The officer was patiently waiting for the plane to take off. The journey was going to be long, and as she braced herself for a long flight in a cramped space, she just looked forward to getting home. But just after finding her seat, a man headed towards her and told her to get out of that seat.
Jessica didn’t understand why he was insisting on not letting her stay there since she had bought a ticket and that was the right seat. However, as soon as he made his intention clear, Jessica knew she had to do something she never thought it would be possible!
Training in the Military
Jessica has trained in the military for a few years, and her training has prepared her for every situation possible. Still, when that man approached her on the plane, it seemed like all of that training vanished from her mind. She was actually quite shaken… Who knew she’d go through something like this when she least expected?
A Small Representation
Since 2017, there are only 16% of women serving in the military. They may have a small representation, but their numbers have steadily grown over the past year. Servicewomen like Jessica are fortunate compared to women who couldn’t dream of joining the army decades ago. But looking at the man talking to her, Jessica realized she was caught off guard.
Going Home
Jessica was preparing to see her family for the holidays. She couldn’t wait to get home and be with the people she loved. As all servicewomen and servicemen, Jessica craved to see her loved ones but knew that serving the country was a sacrifice she was willing to make. But on that day, she would finally see her family! Or so she thought…
The Plane Seat
After grabbing her passport and reaching the boarding gate, Jessica had a feeling that day would start badly. Just by looking at the small space in coach, she knew she’d be uncomfortable. For those dreading flights or small spaces, it probably was a nightmare. However, Jessica wanted to get home quickly. Her schedule didn’t exactly go as planned, though!
Everyone Was Going Home
Since the holidays were getting close, the flight was overbooked. That’s when Jessica realized that there would be no free seats for her to have some more room. And if that wasn’t enough, she felt someone was watching her. Perhaps it was her uniform, thought Jessica. She was used to getting looks, but the stranger had a different reason.
Staring At Her
Jessica was used to fighting against all the odds to make sure that she protects the country. This is why we should respect everyone working in the military. But that man had a plan for Jessica, and he was staring at her with a reason. What she didn’t know was that her flight would be unlike any flights she has had before. Here’s how it all started…
Seat 31-B
Throwing her bag over the shoulder, Jessica made her way towards her seat. She was looking on her boarding pass and saw she had to find 31-B. After passing by the spacious and comfortable business class, Jessica got closer to her seat. Meanwhile, she thought she heard someone behind her talking about her. Perhaps it was only her imagination and exhaustion.
Looking For The Seat
While she was looking for seat 31-B, Jessica made sure to tug at her bag and not bump into other passengers. The row with her seat was close, so headed towards her spot and stashed the bag in the overhead compartment. Finally, she was sitting down. Then, she got impatient…
Minutes Kept Passing
The plane was supposed to take off in a few minutes, but as 10 minutes passed, Jessica felt something wasn’t right. Then, those 10 minutes turned into 15 and then into 20… What was the reason behind the plane’s delayed takeoff?
A Longer Wait
Jessica was looking forward to getting home but sitting in that cramped seat for an extra 20 minutes was annoying. What she didn’t know was that she was the one to blame for that delay. Something was definitely off about this delay, but Jessica couldn’t put her finger on that strange feeling she had.
The Weather Was Fine
Looking out the window to reassure herself she wasn’t mistaken, Jessica realized that it wasn’t bad weather that delayed the takeoff. She tried asking a flight attendant about the delay, but there wasn’t one in sight. Then, she heard the whispers…
On Edge
Jessica saw the cabin crew acting weird. What was all the whispering about? They were huddled in a corner and talking about someone, gesturing to a passenger. Then, as she changed her focus, she saw that the passenger was coming her way.
What’s Happening?
She couldn’t stop but wonder what was really going on. What were this man’s intentions? Jessica eyed him carefully, ready to act just in case things go wrong. She was not armed, but she had been trained to be a survivor. However, even though she thought she was prepared, he took her by surprise!
They Were Not Looking At Her
The flight attendants looked at her and then quickly looked away. Jessica knew something was off, and she didn’t like it. It was apparent those flight attendants knew something, but why were they not cooperating? What if this man that was heading towards her was dangerous? As these thoughts ran through her mind, she was caught off guard…
Staring
Jessica had been used to people staring at her, but this time, it was different. She was on edge and couldn’t ignore her gut feeling. Tired but still able to react in case of a fight, Jessica was thinking through her next move. Any threat coming her way would be neutralized. But she then looked into his eyes.
A Tall Stranger
The man got closer, and Jessica noticed he was a handsome, tall man with blue eyes. He was wearing a nice suit and smiled as he approached her. Was he actually going to tell her something? It looked like he had a purpose, and when he started speaking, Jessica thought she misheard his question.
A Purpose
At first, Jessica wondered if that man was trying to ask her number. After all, they both seemed to be of the same age, and he had that confidence suggesting his intention. But as he addressed her, all those questions racing through her head were put to a stop. Her muscled relaxed, but only for a second…
What Was His Request?
She heard him saying hi, but instead of trying to get her number or ask her about her career, he took out something from his pocket. Jessica tensed as he made a relatively fast move. This was it, she thought, ready to counterattack!
He Took Out His Ticket
But instead of attacking her, the man took out his plane ticket and gestured towards Jessica’s seat. Then he said: “You’re sitting in my place.” Jessica was dumbfounded. What did he mean by that? She took out her plane ticket and stared at it for a few seconds.
Was He Kidding?
“I’m in your seat,” insisted the passenger. Jessica looked again at her ticket and saw that it clearly read 31-B. She looked at the seat and read it out loud “31-B.” The man then asked her “what does your ticket say?” She showed him the ticket, but he insisted she was wrong.
Delaying the Flight
Annoyed that the flight had already been delayed by 20 minutes, Jessica tried not to argue with this man and further delay the takeoff. Around them, people had begun to stare. She was not going to be fooled. Her ticket clearly said she was supposed to sit there. Jessica looked to the flight attendants that were now finally paying attention to her discussion with the man. What did they say about this misunderstanding?
They Agreed With The Man!
Keeping her cool, Jessica waited to see what the flight attendants would say about this seating issue, but instead of finally sitting down, she was told to get up. This man was utterly delusional, thought Jessica as she got up. She was ready to ask which seat she “has” to go to when she hears the man telling her this…
He Was Trying To Help
What Jessica didn’t know was that this man was trying to help her. You see, once she let her give up her seat, he explained to her that since she was a military officer, she should not sit there. Instead, Jessica should be rewarded for her hard work. So he gave her his ticket!
It Was Business Class
Believe it or not, the ticket was for business class! The man told her that he wanted her to have his ticket as a thank-you gesture for the work she is doing to keep her country protected. At first, Jessica tried to refuse, but the man kept insisting. Little did Jessica know that her day would be much more different than how she had planned it...
Switching Places
Jessica thanked him, and a flight attendant led her to her new seat, while the man sat down in hers. Speechless, she sat down and stretched her legs. Jessica thought she could never repay him. But as she finally got to relax, she came up with an idea.
Thinking About His Kind Deed
After that crazy day, this man’s gesture was a boon! He had given her the best gift she could have thought of. Knowing that her work is appreciated was good enough for Jessica. But she couldn’t stop thinking about this man and his kind deed.
Uncomfortable
Broader than her, this man would definitely be more uncomfortable in that seat. He was definitely going to feel cramped there. Now, Jessica felt terrible for accepting his offer. Maybe something could make that flight better, she thought…
Asking the Flight Attendant
Jessica decided to ask a flight attendant how to make the man feel more comfortable, but the options were limited. She couldn’t send anything from business class to economy, so Jessica was left with one single choice. She looked through her bag for a piece of paper and a pen.
The Note
After scribbling the message on the piece of paper, she attached a $20 bill and asked the flight attendant to deliver the note to the passenger of the 31-B seat. What was the man’s reaction?
A Better Place
“If everyone treated people the way you treated a servicewoman, the world would be a better place,” wrote the note. The man’s eyes went wide, as he read the rest of the message that told him to get some drinks and snacks on her. However, he had a better idea.
Declining the Offer
The man sent back another note, asking Jessica something that made her smile. Although he declined that offer but told her he’d meet her after the plane lands. He’d gladly take dinner with her, but it would be on him. Was Jessica going on a date?
The Answer
Although she ached to get home as fast as possible and see her parents, Jessica couldn’t refuse the kind man. She accepted his proposal, and the two met at a restaurant after their flight landed.
An Unexpected Journey
Jessica had never thought she’d go through such an experience. It seemed as if this moment was from a movie and not real. Her day may have started bad, but now it was all far away.
People Were Impressed
The passengers on the flight noticed the man’s kind deed and shared the story on social media. In just a few days, Jessica’s story went viral!
It Happened to Us Too!
People on social media began sharing similar stories. Kate Nixon recalls that someone did the same thing for her husband, who was in the army. They had been overwhelmed by that kind gesture.
Cheering For Him
“We saw this happen when we were on a trip. An older businessman gave up his first-class to an army guy! We all cheered for him,” wrote another woman who recalled her trip with her spouse.
Normal People
Another person impressed by this story said that “it’s not politicians or celebrities who are making America great. It’s people like this man.” Then, another person noted: “‘ordinary’ people doing extraordinary deeds to help their fellow man.”
Making Someone’s Day
The man’s identity is still unknown, but his gesture was praised by people all around the world. His kind deed shows us that there are many good people out there, making the world a better place, where hard work is rewarded, and nobody asks anything in return.