A ticketless airline passenger in Seattle managed to bypass security and airline officials earlier this week before boarding a flight to Honolulu – only to be arrested as the plane taxied out, according to Delta Air Lines and the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA). ).

The unidentified fare evader boarded Delta Air Lines Flight 487 at Seattle/Tacoma International Airport shortly before Christmas on Tuesday, which was flying to the Hawaiian capital.

But before the Airbus A321neo could take off, the free rider was discovered and removed from the aircraft. The incident caused the flight to depart approximately two hours and 15 minutes late.

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A Delta Air Lines Airbus A321-211 similar to the aircraft in Tuesday’s incident prepares to depart San Diego International Airport for Salt Lake City on November 18. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images/Getty Images)

“TSA can confirm that an individual passed standard screening and was not in possession of any prohibited items,” a TSA statement to FOX Business said. “The individual bypassed the identity verification and boarding status stations and boarded a plane at Seattle/Tacoma International (SEA) without a boarding pass.”

It is unclear how the ticketless passenger managed to bypass the checkpoints and get on the plane.

“TSA takes seriously any incidents that occur at any of our checkpoints nationwide. TSA will independently review the circumstances of this incident at our travel document screening station in Seattle/Tacoma International,” the TSA statement continued.

Travelers go through security at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on November 29, 2020. (David Ryder/Getty Images / Getty Images)

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The agency says it will file a civil lawsuit against any passenger if there is evidence that TSA regulations may have been violated.

Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines said the individual was detained by law enforcement as the plane returned to the gate and TSA conducted additional security screening, including re-screening customers.

“Because there is nothing more important than safety, Delta employees followed procedures to remove a ticketless passenger from the flight and then arrest them,” a Delta spokesperson said. “We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel and thank them for their patience and cooperation.”

A TSA agent wears a patch on his uniform. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

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The airline says an investigation is ongoing, but initial indications suggest the ticketless passenger boarded the flight at the gate without presenting a boarding pass. According to Airbus, the Airbus A321neo typically offers space for around 180 to 220 passengers.

The incident comes just weeks after a person allegedly sneaked onto a Delta Air Lines flight departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City and was only noticed as the plane was about to land in Paris stood.

She was caught after a flight attendant discovered she had spent an unusually long time in the plane’s restrooms.

Fox News’ Louis Casiano contributed to this report.