Serial Stowaway Arrested After Sneaking Onto Plane Again

Svetlana Dali detained in Italy after boarding flight from Newark to Milan without a ticket

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A woman who has a history of stowing away on flights without a passport or ticket has been arrested again, this time at Malpensa Airport in Italy after she traveled on a plane from Newark, New Jersey to Milan without a boarding pass. Svetlana Dali has previously been convicted of stowing away on a flight from New York to Paris in 2024, exposing a security breach at one of the busiest travel times of the year.

Why it matters

Dali's repeated ability to bypass airport security and board flights without proper documentation raises serious concerns about aviation safety and the effectiveness of current screening procedures, especially during peak travel periods. Her case highlights the need for stronger security measures and better coordination between law enforcement agencies to prevent such incidents.

The details

According to two people familiar with the situation, Dali evaded airport security and gate agents to board United Airlines Flight 19 from Newark to Milan without a ticket. This was not the first time Dali has pulled off such a stunt - in 2024, she stowed away on a flight from New York to Paris, hiding in airplane bathrooms for most of the flight before being arrested by French police upon landing.

  • In November 2024, Dali stowed away on a flight from New York to Paris.
  • In July 2025, Dali received a sentence of time served and was released from federal jail.
  • On February 27, 2026, Dali was detained at Malpensa Airport in Italy after boarding a flight from Newark to Milan without a ticket.

The players

Svetlana Dali

A woman with a history of stowing away on international flights without a passport or ticket.

United Airlines

The airline whose flight from Newark to Milan Dali boarded without a ticket.

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What they’re saying

“Dali first entered the United States in 2015 and had obtained three degrees from universities in Moscow.”

— Schneider, Dali's attorney

What’s next

The judge in Dali's case will decide on whether to allow her to be released on bail.

The takeaway

Dali's repeated ability to bypass airport security and board flights without proper documentation highlights the need for stronger security measures and better coordination between law enforcement agencies to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of air travel.