A United Airlines flight attendant is being praised after quickly stepping in to catch a baby who was slipping from an exhausted mother’s lap during a flight.
Monique Harris, an Indiana native in her 50s, has drawn widespread admiration for her split-second response on a United flight last week from Newark to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“United should be very proud,” fellow passenger John Frehse wrote Thursday in an Instagram post recounting the moment.
According to Frehse, “a new (and exhausted) mother fell asleep and her baby was about to fall out of her lap.”
Harris immediately moved to catch the child, Frehse said. She then reassured the mother, telling her to go back to sleep while she gave her a much-needed break. “All is not lost in the turbulent time,” he added.
Frehse, who said he has logged more than two million miles with United, called Harris an “A+ employee” for her calm and compassionate handling of the situation.
“Take note,” he wrote, tagging United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby in the post.
United Airlines responded with a happy-tears emoji, while Harris herself appeared surprised by the wave of praise that followed online.
“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!!!”
Social media users have called on United chiefs to give Harris a reward.
“What a gem!” one gushed. “United, big raise.”
“United you need to give her a bonus for excellent customer service and caring for her fellow human beings,” another chimed.
“Now that is being of service,” a third said. “Monique needs a raise and an extra 2 weeks of vacation IMMEDIATELY.”
