Fraud involving frequent flyer miles is exceedingly prevalent, and frequently, individuals evade detection and face no consequences. However, [here’s an instance of the complete opposite](https://www.journaldequebec.com/2026/03/19/vol-escorte-par-des-avions-de-chasse–un-vol-de-points-aeroplan-en-cause) (thanks to [View from the Wing](https://viewfromthewing.com/u-s-and-canadian-fighter-jets-scrambled-after-passenger-stole-frequent-flyer-miles-and-flew-under-someone-elses-identity/) for bringing this to light)…
In this article:
## Identity theft prompts significant airline security measures
This occurrence took place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, focusing on Air Canada flight AC833, which was set to travel from Brussels (BRU) to Montreal (YUL). The flight was conducted by the highest capacity aircraft in the Star Alliance fleet, the high-density Boeing 777-300ER, boasting an impressive 450 seats.
In brief, around 12PM Montreal time, a national security protocol was activated due to an event on a different flight. A traveler attempted to board another Air Canada flight, only for an alert to trigger in the system, indicating this individual was already on another Air Canada flight (the previous transatlantic journey).
As one might suspect, something was amiss here. It was found that the person attempting to board was indeed using their true identity, meaning that the individual on the transatlantic flight must have been someone entirely different. It became evident that the passenger on the flight had pilfered not only the identity but also the Aeroplan points of the other traveler.
The situation was considered serious enough to initiate a security procedure involving the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), resulting in two fighter jets escorting the 777 all the way to Montreal.
Upon landing, sniffer dogs and bomb technicians were called to investigate the traveler and his luggage, but no threat was discovered. The suspect was apprehended and then interrogated by the police before being released with a summons.
This security event occurred during a transatlantic flight
## Hah, this isn’t how these scenarios typically unfold
In my view, there are two distinct narratives here — the identity theft and the theft of points. To me, the former seems more atypical than the latter.
One undoubtedly questions how someone managed to appropriate another’s identity on a transatlantic flight. Passport checks are mandatory at the immigration point upon departure and for boarding, so did he possess counterfeit documents, or was there some other cunning strategy I’m not considering?
Then there’s the entire issue of points being pilfered. [There’s a substantial underground market](https://onemileatatime.com/insights/how-mileage-brokers-ruin-miles-points/) for trading points, often in violation of loyalty program rules, yet not necessarily illegal in various regions.
So, if this indeed stemmed partly from stolen Aeroplan points, then, well, this must be one of the most uncomfortable situations I’ve ever encountered regarding such matters.
Bear in mind that frequently, individuals traveling on tickets purchased with stolen points are completely unaware. They might simply acquire their ticket online through what they think is a consolidator, while in reality, someone else is booking the ticket with stolen points and presenting it as a legitimate ticket.
I can’t ascertain the specifics of this guy’s situation, and the fact that the points were taken adds a peculiar twist to this. That being said, imagine believing you’ve bought a legitimate ticket online, only to find yourself on a flight being escorted by fighter jets, realizing you’re the cause of it. Ouch.
This must have been incredibly embarrassing for the passenger!
## Conclusion
An Air Canada flight from Brussels to Montreal concluded in a dramatic fashion when two fighter jets were required to escort the aircraft upon landing due to one passenger traveling under a stolen identity on a ticket booked with pilfered Aeroplan points. After landing, all his luggage was searched, and he was taken into custody.
It’s not uncommon for individuals to travel using a stolen identity or a ticket booked with stolen points, but experiencing both concurrently is rather unusual.
**What are your thoughts on this Air Canada fighter jet escort incident?**