Pilot leaves passengers emotional as he fights back tears during final flight
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.
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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.
"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 goes on to 'acknowledge a group of really important people' to him who are 'onboard the flight'.
"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.
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."
And people online have had a similar reaction to those onboard the pilot's final flight.
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.
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.
Topics: US News, American Airlines, Travel, Mental Health, TikTok, Social Media, Sex and Relationships
Poppy Bilderbeck