The attorney for 25-year-old suspect Abdulrahman Oriyomi told ABC13 it was essentially a misunderstanding, saying his client thought he was getting a cheap airline ticket, not a fake one.
During Oriyomi's court hearing Monday morning, the judge kept his bond at $15,000, and his attorney says he does plan to bond out.
On May 18, authorities say security footage shows the suspect getting through TSA at IAH.
A charging document states he eventually snuck onto a plane headed to LA, hid in the restroom as the plane was taxiing from the gate, and gave a flight attendant a fake name in an attempt to stay on board.
The flight was delayed for three hours, according to that document, which also claims Oriyomi caused a scene while being questioned by law enforcement.
Law enforcement said he was given a trespass warning on that day and allowed to leave, but was arrested last week following an additional investigation.
Oriyomi is charged with impairing or interrupting the operation of a critical infrastructure facility. As part of his bond conditions, the judge said that Oriyomi must wear an ankle monitor and stay in Harris County and the surrounding counties.
In a statement released by TSA, the agency says "the individual in question presented a valid boarding pass at George Bush Intercontinental Airport," which contradicts what authorities have said.