Convicted JFK Stowaway Sentenced To Time Served

Svetlana Dali, a Russian citizen and U.S. permanent resident, was sentenced to time served and one year of supervised release after stowing away on a Delta flight from JFK to Paris in November 2024. Dali, who has spent seven months in jail, claimed her actions were driven by a belief that she had been poisoned by the U.S. military and was trying to save her life. The court noted her mental health struggles, including a diagnosed delusional disorder, and emphasized the dangers and deterrence concerns associated with stowaway travel. Although sentencing guidelines suggested up to six months, the judge also mandated supervised release to facilitate mental health treatment. Dali remains in custody due to pending charges in Connecticut for a similar stowaway attempt just days before the New York incident. Prosecutors and the judge highlighted the need to protect the public and maintain airport security, citing the risk of copycat behavior and threats to passenger safety.