Flight Attendant Impersonator Convicted for 120+ Fraudulent Flights Across Multiple Airlines

Tiron Alexander, a 35-year-old airline employee, was convicted of wire fraud and unlawfully entering secure airport areas after fraudulently booking over 120 free flights by posing as a flight attendant for seven different airlines between 2018 and 2024. He exploited airline policies that allow pilots and flight attendants to fly free as non-revenue passengers, using about 30 fabricated badge numbers and falsified hire dates to secure these flights, primarily on Spirit Airlines and three other carriers. Alexander used internal ticketing systems reserved for crew members, submitting false credentials to gain boarding passes despite undergoing TSA security screening. The fraud was uncovered when accumulating flight records raised suspicions, leading to his arrest at San Francisco airport while attempting to fly to Australia. He faces up to 30 years in prison at his sentencing scheduled for August, with charges stemming from multiple counts of wire fraud and entering secure airport areas under false pretenses. Alexander's prior aviation experience includes working as a flight attendant for regional airlines and applying for pilot and flight attendant positions at major carriers in recent years.