After a rough for 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.