Airline bans TikTok user after he shares free carry-on 'hack'
A TikTok user has allegedly been banned from an airline after posting a video showing travellers how they can apparently get a free carry-on baggage allowance.
User Robkallday uploaded the alleged hack in September, revealing how a PDF version of his Spirit Airlines boarding pass could be manipulated to show “1” bag instead of “0” using his iPhone.
The video, filmed in the United States, had received more than 150,000 likes and 800 comments at the time of publication, with some people claiming to have used the method both with Spirit and other airlines.
But many were skeptical and pointed out the man’s boarding pass would likely reveal how many bags he paid for when it was scanned by airline staff.
In the caption of the video, the TikTok user claimed he didn’t even need to use the alleged hack because he had a small personal bag which was free to carry.
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“Didn’t actually do this, my bag fits,” he wrote.
Spirit Airlines were seemingly unimpressed by his work and, according to a video uploaded last month, his antics got him added to the company’s “no-fly” list.
He filmed a letter he claimed the airline sent on October 2, which stated the “fraudulent” behaviour depicted in the video encouraged the “financial detriment of Spirit Airlines”.
“In light of this egregious misconduct, Spirit Airlines has determined that you are no longer permitted to fly with us, and we have placed you on a list for that purpose,” the purported letter read.
“You are also barred from entering Spirit’s facilities. If you seek to circumvent this, any ticket that you purchase will be forfeited without a refund.”
The letter said if the man trespassed on its property, it would contact “appropriate law enforcement authorities”.
It added that only after two years would it consider allowing him to travel with Spirit Airlines again, but he would need to write a letter “giving unequivocal assurances” he would conduct himself appropriately.
The TikTok user seemed to backtrack on his earlier remarks about the hack, responding to a comment criticising his antics by sarcastically saying he was “sorry you thought this actually works”.
Many were peeved at the man’s attempt to bypass the system, labelling his hack “theft” and saying “Spirit is justified” in its decision.
Others encouraged him to see his ban as an “achievement” and frame the letter to be hung on the wall.
In replying to another comment, he said he regretted not blanking out his booking number on his initial video as the airline was able to track it to him and ultimately send out the ban notice.
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