As an LEO who does an occasional extradition, I can tell you that law enforcement agencies transport fugitives around the country via commercial airlines very frequently.

The FA had NO business revealing that information to you. We are armed and we try to keep things as low key as possible and many times you won't even know we are on board. The prisoner must be restrained but we try to find ways to make it inconspicuous. It's easier in the winter, obviously.

I suppose it depends on the individual agency as to whether or not status and miles are earned. My agency does allow for this. We sit in Y.