After a rough few weeks for aviation – indeed, after a rough few years, but couple of weeks in particular for Delta – a pilot comes out before a flight from Las Vegas to Atlanta to address passengers and give them reassurance.
- He shows he is a real person
- That his priority is taking care of everyone safely, and getting passengers to their destination quickly
- And that he genuinely appreciates their business, which makes his job possible.
This captain is a hero. Some passengers are nervous. Some captains are on ego trip, or find passengers the most inconvenient part of their job. This pilot is a servant leader.
From touchdown, from takeoff to touchdown, during those three hours 24 minutes, there is literally nobody more important in my life than you and the crew. And I will do everything I can to first get you safely to Atlanta and then as quickly as possible to Atlanta.
The other reason i wanted to say hi is when we land in Atlanta, that flight tech door stays closed for just a couple of minutes while we get our close flight checks done. If I miss you, when we landed in Atlanta, I wanted to take this opportunity while I have a captive audience to look you in the eye, up and down the aisle, from my friends here in the first row, all of my friends in 38, 39 in the back, and say thank you.
The last couple of years hasn’t been easy for flying. I get it. I fly for work. I fly for fun. And I want you to know from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate every single one of you putting your trust in this crew and Delta Airlines for your loyalty, because I know for a fact that Delta wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.
So again, my name’s Phil. If there’s anything I can do to make your flight a little bit more enjoyable, other than shut up and go fly, please let me know. Otherwise, sit back, relax, and enjoy three hours and 24 minutes.
There’s only one thing I don’t understand about the video – the passenger reaction, or lack of one. At the end of the video you can hear one passenger “Wooooo. Thanks Phil.” No applause for him. Sad!
Cringe. This is the exact same energy that leads husbands with ugly wives to call them beautiful.
The world can use more honesty. If your wife is ugly, either say that or say nothing. Don’t lie and tell her she is beautiful.
This captain, like all rational humans, cares about himself more than anyone. Delta would be a better airline without the miles and points travelers reducing their PRASM.
Today, United flight 1544 to Las Vegas returned to Newark Liberty International Airport to address a possible mechanical issue.
Given Delta’s doubling down on DEI dedication, may I pay $100 (or 1,000,000 SkyMiles) for an upgrade to Captain Phil?
Signed, an increasingly nervous passenger.
I thought it was cool. He didn’t have to do it but a lot of people are increasingly nervous in the skies today and despite the lack of reaction I’m sure appreciated it. I would’ve.
I’m going to assume you’re the same @Dick that has voiced complaints here about not being able to find a girlfriend. None of my business but I genuinely hope that the search is going well for you.
@Dick, the discussion was not about “beauty” but it was about “love.” By your tone, a man cannot express love to his wife if she is ugly. A man cannot express love to his child if he/she is ugly. A man cannot express love to his dog if it is ugly. And, this pilot cannot express love to his passengers if they are ugly. I feel sorry for you.
Thank you for sharing this, Gary.
You are right; this pilot is a hero. And you are too, sir, for operating a relatively respectful space for the free expression of ideas on this industry. Please never tire from this.
@Dick — Oof. Horrible take, as always. I really do pity you, man. Boohoo.
Special thanks to @L737 and @Jack for also calling out that Dick.
@jack – totally agree.
After years of crews monitoring how many bites someone takes before putting their muzzle back on, many of them showed that they couldn’t handle their new found “powers” in a reasonable manner…..while pilots in the cockpit and flight attendants behind the drawn galley curtains remained maskless.
I’m not in a big hurry to be their friend again.
Gary, stop sucking up to Delta. There are pilots to do this at every airline almost every day. Why don’t you report those also? This is not even a story just shows your obsequious bias for delta.
I remember back in the “old days” that the entire planeload of passengers gave a resounding round of applause for captain and crew while the plane touched down and taxied to the gate. It was a lovely way to land.
What’s wrong with this guy! He does not come across as the typical U.S. airline pilot who is on a power trip saying “Now children……..”reminding you of who is in charge! My hat is off to him!
This month, when the Delta Connection flight 4819 crash-landed and skidded upside down to a stop at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada, I believe a few screams drowned out the applause from passengers.
@ Dick. Boy, did your parents get your name right.
Phil is the real deal and an asset to Delta. He is an incredibly kind person and cares very much about those flying with us. He means it when he says there’s no one more important than you. He is truly a servant leader…. the type we’re starting to lack at Delta.
Cancelling this site once again, the negativity of many sours the experience, thanks Prince Charming with the ugly wife anology, the straw that broke….
@Ravioliollie — Bye, Felicia
(we don’t like Dick either)
@Dick I bet your wife/girlfriend/partner calls you Dick, and would even if your name wasn’t Richard.
For those saying this is cringeworthy and an empty promise of care you’d be wrong! I know this man personally and not only is he an upstanding and truly dedicated pilot to his field he has also served our country as a fighter pilot. That folks is the ultimate embodiment of care …
Great article…thanks! Unfortunately, a great deal of the flying public is flying for recreation for the first time in their lives, or it’s unusual for them. Many are at a loss as to the mayhem and stress surrounding airports and today’s typical flying experience. Many of those may act in ways many of us who fly weekly would find, let’s just say, abnormal. As one of those who flies weekly for business, I say a sincere “thank you” to pilots like this. Personally, they make my flying life much less stressful, and that is greatly appreciated. Those above who feel differently, I respect your opinion, but my guess is you are in that first group.
Phil is a self absorbed jack ass. Just fly the plane. If you have the need to tell everyone that he’s the boss, he’s not the boss. His FAs probably cringe every time he’s on the crew list. I can’t even imagine what his crew briefing is like. Yikes.
@Pilot93434 — Bah! Again, you’ve got ‘Pilot’ in your name, so whatever you say must be the truth! Everyone! Cease your praises of Phil immediately!!
(Again, if you are a real pilot, thanks for what you do, and if all you want to do is just ‘fly the damn plane and shut up,’ that’s fine, you do you, but also, there’s nothing wrong with what Phil did.)
am i scared to fly? Not w/ him
@dick. Enough said. Your name says it all. Gary you really need to just delete comments like this it doesn’t do your colon any good. Like most people I come for the story but also enjoy the comments. Not this one. It just sucks the joy out of a good article.
@piolot. Ditto. If you really are who you say you are and want to just fly the plane. Perfect. That’s your stylehave at it. But don’t begrudge another pilot for his leadership style. And yes I actually know something about it. Not flying but leadership. Maybe open your eyes a little bit. Seriously.
Nobody clapped , because Nobody is actually listening. How long has he been doing this? He hasn’t figured that out yet. Earbuds , phone calls, engrossed in a text, social media post.
How long … Is it gonna be bumpy … maybe the temperature when they land. Otherwise they don’t care..
@Dublin — Top of the morning to you!
You brought joy to me with your comment. While I certainly agree with your rebukes of both Dick and Pilot93434, I respectfully disagree on your idea to ‘delete’ anyone’s comments. Let those fools be fools. Also, please, all decent folk do call them out, too. Sometimes you must troll the trolls.
I think people are sick of tall white man constantly lying to them. This short white man is at least.
“After a rough for weeks for aviation”, did a bot right this? How can an editor miss this error in the 1st sentence?
The lack of reaction is especially strange because he’s hot.
Guy is a creep.
Delta sucks.
Kudos to Captain Phil!
@Dick: Your nickname says it all.
Mr. Leff, thanks for posting this. I appreciate your column. I’ve learned lots about travel from your posts. As in life there always those folks who are just haters. They aren’t worth our energy.
I fly 15 to 20 legs per month and I have had pilots make a similar address on at least 25% of the flights usually from the cockpit. I’ve been told by numerous crew members that the ones who want to stand in front of the passengers and be seen are usually the most egotistical ones seeking an audience. Also what the heck is this last 2 years crap? Confidence in airline safety has held at 85 to 87% for years and has JUST dropped to 71% over the last month.
Appreciated and I wish I would be addressed more often like this. About your idea to applaude it’s a clear no. He is doing his job. The others do not do their job. Should we also applaude when pax are propperly dressed, without leggings and tops which let no space for imagination?
Great reassurance for those who are nervous or affected by all the recent events. Good job
For the naysayer’s and nervous, you are far more likely to experience a car crash than a plane crash. Driving is the most dangerous thing you will do every day and not think twice about it! Any of you commentators that have never piloted a commercial airplane should think before you speak. Ask questions before pointing a finger. This pilot did not have to say anything! He could have just flown the plane and let you be pee-your-pants-nervous! Instead he took the time to have a conversation with you and try to make you feel better about the flight! Next time, take a bus or train and see how you feel afterwords!
By the way, every digital news post should allow for comments!
@Dan — You don’t have to share dumb thoughts. But when you do, I will mock you.
@Mike McCreary — No and no. Nice try.
@1990
Why don’t you mock me then? If you do though. Could you do it with love?
Wow … What does it say about we as people and us as a society with those negative reactions to an airplane captain simply stating that passengers are the most important people in his life for these four flight hours! Sad and shame on you, negative Nellies. As a passenger I expect professional expertise from the pilots, but knowing that they are “human” and express valuing fellow humans in his charge, makes me feel really good about my and everyone’s safety knowing we are good hands. While we all can agree to disagree, and God knows we have to far too often, you negative Nellies can go cry a river, look in the mirror, and check your humanity, because you just don’t get “it.” This was not self promotion. It was a warm reminder of reassurance and stability, things that should be valued not excoriated with vitriol.
@dick. You give me the ick…
And thanks Phil for reassuring the nervous passengers. I personally take the train places…. But you’re cool!!
I can already tell this guy is a douche to fly with.
Good morning, I happened upon this article just now and it was like a breath of fresh air. What an amazing and conscientious pilot. It has become increasingly difficult to fly these days, with everything that’s happening in the skies. However, I felt a sense of relief just reading this. There are many other pilots like this one, they just don’t speak. They know they have our lives in their hands and want to get us safely on our journey. I am grateful for that. Thank you for writing this piece. I fly often, and I felt reassured just reading this.
Flying is very dangerous in the US & Canada at the moment with all those DEI hires flying planes and controlling air traffic.
I can hear all the liberals screaming about Phil being an old white guy. Who wants a pilot who is experienced and will get me to my destination safely? I want a diverse pilot!!
Delta Airlines is one of the best in service friendliness and doing the extra for the customer. I had a wonderful flight coming back from Germany and they were instrumental in making my welcome back to USA.❤️1993. ….Memories
@John — Nope. You’re plain wrong (or should I say, ‘plane’ wrong). Diversity, equity, and inclusion is not the problem–in fact, it’s a strength. Flying is still quite safe, too, though accidents do happen, and we should learn from them. We should invest in even better technology and people. And, no ‘liberals’ are complaining about Phil–if they are, I’ll call them out, too. Be better than this.
What are some people’s problems?? It was a nice thoughtful speech by the captain.. i actually Can’t stand when the Pilots on a flight say absolutely nothing regarding the flight such as the route, weather, etc, There are people who are apprehensive of that flying and it can’t hurt for them to make a little short speech Outlining the flight
Substitute “flight deck door” for “flight tech door” and “post-flight checks”for “close flight checks,” and you’d be right!