travel

"Processed For Privileged Plane Prowl: White Man Thinks Wing Is His Personal Catwalk"

Oh, brilliant, just what we need! A real-life Fast & Furious audition on a Jetstar flight. Guess someone couldn't wait for their in-flight peanuts. Next time, maybe try the inflatable slide for a bit more flair?

Published August 22, 2024 at 8:01am by Natalie Neysa Alund

Darwin Award Contender: Man Turns Plane Wing into Personal Runway

In a move that's got "Florida Man" energy down under, federal agents in Australia nabbed a passenger who decided the emergency exit door was his personal gateway to freedom. This genius, on board Jetstar flight JQ507 from Sydney, popped open the door, sauntered along the wing, and climbed down a jet engine like it was a jungle gym. Welcome to Melbourne Airport, where the passengers are bold, and the staff are ready for anything.

For those geographically challenged, Melbourne Airport is smack dab in the middle of Victoria's capital, in Australia's southeastern corner. And Jetstar? That's just Qantas' low-cost cousin, based right there in Melbourne.

Cam Beaman, the airport's spokesperson, assured USA TODAY that the plane was parked. So at least our wing-walker wasn't trying to beat traffic.

Slide into DMs... or Just Out the Emergency Exit

Alana Grech, Jetstar's spokesperson, spilled the tea to USA TODAY. The plane was chilling at the gate when our hero decided to make his grand exit, automatically deploying the emergency slide. Because why walk out the front door when you can make an entrance (or exit, rather)?

"The passenger exited via the emergency exit and walked along the wing before making his way down to the ground via the engine," Grech said. Points for creativity, we guess?

Wingman Grounded

Our wing-walker was swiftly apprehended by airport staff and arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Melbourne Airport's ground crew deserves a round of applause for their quick thinking.

"Melbourne Airport is proud of the exceptional response from ground crew, which meant there was no immediate danger to other passengers or airport staff," Beaman said.

Officials are keeping mum on the passenger's name and origin story. Probably for the best – who wants to claim this one?

"We thank our passengers for their patience and understanding while our team assisted the AFP to manage this incident," Grech said.

Contributing: Eve Chen

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.