Confused 94-Year-Old Passenger Holds up Flight – Then One Man Stepped In and Gave up His First-Class Seat
This is another level of kindness and empathy.
For most of us, flying can be a pretty scary experience! 42,000 feet in a metal tube racing through the skies? Not exactly the most anxiety-calming activity. But for this 94-year-old passenger, flying presented a whole new set of challenges on a trip to Washington.
SkyWest flight attendant Laura Failner was having a difficult day on the job when a confused and elderly passenger delayed the plane’s takeoff. The cabin was growing irritable and restless as the 94-year-old passenger was slow to remember where exactly she belonged on the aircraft.
It’s called multitasking, not ‘easytasking’ for a reason! Laura was trying to balance all her duties at once and this was one time it proved it be a struggle. Flight attendants have seen it all. Like any job in the service industry, it can be a tricky career, especially when you’re trying to balance safety and customer service, all at once!
Laura tried to help the elderly passenger in between making sure the aircraft was prepared for takeoff. But when the other passengers on the flight started getting ruffled feathers, one passenger stepped up just when she needed him most.
One Gentleman’s Act of Kindness Charted A Kinder Flight Path
In a now viral Facebook post, Laura shared the small act of kindess she witnessed that made a big impact.
An unexpected hero emerged from the first-class section of all places!
A compassionate gentleman noticed Laura and the elderly woman’s struggle and signalled for assistance. He quietly requested, “Can you please get her and put her in MY seat, and I will take hers.”
He then accompanied Laura to help the elderly lady and graciously escorted her to the comfort of first class. The effect of this simple yet selfless gesture was profound, as the elderly lady was deeply moved, expressing her gratitude with a heartfelt hug.
“Never in my 94 years has someone done that for me. Thank you, young man.”
– SKYWEST PASSENGER
Read Laura’s story below:
“I love looking for the good in the world! As I flew up to Washington today, I had this cute little 94 year old lady get on my plane. She was frail and had a hard time getting back to her seat. There was a bit of a confusion to where she was supposed to be seated. In first class this wonderful Gentleman saw her plight and flagged me down. He said, “can you please get her and put her in my seat and I will take hers.” He walked back with me to get her and take her to first class. She was so touched. The woman gave him a big hug and said “Never in my 94 years has someone done that for me. Thank you young man.” She had tears of gratitude. It was amazing how his thoughtful act changed the attitude of everyone on the flight. May we all look for the little things we can do, to help others around us and show Christlike acts of kindness. In this crazy world let’s all try to Be the Good.”
The heartwarming post racked up over 20k likes with commentators applauding the stranger for his act of kindness.
Try to Be the Good In The World
In a world often filled with chaos and uncertainty, the heartwarming story of a man who selflessly offered his first-class seat to a 94-year-old woman serves as a poignant reminder. It encourages us all to pause and reflect on the simple yet profound acts of kindness that can make a world of difference. In this “crazy world,” where headlines often convey despair, we have the power to change the narrative. By seeking out opportunities to ‘be the good’ and extend a helping hand, we can collectively create a more compassionate, connected, and hopeful world. This one act on a plane is a testament to the goodness that resides within us all, and it’s a call to action for each of us to make our corner of the world a bit brighter.
Laura’s story is a reminder that in these complicated times, it is more important than ever to extend a loving hand to friends and strangers alike in our community. After all, as the age old saying goes, “strangers are just friends we haven’t met yet”.
Credits: Sienna Aquilini / Goalcast
