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Home » United Airlines » Heartwarming: United Pilot Surprises Mother On Emotional Flight
United Airlines

Heartwarming: United Pilot Surprises Mother On Emotional Flight

Matthew Klint Posted onMay 20, 2024May 20, 2024 8 Comments

a man and woman standing together

When a United Airlines pilot had the chance to surprise his mother, he certainly made the most of it with a heartfelt speech that left many in tears.

United Pilot Surprises Mother On Flight Home

34-year-old Jerome Lawrence began flying lessons at age 17. Today he is a first officer with United Airlines. He credits his parents, Gwendoline and John Lawrence, with making this possible. They supported him from an early age and encouraged him to work hard to become a commercial airline pilot.

One goal, though went unrealized:

“I always wanted to fly my mom and dad as an airline pilot because they saw the dream. They saw me through it all so it was always a goal of mine to do that.”

Sadly, his father died before he could fly them both, passing on Christmas Day last year. But when an opportunity arose to fly his 62-year-old mother, he did so…and made it a surprise.

The first order of business was ensuring that his mother did not see him at the airport or onboard the flight, at least initially. “But everyone from the gate agents to the flight attendants, even my captain, everyone was like, ‘OK, cool. Let’s make this happen,'” said Lawrence.

The plan worked. Onboard UA2353 from Houston (IAH) to Port of Spain (POS) in Trinidad and Tobago, after his mother was seated (in the front cabin), Lawrence began his speech:

“It’s a special moment for me I’d like to share with you guys. There’s a lady in here — she’s in first class — is my mom…I can’t even begin to express how important it is to share this moment with you. It’s been a long road for us. My dad should have been here on this flight. But he decided to fly higher than all of us. He’s up there with the other angels watching over us, and so, again, thank you for flying United. Thank you for being here with us.”

The flight marked not only the first time he flew his mother, but also his first return to Trinidad and Tobago in 17 years.

He ended his speech with a word of encouragement to all parents onboard:

“Keep encouraging your children to be great and do whatever it is that they want to, because without the support of my mother and my father, I wouldn’t be here flying you down to Port of Spain.”

As a parent of two, I concur.

This is a lovely story, and all captured on video:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by United Airlines (@united)


image: Jerome Lawrence

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About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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8 Comments

  1. Tennen Reply
    May 20, 2024 at 4:18 pm

    @Matthew, Nice story! This reminds me of the pilot son and F/A mother. Can’t remember if you posted about it or if it was on the news.

  2. NedsKid Reply
    May 20, 2024 at 4:20 pm

    Such an awesome story!

  3. Maryland Reply
    May 20, 2024 at 6:48 pm

    I cried. Tears of happiness.

  4. Bob Spoons Reply
    May 20, 2024 at 7:23 pm

    What a beautiful story. We need more uplifting stories like this. I hope I get to fly with him someday.

  5. Chi Hsuan Reply
    May 20, 2024 at 8:50 pm

    Barf.

    • emercycrite Reply
      May 26, 2024 at 9:01 am

      LOL

  6. Stephanie Reply
    May 21, 2024 at 8:56 am

    Great story! Why so many years before this magical flight?

  7. Ley Reply
    May 21, 2024 at 6:11 pm

    Thank you, Matthew, for sharing the video and writing about such a positive event!

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