• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Pilot leaves passengers emotional as he fights back tears during final flight

Home> News> Travel

Published 17:25 12 Nov 2023 GMT

Pilot leaves passengers emotional as he fights back tears during final flight

Brb, just grabbing a box of tissues.

Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck

People are flooding to social media 'sobbing' after a TikToker recorded the moment a pilot gave a speech on their final flight.

After working for American Airlines for a whopping 32 years, a pilot named Jeff Fell flew his final trip last week and he decided to say a few words, giving thanks to some particularly special passengers onboard. Prepare yourself for a tear jerker:

In the footage - uploaded to TikTok by @realjharrison - the pilot can be seen stood at the front of the aircraft with the overhead announcement phone in his hand, greeting everyone onboard and checking everyone can hear him.

He continues: "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard. My name is Jeff Fell, I'm the captain on the flight going to Chicago tonight.

Advert

"I normally don't stand up in front of everybody like this, I usually just stay on the cockpit and talk on the PA.

"If I get a little emotional, please forgive me for that."

The pilot said he's flown for American Airlines for 32 years.
TikTok/ @realjharrison

The pilot goes on to 'acknowledge a group of really important people' to him who are 'onboard the flight'.

Advert

"They're the majority of my family who've come along with me on my retirement flight," he continues - his speech briefly interrupted with a huge round of applause from passengers.

"They're onboard with me for my retirement flight after 32 years with American. Thank you all for coming along with me tonight and celebrating this very memorable time in my life. I love all of you."

Cue more raucous applause.

The pilot couldn't help but get emotional.
TikTok/ @realjharrison

Advert

Noting he 'didn't want to get emotional,' Fell soldiers on, paying tribute to one final very special person.

He says: "Finally, to my wonderful wife Julie, who has been at my side for the majority of my 32 years at American.

"She has been the solid rock in our foundation in our lives and our marriage. Her faith in the Lord, wisdom, strength and love has guided our marriage and family throughout these years.

"I love you and look forward to the next chapter in our lives. And welcome aboard everybody."

Advert

And people online have had a similar reaction to those onboard the pilot's final flight.

Social media users have been left 'sobbing' over the video.
TikTok/ @realjharrison

The user who shared the footage wrote: "Privileged to have been there for this."

And it didn't take long for others to flood to the post to offer their well wishes too.

Advert

Another TikToker said: "His little script. Just imagine him sitting there and typing it up the night before."

"THE WAY HE TALKS ABOUT HIS WIFE IM SOBBING," a third added.

And a fourth said: "32 years of safe landings also. God bless him and all pilots."

UNILAD has contacted American Airlines for comment.

Featured Image Credit: TikTok/ @realjharrison

Topics: US News, American Airlines, Travel, Mental Health, TikTok, Social Media, Sex and Relationships

Poppy Bilderbeck
Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck is a Senior Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Manchester in 2021 with a First in English Literature and Drama, where alongside her studies she was Editor-in-Chief of The Tab Manchester. Poppy is most comfortable when chatting about all things mental health, is proving a drama degree is far from useless by watching and reviewing as many TV shows and films as possible and is such a crisp fanatic the office has been forced to release them in batches.

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

17 mins ago
an hour ago
  • 17 mins ago

    World’s oldest baby has been born

    Thaddeus Daniel Pierce arrived into the world to Ohio parents, Lindsey and Tim Pierce

    News
  • 17 mins ago

    Final meal of death row inmate revealed after he shared disturbing message before execution

    Edward Zakrzewski was executed on July 31 via lethal injection

    News
  • an hour ago

    Every celebrity with Lyme disease after Justin Timberlake reveals 'shock' diagnosis

    Justin Timberlake announced on Thursday that he has Lyme Disease

    Celebrity
  • an hour ago

    Top 5 titles you need to binge this weekend include Netflix’s new true crime series featuring serial killer who ‘haunted’ New York

    If you're looking for something to watch, this week's UNILAD Ranked has got you covered

    Film & TV
  • Passengers step in to restrain man who was allegedly violent to female companion during flight
  • Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane fights back tears as he discusses heartbreaking ALS diagnosis in first interview
  • Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy shares tribute to late One Direction star in emotional video
  • Amouranth breaks down in tears on livestream as her husband argues over her monthly income