Ticketless boy tells about Rome flight

AN 11-year-old who flew from Manchester to Rome without a passport or boarding pass says he was not challenged by a single member of staff.

Liam Corcoran-Fort said he was not asked for any documentation as he made his way onto the Jet2.com flight at Manchester Airport.

The youngster had wandered away from his mother during a shopping trip on Tuesday before travelling to the airport on a bus after finding a ticket on the floor.

Liam told The Sun newspaper he needed the toilet so decided to head into Terminal 1 of the transport hub.

He said he walked through a body scanner and metal detector.

The youngster then passed through a gate onto Jet2.com flight LS791 without being asked to show his boarding stub to cabin crew.

Liam said: "There were lots of people but I didn't speak to anyone. I followed where people were going and then at the barrier I went underneath it.


"I didn't have anything on me and and no-one asked me for anything. I just carried on walking."

The schoolboy added: "I just wanted to go to the toilet. I wasn't trying to go anywhere I wasn't allowed. But it was easier than my homework, even easier than computer games."

A Manchester Airport spokesman said once passengers became aware Liam was on his own, airline staff were alerted and the plane's captain informed the authorities.

The youngster remained on board after landing at Rome and returned to Manchester on the same plane. He was met by his mother, Mary, around 9pm on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old said: "I can't get my head around it. How did he get that far without anyone asking him one question?"

Five staff from Manchester Airport and Jet2.com have been suspended while an investigation takes place, according to The Sun.

A Manchester Airport spokesman said: "This extremely serious matter is now being urgently investigated by officials from the airport and airline.

"It is clear that documentation has not been checked correctly at security and the boarding gate.

"The boy went through full security screening so the safety of passengers and the aircraft was never compromised."