Delta Stowaway Arrested a Second Time at Seattle Airport
A 33-year-old woman has been arrested for the second time within three days at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) for attempting to access secure areas without a ticket.
The woman was apprehended in a secure area of the Seattle airport on 27 December. This was just three days after the woman managed to board a Honolulu-bound flight without a ticket on Christmas Eve.
The Seattle incidents follows another security breach in November 2024. In that stowaway incident, an individual managed to board a Delta flight to Paris, without a ticket or passport.
The Christmas Eve Incident
On 24 December 2024, the unidentified woman was discovered on a Delta flight from Seattle to Honolulu as it was taxiing for departure. The aircraft returned to the gate, and the stowaway was removed and arrested. This incident caused a two-hour delay for the flight.
The December 27th Incident
Just three days later, on 27 December, the same individual was apprehended again at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The woman was recognized by TSA officials outside checkpoint 3 and subsequently arrested by Port of Seattle police.
According to local news outlet King5, the woman told police that she was picking up her sister from the airport. She was not in possession of an air ticket, and was unable to list the airline which her sister was travelling on when questioned.
Police arrested the woman for first-degree criminal trespassing. This incident followed the unauthorized boarding of the Delta flight to Honolulu on Christmas Eve.
Security Concerns Raised
Both incidents highlight security concerns at SEA and raise questions about how individuals were able to bypass security protocols.
In the December 24th incident, the stowaway managed to board the plane without a ticket, causing a significant disruption to the flight schedule.
In the December 27th incident, the individual was able to reach a secure area of the airport despite being recognized by TSA officials.
Investigation and Response
The TSA has initiated an independent investigation into the incidents. The investigation will center on how the individual was able to bypass security protocols on both occasions.
Delta Air Lines has also released a statement saying that they are cooperating with the investigation. The identity of the individual involved in the two incidents has not been released.
Summary
The incidents have caused inconvenience and concern for passengers at SEA. The December 24th incident resulted in a two-hour delay for the flight, and the December 27th incident caused further disruption to airport operations.
These incidents highlight the need for review of security measures at airports to prevent unauthorized access to secure areas.
It further highlights the need for airlines and airports to work together to improve communication and coordination in order to prevent future security breaches.
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