A stowaway was arrested at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Christmas Eve after sneaking onto Delta flight 487 bound for Honolulu. The suspect boarded the plane while it was on the runway, prompting its return to the terminal for a thorough investigation. Port of Seattle Police utilized video surveillance to track the individual, who was found hiding in a terminal bathroom and arrested for criminal trespass. The flight was grounded for over two hours as authorities conducted a K9 sweep of the plane and terminal to ensure passenger safety. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had passed through TSA security the day before without a boarding pass, raising significant concerns about airport security protocols.

Notably, the individual accessed the loading bridge without scanning a ticket at the gate. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges airports face regarding unauthorized access and security measures. The flight eventually resumed its journey around 3:00 p. m. after all safety protocols were followed.