I got to witness the cutting of a tie today. The video from my flight is a bit shaky (it was a long flight) but it was one of the most moving flights I’ve been on. During the welcome aboard announcements, we learned that our Captain was celebrating his retirement after 36 years flying for American Airlines, and this was his last flight. After dinner service was finished, the flight attendants decorated the cabin with balloons and notes of congratulations. Before landing, Captain Carl made his last announcement thanking everyone for flying American and at the end, with his son and wife on board, thanked them for all their support adding “I’ll see you at the gate.” When we landed in NYC, an AA executive came on board and did a ceremonious “cutting of the tie” to officially welcome Captain Carl to retirement. It was moving to witness the gratitude of the airline for Captain Carl’s dedicated service. I loved what the executive said, “but the ties that bind us can never be broken.”
I never met Captain Carl before today, but I reflected on how 36 years of flying must have been for him and his family. That’s a lot of flights with potential weather issues, delays, missed celebrations at home, and safely bringing customers to their destinations. It was an honor to be on his last flight with a cabin decorated with balloons. Some ties can be ceremoniously cut, but some ties can never be broken. Enjoy your retirement Captain Carl, and thanks for making it a great Front-Row Friday.
Your Head Usher,
