Tears As Delta Pilot Flies Final Flight After 35 Years With the Airline
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A video capturing a Delta Air Lines pilot's final flight before retirement after 35 years of service has gone viral on TikTok.
The video posted by Lauren Lanoue (@readysetpto) shows her father, Delta captain Steve Wilson, waving out of the cockpit window ahead of his retirement flight on April 11. The moment marks the beginning of Wilson's final round-trip flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Orlando Airport (MCO). The clip has drawn 1.7 million views since it was posted on April 22.
Lanoue, who lives in Hermosa Beach, California, told Newsweek: "I created and founded my travel blog, Ready, Set PTO, to inspire others to make the most of their vacation days off work and get out and explore the world."
"My dad has been a pilot for Delta for 35 years and here he is waving goodbye for his last flight for retirement," reads text overlaid on the video. In a caption shared with the post, Lanoue wrote: "I didn't even know those windows opened until this moment tbh [to be honest]."
Wilson, 65, told Newsweek his path to the cockpit was inspired by family and a pivotal decision during college. "My dad was a private pilot and I enjoyed the times flying with him," Wilson said. "However, by the end of my sophomore year at University of Florida I was on a path to get a business degree. I wasn't terribly excited at that prospect and after meeting a buddy's dad, who was a United pilot, I decided to pursue an aviation career."
He joined the U.S. Air Force ROTC during his final two years at the University of Florida, was awarded a pilot slot, and served 7.5 years in the Air Force before joining Delta. "I was fortunate to get hired by Delta Air Lines; the rest is history," he said.
A screenshot from a viral TikTok video capturing Delta Air Lines pilot Steve Wilson waving from the cockpit window before his final flight with the carrier.
A screenshot from a viral TikTok video capturing Delta Air Lines pilot Steve Wilson waving from the cockpit window before his final flight with the carrier.
@readysetpto on TikTok
Wilson's career finale comes at a time when the aviation profession continues to draw admiration and demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median salary of $198,100 for pilots in 2024. The BLS also projects a five percent growth in employment for airline and commercial pilots from 2023 to 2033, with about 18,500 openings expected each year—many driven by retirements.
The pilot profession was also recently ranked 15th among the "100 Best Jobs" of 2025 by U.S. News & World Report. It placed second among "Best Social Service Jobs" and eighth among "Best Paying Jobs."
Memories and the 'Unique Perks' of Being a Pilot
Wilson's family deliberately chose a short and manageable flight for his retirement journey. "His final flight was a short and easy one, so that our whole family could easily join him for it despite our busy schedules," Lanoue told Newsweek.
Wilson said that some of the most memorable moments of his career came when his family joined him on various trips. "My wife would join me in Amsterdam, London, Paris, New York City and Boston," he said. "My wife and daughters joined me once in Shanghai. My daughter, Lauren, joined me on a plane I was flying to Amsterdam and back, and we explored the city together during the layover. My son was able to fly with me on a delivery flight, when Delta Air Lines takes possession of a new 737-800."
Reflecting on his final journey, Wilson shared: "The most memorable flight, however, was my final two legs when my whole family was on board to witness the water cannon salute as we departed Orlando, making some fun P.A. announcements, and getting some great final pictures together."
Lanoue fondly recalled growing up with a pilot father. "Not only was he a pilot, but he was also an instructor in the simulators," she told Newsweek. "When he was instructing, he would always make it a priority to be home for family dinner every night. When he was flying, he would always bring us back something special from the cool countries he was visiting."
She added that having a Delta pilot as a father came with unique perks: "Our whole family got to fly for free. We started the tradition of always travelling to Europe for Thanksgiving. Instead of the traditional American turkey dinner, we would be eating pizza in Rome, crepes in Paris, or Bratwurst in Munich."
Viewers on TikTok were visibly moved by the viral clip.
User @DollyForLifeDoll wrote: "Why did this make me tear up??" while @alexa06m simply wrote: "oh hysterical [crying emoji]." Even KLM Royal Dutch Airlines commented, saying: "Who's cutting onions."
Others praised Wilson's service, such as user Tanya who said: "wow ...how super proud you must be."
Another commenter, @Sherrysmadamarlbassets, noted: "Thank you Captain, for all the years of helping people make memories. enjoy your retirement and make up lost time with family."
User @samilovebug1 wrote: "Omg I hope he has a great retirement I'm sure it's well deserved and overdue."
User @kgaokgauki shared: "Goodbye Sir and thanks for your service for all those years."
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