Every seat has a story, and because of that, so does every Tweet and Facebook post; every social update is a glimpse into a person’s journey. It’s sometimes hard to get to know anyone in the age of information overload, but when a genuine display of humanity presents itself, it’s often unmistakable. Customer Susie Mann posted the following message to our Facebook wall, and it’s a shining example of Southwest Hospitality, and the impact other’s journeys can have on our own.
"On Saturday, November 15, 2014, my husband and I were aboard Southwest Airlines flight #4353 from Baltimore to Denver. Soon after take-off, one of the flight attendants made an announcement about a special passenger on board. Four year-old Leo from Burundi, Africa was traveling with a missionary companion to Denver after six months of extensive burn treatment and surgeries at Shriners Hospital in Boston. I want everyone at Southwest Airlines to know how warm, generous and professional all of the flight attendants were on flight #4353 that day. They orchestrated all of us singing Happy Birthday to Leo (although it was not his actual birthday!) and gave him a chocolate donut. Leo was invited to help serve snacks to each passenger on the plane. The crew embraced this dear child in a genuine and touching manner for the entirety of the trip. They are to be commended. Although I told them of my respect for their professionalism and kindness, I only wish I had gotten their names for posting here. Be well, Leo! Lots of people cheering you on."
Leo with Phoenix-based Flight Attendant Judy.
Passing out snacks.
Hanging out... Ninja Turtle style!