Man, 87, on 'Bucket List' Trip Not Prepared for Note He Gets From Flight Attendant
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
When an elderly man boarded an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska, his travel companion knew the journey carried special weight.
The 87-year-old passenger, facing late-stage heart failure, had long dreamed of visiting the state, telling his granddaughter, "I just want to see the mountains one last time."
According to the original poster (OP) on Reddit, the quiet flight soon took a touching turn thanks to one observant crew member.
Touching Note
The granddaughter wrote that her grandfather spent the flight holding her hand and gazing out the window. A flight attendant—possibly named Tara or Taryn—noticed and approached them gently to check in.
After hearing that the trip was part of the man's bucket list, she returned with a set of Alaska Airlines wings and a handwritten note. It read: "We're honored to fly with you today. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey."
Stock image: Elderly man in an airport.
Stock image: Elderly man in an airport.
ajr_images/iStock/Getty Images Plus
According to the OP, the man carried that note for the rest of the trip. He passed away peacefully three weeks later and the family buried him with the message in his coat pocket.
Approached for comment, a spokesperson for Alaska Airlines told Newsweek that while the carrier's staff members are working to confirm the details and identify the flight attendant involved, "We are deeply moved to hear how this moment resonated with the family and your readers.
"At Alaska, we are incredibly proud of our flight attendants and all employees who lead with heart and empathy," the spokesperson continued.
"While we can't speak to this individual moment without further verification, we can say that recognizing acts of kindness is core to our internal culture.
"We have several programs in place—from peer-nominated awards to leadership shout-outs—that celebrate employees who live our values of service and compassion."
Reactions from fellow users on Reddit were swift and emotional.
One wrote simply, "Wow! Goose bumps!"
Another added, "I'm chopping onions again."
A third shared, "I am so sorry about you losing your grandpa... but what a beautiful memory you gave him."
Another contributor, reflecting on her own experience, commented, "[Alaska Airlines] has many, many lovely flight attendants and I'm getting to know more now. Not surprised to hear about this gesture.
"Many good days to you and thank you for sharing."
'Share feedback'
While the moment described might have been brief, it left a lasting impact, capturing how frontline airline workers can leave deep impressions with small acts of attention.
As highlighted in Alaska Airlines' feedback portal, the company actively encourages passengers to share stories of both praise and concerns. Their site states: "We are always striving to be better.
"Share feedback on what we did well, what we could have done better, or any ideas that will make Alaska Airlines the best place to fly."
The airline invites notes not only for general travel experiences, but also for accessibility and mileage plan suggestions.
Airplane Etiquette
Broader conversations about in-flight conduct and courtesy often take off on the forum.
A Newsweek article exploring a YouGov poll on airplane etiquette found that 45% of Americans believe passengers should remove headphones when speaking to crew, while a strong majority expect basic civility during flights.
That survey revealed a desire for kindness from both crew and fellow passengers, echoing the respect shown in this story.
A Redditor shared with the OP in the thread that they can, "Only imagine the mountains and wonders," that the grandfather is now experiencing.
"It's great that Alaska was able to give him a quick glimpse of even bigger things to come," they mused.
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via Reddit.
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