A United Airlines flight attendant is earning widespread praise after she leaped to catch an infant falling from a sleeping mother’s lap during a domestic flight.
The dramatic incident unfolded mid-flight on a journey traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Monique Harris, an Indiana native in her 50s, was working in the cabin when she observed an exhausted mother fall asleep.
She noticed the baby slipping from the mother’s lap and sprang into action with lightning-quick reflexes to catch the child.
Another traveler, John Frehse, witnessed the event and posted about the heroic rescue on social media.
Expressing his gratitude for the crew member’s dedication, Frehse described Harris as an exemplary employee in an online post tagging the airline’s chief executive officer.
After catching the child, Harris encouraged the mother to rest and offered to watch the baby herself so the parent could get some sleep.
United Airlines responded online to the viral story by posting an appreciative emoji to acknowledge the employee’s efforts.
Responding to the public praise, Harris shared her emotional reaction to the viral post.
She expressed gratitude and humility, stating, “I’m in tears,” and adding that she “never do anything for recognition”.
She explained her shock at the attention, noting, “I had no idea that being my normal natural self would grow into such a priceless moment”.
Numerous social media users are now urging the airline management to reward the flight attendant with a substantial bonus, a raise, or extra vacation time.