A passenger was caught off guard by an unexpected reward after sharing a memorable flight experience with an unaccompanied minor.
The heartwarming encounter, shared by an air traveler under the username Portesian this week, occurred during a flight from Edmonton International Airport in Canada to Denver International Airport.
The original poster (OP) was upgraded to first class, but found themselves seated next to an eight-year-old boy traveling alone.
Bonding Interest
According to the post on Reddit, a flight attendant informed Portesian that the child was an unaccompanied minor and instructed them to direct the boy to use the call button if he needed anything, rather than seeking assistance from fellow passengers.
Despite the initial briefing, the passenger and child soon engaged in conversation, bonding over a shared interest in plane tracking.
Yaroslav Astakhov/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Using the Flightradar24 app, the passenger showed the boy how to identify and follow aircraft flying nearby. The child quickly became engrossed in the activity, enthusiastically announcing each new discovery.
“That kid found 12 planes, I usually find four or five,” Portesian told fellow Redditors.
“Though that’s all he was doing during the flight was looking for planes, and I’d hear about it every time he found one.”
Flying Solo
United Airlines has clear protocols in place for unaccompanied minors, which include gate escorts, pre-boarding and ensuring the child is seated near flight attendants.
According to United’s official guidelines, “Our unaccompanied minor service provides peace of mind for parents and guardians by offering a safe and reliable travel experience for children traveling alone.”
Children aged 5 to 14 traveling without a parent or legal guardian are required to use the unaccompanied minor service, which includes special handling from check-in to the final destination.
Though the flight was largely enjoyable, a flight attendant offered the passenger the opportunity to switch seats to another spot in first class, which they politely declined, expressing that the child was a “great seatmate.”
The gesture of kindness did not go unnoticed, as the flight attendant later rewarded the passenger with 5,000 bonus miles for their experience.
“The inconvenience was sitting next to a really delightful kid,” Portesian concluded.
‘Good for everyone’
Their interaction won praise from other Reddit users, who commended the passenger’s kindness and willingness to share their phone to keep the child occupied.
“Great story all around,” cheered one typical supporter, adding, “You are nice to share your phone and entertain the kid and you were awarded with that kindness with some extra miles.
“Good for everyone going out of their way to make someone else happy.”
Another added, “Dude, sounds awesome. How fun. I bet that kid remembers that forever.”
While children flying solo is not unusual, proper etiquette remains crucial for all passengers.
According to Newsweek‘s guide to plane etiquette, remaining calm, accommodating and patient can greatly enhance the travel experience for all involved.
The article advises, “Being polite to fellow passengers, particularly children, can make a long flight feel significantly shorter.”
‘Sparks love’
In response to an invitation to comment from Newsweek, Ian Petchenik, a spokesman for Flightradar24, said that seeing what’s happening in the sky around your flight can be comforting and exciting.
“We’re thrilled any time someone new discovers the joy of tracking flights around them while flying and even better if it sparks a love of aviation,” Petchenik said.
Newsweek has contacted Portesian for comment via Reddit.
Newsweek‘s “What Should I Do?” offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on WSID at Newsweek.
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.