Flight attendant sat in aisle, calmed jittery passenger on Charlotte flight, photo shows
A Delta Airlines flight attendant is being hailed as an angel and a saint on social media after sitting in the aisle of a Charlotte to JFK flight, while holding the hand of a passenger frightened about flying.
The flight attendant “explained every sound and bump” to the jittery woman, the media site Social Junkie posted on Facebook Thursday afternoon. The post included a picture of the flight attendant seated in the aisle and looking up at the passenger.
He “even sat here holding her hand when it still got to be too much for her,” according to the Facebook post. “@delta, Floyd Dean-Shannon deserves a raise!”
The post drew 406,000 likes and 11,000 comments by Saturday morning, most of them praising the flight attendant.
The airline hasn’t confirmed the flight attendant’s name to The Charlotte Observer, but Raleigh resident Molly Lee, who took the picture on the flight, confirmed Dean-Shannon’s name in an interview with WXII.
Dean-Shannon said, “’I’ve got you,’ and just was very reassuring, and just told her not to worry, it was going to be totally safe, and she was cheering up,” Lee told the station.
He held the passenger’s hand for about 10 minutes, Lee said. “At some point, I just had to take a picture because it was moving, it was so beautiful to see somebody extend their heart like that to a stranger.”
On Monday, Jan. 23, a Delta Airlines spokesperson said in a statement to the Observer:
“We are touched by the kindness shown by this flight attendant, working on a Delta Connection flight, and proud that this humanity is displayed by our people every day. Delta and its partners are dedicated to embodying warmth and care – the Delta Difference – to ensure our customers enjoy a premium overall experience.”
On Facebook, people praised the flight attendant’s compassion and empathy. Some shared their fear of flying and how much better the flight attendant’s actions made them feel.
Tips for nervous passengers
About 60% of people fear or feel uneasy flying in a plane, a condition known as aviophobia, AirlineRatings.com reports.
Perhaps the best way to stay calm is to take “distractions” aboard, recommends Fly With Stella, the blog of a flight attendant based in Washington, D.C.
That could include an audio book or a movie or music you downloaded onto your phone or other device, according to the site.
Snare a seat toward the front of the plane, an area less prone to “shake back and forth” during bumpy parts of a flight, the site Fly with Captain Joe advises.
Think positive thoughts and fly with someone you can discuss your fears with during a flight, the site recommends.
Also let the flight attendants know when you board that flying freaks you out, Fly with Stella recommends. They’ll help calm you by talking it out with you during the flight.
Arrive way early at the airport so you’re not harried boarding the flight, the site further advises. That also affords time to look out the terminal windows as planes land and take off, which can provide a sense of ease and normalcy, according to Fly With Stella.
This story was originally published January 21, 2023 at 10:49 AM with the headline "Flight attendant sat in aisle, calmed jittery passenger on Charlotte flight, photo shows."