This Story Of A 60-Year-Old Woman’s First Ever Plane Journey Will Brighten Up Your Day

Alana Laverty

Flying can be a daunting experience (for some of us).

But I’m sure the majority of us have endured it at least once in our lives.

But for 60+-year-old Sue this was gonna be the first time – how exciting – and Twitter user (and employee) Elaine Filadelfo live-tweeted the whole experience as they flew from LA to San Fran.

Sitting next to a 60+ yr old woman who’s taking her first flight ever. She’s so excited. Her daughter moved so she’s flying to SURPRISE her!

— Elaine Filadelfo (@ElaineF) December 5, 2016

Sue got to experience the pros of flying

Airline upgraded her, pilot came to say hi, staff showing her how to do everything & taking pics for her. Great work @VirginAmerica. https://t.co/aHUyWTjdt2

— Elaine Filadelfo (@ElaineF) December 5, 2016

It’s so fun to see someone gleeful & mesmerized about the idea of flying – or anything, really – and not complaining about details.

— Elaine Filadelfo (@ElaineF) December 5, 2016

And the inevitable cons

We’ve all be there…

lol but her first flight is delayed 2 hours, welcome to plane travel Sue

— Elaine Filadelfo (@ElaineF) December 5, 2016

What a lovely gal…

We’d love to sit next to Elaine on a flight.

Aww she’s so nervous. Pulled away from the gate and there was a random thud, as happens, and she’s grubbing armrest. Trying to reassure her.

— Elaine Filadelfo (@ElaineF) December 5, 2016

Hitting some turbulence; Sue started crying ???? I myself am v bad at turbulence so this is a good exercise for *me* to be calming & rational

— Elaine Filadelfo (@ElaineF) December 5, 2016

Sue gripped my hand for takeoff. We are in the air! pic.twitter.com/aAzFeQjiQ2

— Elaine Filadelfo (@ElaineF) December 5, 2016

And finally, Sue got to experience the magic of flying for the very first time

“We are above the clouds! They look like they’re on the water!”

She can’t stop looking out the window. “We are above the clouds! They look like they’re on the water!” pic.twitter.com/rwFDBTRH9E

— Elaine Filadelfo (@ElaineF) December 5, 2016

She keeps waving out the window, because “I used to always see planes up there and wonder what the people are like and if they’re waving.”

— Elaine Filadelfo (@ElaineF) December 5, 2016

And just like that – it was all over

Landed! Sue did it! “That’s it? It’s over now? Wow! That was fast!”

— Elaine Filadelfo (@ElaineF) December 5, 2016

Sue added:

Sue’s daughter, who she took this flight so she could surprise visit, hasn’t ever flown either. “Now I can take her and show her it’s ok!”????

— Elaine Filadelfo (@ElaineF) December 5, 2016

It’s the little things like flying, that we take for granted, that are a major milestone for others.

What an incredible story.

Header image: Elaine Filadelfo