Flight delays can be absolutely frustrating. Especially when you’re actually sitting on the airplane, and think you are about to take off – only to have the captain announce you’re not going anywhere. Ugh!
There are a plethora of reasons why a flight could be delayed. Not all of them make you feel any less frustrated about the situation either.
When one woman realized what was holding up their plane for 45 minutes – she actually didn’t get upset. Instead, she decided to take a photo of the scene she was witnessing, then share it on Facebook.
It didn’t take long for her heartwarming post to go viral.
Kristen Wiley from Washington was stuck on the runway at the Seattle-Tacoma airport.
While many flights are delayed over maintenance issues, the weather, or other factors that slow things down – this particular Alaska Airlines flight was delayed because of a passenger.
Yet, it wasn’t an unruly person or someone who’d had too many cocktails before boarding. The woman holding up the airplane was elderly and having troubles due to her dementia.
As Kristen sat in her seat, she took notice of the situation and how the crew was handling it.
She began her Facebook post saying:
“We are currently sitting on a plane, with a 45 minute delay. Why? Because there is an elderly woman suffering from dementia, who is very upset and confused.”
Kristen was aware that the experience was probably very frightening for the woman. Fortunately, the crew offered her nothing but kindness.
She watched as the Alaska Airlines employees comforted the woman and worked to try and make things better.
“The incredible staff of #alaskaairlines is being extremely patient and compassionate, in what can only be a very scary situation for her. Explaining every step, cuddling her dog, working with her husband/caregiver to find the best solution. In short, the entire crew giving so much kindness.”
The scene warmed Kristen’s heart so much that she snapped a pic with her phone so she could share it.
She continued:
“This is how I would want my mother, my sister, my aunt, my daughter, my niece, my friend cared for. Thank you, Alaska Airlines Flight # 748 for giving #firstclassservice to EVERY passenger.”
That’s not all they did to help.
According to Kristen, the elderly woman, her partner, and their dog were “calmly assisted” off of the aircraft. Then, the airline provided them with transportation and a hotel room, so they could regroup and try flying the next day.
“Again, incredible compassion given to the both of them while quietly explaining the situation to other passengers.”
Kristen’s touching post has been shared more than 15K times on Facebook.
She also added an update about the elderly woman, letting people know she did indeed have better success on another flight.
“UPDATE : The woman’s daughter reached out and confirmed her mom and dad reached their final destination safely. Wishing their family the very best as they continue to care for her ♥️”
https://www.facebook.com/Wiley.Kristen/posts/10156027627663766
Traveling can be stressful enough. So it’s hard to imagine what the woman must have been experiencing with her dementia. But thanks to a group of people (and an airline) who acted with compassion – there was a positive ending to the story.
Sometimes it’s the little acts of kindness that make the biggest difference!
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