A Houston resident faces federal charges after allegedly sneaking aboard a United Airlines aircraft using fraudulent travel documents, forcing the Los Angeles-bound flight to return to the gate at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, according to court filings.
The 25-year-old suspect was discovered hiding in an aircraft restroom during mid-May as the plane prepared for takeoff, after another traveler alerted cabin crew to suspicious behavior, authorities report.
Last week, prosecutors filed charges against the man for impairing or interrupting operation of critical infrastructure facility. His attorney did not respond to requests for comment Monday.
Airport security footage revealed the suspect initially experienced difficulties with his travel documents at a Transportation Security Administration screening area when he arrived at the Houston airport early May 18, court records show.
After successfully passing through security screening, he attempted to board a different Los Angeles flight but was denied when his pass failed to scan properly, the filing states.
Approximately two hours afterward, the man positioned himself at another departure gate and waited for United staff checking travel documents to become occupied with other tasks, court papers indicate. He then simulated showing his pass, bypassed employees and entered the aircraft, prosecutors allege.
TSA officials confirmed in a statement that the individual initially presented valid travel documentation and completed standard security procedures without carrying any forbidden materials. The agency directed additional inquiries to Houston police and United Airlines. United directed all questions to law enforcement.
After boarding the aircraft, the man searched for available seating before entering a lavatory, where his behavior caught another passenger’s attention who notified flight crew, the complaint states. He provided cabin staff with false identification before officials determined he was not an authorized passenger, court documents reveal.
All travelers were required to exit the aircraft while authorities conducted an explosives inspection, creating a three-hour departure delay, the filing indicates.
A United representative later informed investigators that the man had created a flight reservation, but the booking was terminated due to non-payment, court papers show.
The suspect displayed a confirmation number on his mobile device and what appeared to be legitimate travel documents to Houston police, but a United employee confirmed to authorities the pass was fraudulent and could not have been generated without payment, the complaint concluded.
