Woman Arrested After Sneaking onto Plane, Again

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

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Svetlana Dali, a woman previously convicted of stowing away on a flight from New York to Paris in 2024, has been arrested and detained in Italy after boarding a United Airlines flight from Newark to Milan without a boarding pass. This is the latest incident in Dali's ongoing traveling saga, which has exposed security breaches at multiple airports.

Why it matters

The repeated incidents involving Svetlana Dali highlight ongoing security concerns at airports, especially during busy travel periods. Her ability to evade airport security and gate agents raises questions about the effectiveness of current screening procedures and the need for tighter security measures to prevent such breaches in the future.

The details

According to two people familiar with the incident, Dali boarded United Airlines Flight 19 from Newark to Milan without a ticket, evading airport security and gate agents. She was later detained at Malpensa Airport in Milan. United Airlines has stated that it is investigating the incident and working with the appropriate authorities.

  • In November 2024, Dali stowed away on a flight from New York to Paris.
  • Earlier in November 2024, Dali went through security at Bradley International Airport outside Hartford, Conn., without a boarding pass.
  • In February 2024, Dali was found hiding in a bathroom in a secure location at Miami International Airport.

The players

Svetlana Dali

A woman who has a history of stowing away on flights without a passport or ticket, including a previous conviction for stowing away on a flight from New York to Paris in 2024.

United Airlines

The airline that Dali boarded without a ticket on a flight from Newark to Milan, which is currently investigating the incident and working with authorities.

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What they’re saying

“We must investigate this incident and work with the appropriate authorities.”

— United Airlines spokeswoman (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Svetlana Dali to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing security challenges airports face in preventing determined individuals from breaching security and stowing away on flights. It raises questions about the effectiveness of current screening procedures and the need for tighter security measures to ensure the safety of air travel.