A United Airlines flight attendant is being praised for her swift action after catching a baby who was about to fall from its mother's lap during a flight last week. The incident occurred on a flight traveling from Newark to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Monique Harris, a flight attendant with United Airlines, has been recognized for her quick thinking. A fellow passenger, John Frehse, shared the event on Instagram, describing how the baby's mother, who appeared exhausted, had fallen asleep. The child then began to slip from her grasp.
"Monique sprung into action and caught the child," Frehse wrote on social media. "She then told the mother to go back to sleep – she would give her a break. All is not lost in the turbulent time."
Frehse, who has accumulated over two million air miles with the carrier, referred to Harris as an "A+ employee" and tagged United CEO Scott Kirby in his post. Social media users have widely called for the airline to reward Harris for her attentiveness and compassionate response.
Harris, in response to the online attention, expressed her gratitude and humility. "I'm in tears," she wrote. "I appreciate all of the love and acknowledgments [sic] to God be all the Glory!!! God is my witness. I never do anything for recognition. I had no idea that being my normal natural self would grow into such a priceless moment!!!"
The incident has garnered significant positive attention, with many commending Harris's dedication to passenger safety and well-being beyond her standard duties.