happen again until they continue to strengthen that vulnerability," observed Keith Jeffries, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.
The Port of Seattle confirmed that K9 units conducted thorough sweeps of both the aircraft and all terminal areas accessed by the suspect.
"The aircraft was swept by K9 as well as all areas in the terminal accessed by the subject," confirmed Port of Seattle authorities.
This breach underscores the importance of robust security protocols, particularly during high-traffic holiday seasons when airports experience increased passenger volumes. Keith Jeffries noted that while such incidents can be embarrassing for airlines, especially when occurring back-to-back and during holidays, there are lessons to be learned in enhancing airport security measures.
“The fact that it happened to the same airline, of course, couldn’t be more embarrassing, especially back-to-back, and during the holiday season, when there’s an extra alertness associated with the large holiday season,” added Jeffries.
