A United Airlines flight attendant is being praised for stepping in during a tense moment in the cabin, after a tired mother fell asleep and her baby started to slide from her lap. The crew member caught the child in time, then offered to hold the baby so the mother could continue resting.
The moment was shared on Instagram by passenger John Frehse, who commended flight attendant Monique Harris for her swift and caring response on United flight 3486, traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“United should be very proud,” Frehse wrote, explaining that the new mother had drifted off when her baby was “about to fall out of her lap.”
Passenger John Frehse shared the touching encounter between flight attendant Monique Harris and family on Instagram. (Instagram/ woodylovestravel)
“Monique sprung into action and caught the child,” he wrote. “She then told the mother to go back to sleep – she would give her a break.”
Frehse also posted a photo that appears to show Harris cradling the baby while on board the aircraft.
“All is not lost in the turbulent time,” he added.
In his post, Frehse tagged United CEO Scott Kirby and noted that he has flown more than 2 million miles with the airline.
“She is an A+ employee,” he wrote. “Take note!!!”
Flight attendant Monique Harris was praised for her quick response aboard United flight 3486 from Newark, New Jersey, to Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Facebook/Monique Unique Harris)
Harris responded to the praise in the comments, saying she was moved by the attention the moment had received.
“I’m in tears,” she wrote, adding, “I never do anything for recognition.”
Harris said she “had no idea that being my normal natural self would grow into such a priceless moment,” and thanked Frehse and others for the comments.
Republic Airways, which operates flights for United and other airlines, praised Harris in an email to News Outlet.
“We agree with all the positive comments I saw on the post: Monique is an extraordinary colleague and flight attendant!” the carrier said.
United Airlines planes are seen at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, New Jersey, Nov. 3, 2025. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The carrier also responded to the initial social media post, saying it was proud to have Harris on its team.
“Such a great story!” the airline wrote. “We are proud to have Monique on our team.”
United Airlines responded to the post with a teary-eyed emoji.
