A quick act of kindness on a United Airlines flight turned into a viral moment after a flight attendant caught a baby who had started slipping from a sleeping mother’s lap.
The moment happened on United Airlines Flight 3486, traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
According to People, passenger John Frehse shared the encounter on Instagram, saying the new mother had fallen asleep while holding her baby. When the infant began slipping from her lap, Monique Harris reacted quickly and caught the child.
Harris, an African American flight attendant who works for Republic Airways, then stayed nearby and took care of the baby while the mother rested. Frehse said the woman was so exhausted that she could barely stay awake.
By holding the infant, Harris gave the mother a chance to sleep without worrying about her baby. Frehse praised Harris for stepping in and said United Airlines should be proud of her.
His post received more than 150,000 likes, bringing widespread attention to the encounter. Republic Airways, where Harris works, also praised her in the comments. United Airlines responded with a teary-eyed emoji.
Harris later responded to the post and said she was “in tears” over the reaction. She said she never helps people for recognition and had not expected the simple act of caring for the baby to receive so much attention.
Frehse also called Harris “wonderful in so many ways.” He said she stepped in when the mother was simply too tired to stay awake.
Harris works for Republic Airways, a regional airline that operates flights for carriers including United.
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